SharedBliss: Leah Piken Kolidas, Artist & Host of Creative Every Day

On April 17th, I issued a double-dog-dare-you challenge. I asked that you pick one, super hard thing to do (or not do) for 100 days. I think vows like this can teach us a wide variety of lessons -- about ourselves and our assumptions, about our power and our weaknesses.

So I understand the impulse that led Leah Piken Kolidas to do what she did.

Six years ago, Leah decided to challenge herself to be creative every day during an entire month. The following year, lucky for us, she decided to invite others to participate.

And in 2008, she went a huge step further and developed Creative Every Day.

Being a creative of whatever sort -- writer, painter, singer, dancer -- is difficult and often isolating. Projects like Leah's create a sense of community that can be missing as we work away in our garrets high above the busy streets.

The sense of obligation that we feel toward the community can propel us in ways that self-motivation cannot, which can result in breakthrough work that wouldn't have happened without feeling as though there are people awaiting your work.

You can join Leah's Creative Every Day community any time you want. The blog is right here. Her art gallery is here. You can also find her on Twitter (another community that you can use to keep yourself on track and held accountable, I have found).


Describe the PrimaryBliss of your life. How did you come to know that this was your PrimaryBliss?

The PrimaryBliss of my life is creativity. Playing, painting, doodling, drawing on the sidewalk, making up silly songs, taking pictures, writing, and on and on. Creativity has always played a big part in my life. My mom still has little drawings I did when I was two and I used to love writing little illustrated stories, making workbooks for a game of school, and scripting musicals for our parents. So I guess I've known creativity was my PrimaryBliss for a long time. :-)

What types of choices and sacrifices did you make to be able to craft this bliss-filled life?

For me, part of living a bliss filled life has been letting go of things that weren't working for me. Sometimes that has included a job, a friendship, or a relationship. It can be really hard to walk away when you're feeling fearful, but when you let go of things that bring you down, you have more room for the things that light you up.

How does your PrimaryBliss radiate out into the rest of your life?

My PrimaryBliss radiates out into my artwork, into the projects I work on (such as my blog and art picnics), into my relationships, into everything I do!

What are some other activities that also give you this sense of bliss? Things that make you lose track of time?

Well, art-making certainly does that for me. Anything involving paint, collage, drawing, or doodling can lead to losing track of time. Other activities include, reading a great book or great blogs, laughing with the hubster, snuggling up my cats, or exploring new places on foot.

What is your daily or weekly spiritual practice?

I connect with my spiritual side through art-making. It's been the way in for me. When I can let go and create, I connect with the deeper wisdom within myself. I also like to get out in Nature nearly every day. Spending time with trees and near water helps me feel grounded and connected.

What music is your bliss?

Recently, I've been listening to the New Age Ambient station on Pandora.com. It's soothing and I can listen to it while I write. Besides Pandora, I listen to a variety of music, anything from Scissor Sisters, Ani Difranco, Damien Rice, Ray LaMontange, the soundtrack to Once, etc...

Name books or authors/poets or people who are your bliss, who influenced your bliss.

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron is a favorite. I also love books by SARK and Tom Robbins. I've absolutely loved the Harry Potter Series. Steering by Starlight by Martha Beck is fabulous. Poetry by Mary Oliver and Rumi lift me up. And I've loved the work of Pema Chodron. There are many, many more. But that's a good start.

What advice would you give to someone who feels they have not yet discovered their PrimaryBliss?

I'd say, keep moving toward what brings you joy. Take small steps. Finding your bliss can be like a dance, where you're moving closer, and stepping back.

Journal about the things that bring you bliss, starting with the tiniest things, like your favorite mug, your cat's purring, the smell of cut grass. Slowly bring more and more bliss into your life. Perhaps a bunch of flowers on your desk or a purple pen would brighten your day? Small things can make a huge difference and they will help remind you of your PrimaryBliss (because you probably already know what your bliss is, you may have just forgotten or buried it for safekeeping.)

Do you have a favorite quote you would like to share?

"Whether making art is your career or your hobby or your dream, it is not too late or too egotistical or too selfish or too silly to work on your creativity." ~Julia Cameron

I've been thinking about letting go a lot lately and so I appreciate Leah's clarification about what letting go can do for us -- it creates space for the new, for the enlivening, for the inspiring.

And her "small steps" approach to discovering your larger bliss is an excellent exercise.

So, two questions come from Leah:

What could you let go of that would create more space in your life?

What micro-blisses could you bring into your life immediately?

(Painting Credits: Leah Piken Kolidas, Key to Winter and Lantern)

A note to readers: I'll be taking a wee break from doing these interviews on a weekly basis. I am trying to figure out what sort of schedule would work best. Perhaps one a month? Let me know if you have any thoughts on the matter.