Pure Creativity & the Heart of Flourish Gatherings
My name is Nana, at least to one very small person. My granddaughter is almost eighteen months old, and she loves to color. If you ask her if she wants to color, the answer is always an enthusiastic nod and wiggle, arms in the air, waiting for me to carry her to the drawer where the crayons live.
When she puts color to paper, her grip on the crayons changes constantly, but little by little she’s learning how to make them do what she wants. Coloring together has become one of my favorite things to do. Focused and uninhibited, she reminds me of what I like to call pure creativity.
Pure creativity is the joy of making, the freedom to explore, and the power of self-expression without worrying what others think. For toddlers, it’s natural. For adults, it’s harder. Over time, performance pressure, criticism, and the fear of failure creep in. Even as a professional artist, I have to consciously practice letting go when I create.
But this kind of creative practice is something we all need. It’s a form of self-care that supports emotional healing and mental well-being. Especially now, when so many of us are carrying anxiety and overwhelm about the state of the world, creativity offers a counterbalance. It reduces stress, builds resilience, and fosters hope.
Research even shows that engaging in the arts—whether actively or passively—activates the brain’s emotional regulation circuits. And when we share those creative experiences with others, we strengthen our sense of belonging and security.
This is the heart of Flourish Gatherings, a modern creativity salon where we’ll create intentional spaces for connection, healing, and play. I’m partnering with my good friend Angela Houk and her nonprofit, New Joy Arts, which is dedicated to this very kind of work. Together, we’ll blend brain science, creativity, and community.
Our first gathering is coming soon!
Thursday, August 28th, 7–9 p.m.
Horizon Church, Roseville, California (generously hosting us—this isn’t a religious event, just a community one)
Our opening session, Reclaim Your Calm, will include learning, conversation, and a hands-on creative practice. All supplies are provided. The cost will be $28 per person, or $46 for two (scholarships available—please don’t let cost keep you away). Registration details are coming soon, life has a way of surprising us (burst pipes, anyone?), but we’ll have it up shortly.
I can’t wait to spend this time with you. I know some old friends will be there, and I look forward to meeting new ones, too. It will be wonderful to begin flourishing together.
Just as my granddaughter reminds me of the simple joy of coloring without expectation, I want to remind you that we all have a child inside, waiting to come out again. Our joy, curiosity, and creativity aren’t gone; they just need space to grow.
Let’s give ourselves permission to color outside the lines.
(And yes, I always thought we needed an “Artists Anonymous” group for admitting this truth. “Hi, I’m Judith, and I’m an artist.” HI JUDITH!)
