When does a warm-up truly begin? Is it the moment you begin your pre-ordained ritual? Or is there some moment long before when you begin to enter in to the headspace for your act?
Regardless, the task must begin at some point. For me, this warm-up is not set in stone but rather just what I’ve witnessed myself doing again and again. I offer it not as a prescription to be followed, but an invitation to consider what might help you feel settled and prepared to encounter whatever may arise in a creative act.
Start the space heater
It’s winter and my studio space isn’t heated. I consider this phase the “get your body comfortable” stage. Warm enough, fed enough, etc.
Boil the water for tea
I almost always have tea with me out in the studio. Not only do I find the ritual grounding and calming, but it also helps me build in breaks throughout the creative process. I like considering the goal for the afternoon just to have some tea rather than create some incredible work. I like the freedom that offers to the work.
Move “out” to the studio
For me, my studio is out in the backyard but yours might be different—or even just some corner in your space. Doesn’t really matter the physical logistics, this step feels more like creating some amount of separation. Perhaps you verbally say to yourself “Now I am at the studio.” Whatever helps you feel in that headspace.
Make an offering
Life feels much more spacious if the first step we take is one of gratitude. I find myself dancing, pouring tea to the earth, chanting, and many other ways of offering thanks. Offer it to the canvas, your god, the rain, whatever nurtures your gratitude. Trust in the wisdom of your body.
Allow doubt its moment
Self doubt arrives so consistently for me at this stage that I like to consider it just another part of the warm-up. The script is boringly consistent, but still there’s a part of me that’s insistent on me hearing it. So I give space for doubt before I’ve even begun and once it has been heard I feel ready to begin.
Begin
Now’s the moment. Do something, anything. Respond to what you did. Repeat.