In this post Tammy Vitale discusses how shame can block creativity, and suggests ways to prevent that from happening. An excerpt:

“What do you think of when you think of shame?

It usually starts off with: “You aren’t…,” You don’t….,” You can’t….” (that voice in your head). Which also comes out as “Why can’t I…,” “Why didn’t I…,” or “Why aren’t I….” Or: “What will the neighbors think?”
I’m sure you can fill in the blanks.

I’ve been thinking a lot about shame and how it manifests. How it moves from a feeling of lack.

For me, it tweeks that part of me who thinks I should be perfect, always, anywhere and at anything.

Looking back, it’s that part that often keeps me from trying new things because I might look awkward. It keeps me from starting that new painting because, gee, what is there is to paint (or write, or sculpt or create) that hasn’t already been painted and better than I can do it?

It may be why I can’t play pool (who knows – hubby and I are pretty on par pool wise, and play it in the Poconos when we aren’t holding anyone up – that’s as far as I’ve gotten).

It may be why I haven’t played piano in 40 years (Momma could play by ear. That’s what I wanted. I could only read like a bandit – mostly because I didn’t practice enough so had to in order to get through my lessons. That’s what she wanted. Neither of us got what we wanted there).”

Click here to read the complete post.

Image in the post is some of Vitale’s recent work, from her post.