Making with Meaning: The Importance of Values, Intensions & Connections
Going deep on this one!
Seek to Make is an exploration of creativity and making. Each month, I share a monthly theme around making, showcase inspiring makers, share tips, tools and encouragement. Together let's get curious and immerse ourselves in the art of making!
NOVEMBER: ECO-ART
Hello makers,
This month's theme felt like a good one to talk about knowing your values, making with intention, and the importance of connections. At a time when we are getting busy with all the things we [have to] do, it’s more important that ever to pause and take note of where you are, what you are doing, and why you are doing it. In the midst of all the chaos, are you feeling aligned with what truly matters to you? Your values and intentions can so easily fall away when you are busy and stressed and you end up feeling like you are just hanging on.
So, let’s stop for a moment and think about the importance of having values, making with intention and developing strong connections along the way.
1. Core Values
Your core values guide you. They point you towards making certain choices and decisions in life. Your values can lead you to living life in a way that is meaningful and fulfilling to you. So what are your values? Given you are here, maybe creativity is hugely important for you? Or maybe learning and connection are driving forces in your life? Take a moment to think about what is truly important to how you live your life and write down 3-5 words that encapsulate that (if you are stuck have a look at this list of values by Brené Brown).
My Values:
Curiosity - I never want to feel closed off from the world. I want to be open to new ideas and different ways of doing things. I want to be asking questions, looking outside of myself, and learning what possibilities exist (or are yet to be). I want to always be curious.
Curiosity is the tool that sparks creativity - “A Curious Mind” by Brian Grazer and Charles Fishman
Creativity - You might have guessed this one :) I love making, creating, and generally just following my desire to make things. Whenever I feel that making things is silly (I mean there are some big-ass important global problems that need solving!), I try to remind myself that I value being creative, I value using my hands and my mind to create beautiful things.
Sustainability - That being said, sustainability is always on my mind (and climate change, and plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss and all the things our children are going to have deal with, sigh). Growing up, we had to make things last - on the Chatham Islands my mum would have to stop the washing machine when it got to the end of the rinse cycle so she could save the water and use it again! My background in Ecology and teaching Environmental Management makes me think about my environmental footprint. Am I driving when I could and should walk or bike? Am I feeding my kids unprocessed and unpackaged food? Am I creating things that will be used for generations or that will compost themselves away at the end of their life?
Curiosity - Mindfulness - Intentional Creativity
It’s a Good Idea to Check in With Your Values
When you feel a bit off or overwhelmed, checking in with your values can help you get back on track. Ask yourself, "Is what I’m choosing right now aligned with what I believe in?" If the answer is no, think about the small (or big) things that you could do to set yourself on a path that feels better and is more in alignment with how you want to live.
2. Intentions
In a world filled with endless creative possibilities, it’s easy to get swept away by the excitement of starting something new (I do this ALL-THE-TIME!). I want/need to slow down and explore making with intention. When we create intentionally, we go beyond the “what” of our projects and dig into the “why.” By focusing on why we are making, we can experience joy and satisfaction in the creative process. It’s not about creating a perfect finished item, but how you get there (artist Emily Jeffords has a great podcast called Do It For The Process).
Making With Intention:
To make with intention, start by asking yourself what you want this project to bring into your life. Is it joy? Connection? Growth? Perhaps you’re creating something functional that you’ll use daily, or maybe it’s a piece of art connected to your personal story. Or maybe it’s an object you just feel proud to say you made yourself.
By focusing on why this project matters to you, you’ll find that the journey of creating becomes just as fulfilling as the final result.
My Intentions for my Eco-Art:
I want to expand on my previous 100 day project and experiment with thread and natural materials. I want explore how I can connect nature and art by using thread.
My intention is to gift a finished piece of eco-art to someone that I know will value it.
I also want to take time this month to reflect on what I’m making in terms of meaning. Is what I’m making or how I’m making it aligned with my values?
And finally:
3. Connection
Connection is a powerful and fundamental part of our human experience. It brings us a sense of belonging, understanding, and purpose, shaping how we feel about ourselves and the world around us.
When we build connections with others or with nature, we become more motivated and this fuels our creativity. It’s win-win!
Part of my reason for starting this newsletter was to connect with other creatives and to explore my own creativity in more depth. But more and more, I’m becoming aware of the importance of connecting with nature. I won’t go into all the science, but being in nature:
relaxes our minds and bodies
reduces cortisol levels and muscle tension
lowers heart rate and blood pressure
decreases anxiety and stress levels
reduces feelings of anger and overwhelm
improves your concentration, attention, focus and problem-solving skills
and helps you sleep better!
So, I highly recommend you find your nearest green space and spend some time there. Dig your hands into the dirt, hug a tree (hugging, including hugging trees, releases oxytocin - the hormone that makes you feel calm and connected), or just sit under a tree and daydream (in Japan they call this shinrin yoku or ‘forest bathing’). It’s all so good for you!
I hope that was helpful in some way.
And now I want to ask you a question - Are you making with meaning? When you next sit down to work on a project, pause to consider why you’re making it. Reflect on your values and intentions. As you create, let your purpose guide each step, and see how it changes your experience of making. When you finish, take a moment to reflect: How did making with intention affect you? What connections did it create?
I would love to hear how this went for you! Share your experience in the comments below or send me a DM. Together, let’s make meaning, not just things.
Happy making,
Esta
I love this! Making something that's aligned with your values is worthwhile work.
I loved this article Esta. Having a connection with nature is so important. It slows us down and gives our minds time to rest. While I was walking in the bush in Taupo recently I wanted to take time to collect leaves, twigs and lichen which was a little difficult given our walking companions just wanted to walk! When you stop you see so much more. I managed to collect a few bits and pieces in the hope that I can see what I can create. I loved your leaf art and the idea of incorporating natural elements with thread is exciting.