an Invitation to leap

Ann Leach, Guest Post

Note: Today's Inside the Enso post is written by Continuing Resident Ann Leach of Joplin , Missouri.
As you read her delightful post about how she leapt into the Enso Circle, know that she has indeed learned much more about creativity and her own sacred studio practice.  She is a force in the artistic community. having designed a world-wide Spirit Doll exhibit fundraiser along with developing her own line of Sea Sisters Spirit Dolls . Thank you, Ann, for all that you do to cheer and inspire us.

     When I was growing up my mom encouraged me to give myself permission to do what’s right, what’s helpful to others, and what’s beneficial to me in terms of self-care and life balance. I learned to truly listen to my inner voice and follow my intuition as often as I could.

     A most radical recent opportunity to do just that came in the form of the Enso Circle, an online artist residency that attracts artists from around the world and was created by award-winning creatives Lyn Belisle and Michelle Belto.

     I was aware of Lyn’s spirit dolls and knew I wanted to create my own. I sought out tips from Lyn and took her how to classes. I gave myself permission to play with fabrics, sticks, and clay. And I had a blast! So, I took the biggest leap ever and applied for membership in the Enso Circle. I was not an artist. I was a life coach and therapist.

     As soon as I hit ‘send’ on my Enso Circle application I gave myself permission to pretend that I was an artist. I gave myself permission to know that if I were accepted my life would change tremendously. And I gave myself permission to wonder what that could look like. Would I retire from the day job to pursue doll making full time? Would I discover other mediums for artistic expression and dabble with a variety of them for fun and learning? Could it be possible that I would learn more about creativity and develop my own sacred studio practice to fuel my creative endeavors?

     I would indeed as I was accepted into the residency! The Enso Circle has delivered a support circle of amazing men and women to move through life and art with. From sharing honest critiques to sharing souls on our regular Zoom meetings and in our Slack channel, the Enso Circle has opened my mind and my heart to more creativity, support, and accountability than I thought was possible. And it’s given me permission to think bigger about what my artistic voice might have to say. I am grateful for the Enso Circle members as we witness the creative spirit as it springs forth from each of us.

     If you are practicing permission giving in your own creative life, you would love the Enso Circle artist residency. Take your own leap and fill out the application today. I’ll look forward to meeting you in our circle.