Play Something I Know 
Play Something New to me 
Engage in Learning Process 

​My boyfriend is a car detailer and while I don't revere other elements in his line of work, I doenvy the simplicity and direction of the 'work orders' he receives. My jealousy over having  direction handed to him in one neat sheet of paper inspired me to play with making 'work orders' before a practice session. I've found this way in to practice nourishing because it provides me the spark I get from simplicity of direction while also being open-ended. I still need plenty of room for intuitive guidance, curiosity of the moment, and magic to arrive during my practice! 

I relish the comfort I feel in response to direction, lists, and plans. I also relish the feelings I get from magic, emotion, and following intuition. I really need room for all of this in my practice, which can sometimes make...a tall order!... and can lead to me feeling overwhelmed and avoidant of my practice...the sheer amount and depth and breadth of all I need (and relish!). Unsurprisingly, avoiding my practice does not help me get what I really want, which is to enjoy a thriving arts practice. So, here is a practice prompt that got me excited because it combines the unintimidating simplicity and boom of structure and yet allows space for all the wavy flow of intuition. Thusly, I get a rich practice session. It's called the Work Order Way In'. 

I make myself a list of 3 areas I would like my creative session to touch on that day. I make this simple list after I have settled into the studio (coat and boots off, lights on, water sipped, sundries set aside) and before I sit down to play (hellooo internal world!). Composing a list in that moment is a beautiful act of transition, creating flow and shift for me between the last act of settling in and the first act in my creative time. 

After my list is made, I feel excitement at my permission to explore whatever interests me at the moment while resting in the comfort I find from lists and plans/direction. I walk into my practice session comforted and excited. 

This is an example of a 'work order'. I really liked this one, as it embodies the wonderfully open-ended yet purpose-filled way in to practice I feel these wee 'work orders' can provide. I hope you have as much wonder-romping as I did! 

Play Something I Know 
Play Something New to me 
Engage in Learning Process 

I sense that one way that "ordering up" an intention or structure for my practice so close to practice time itself works for me because it creates structure that allows/includes room to respond to how I am feeling in the moment. What I want or need within my creative practice day to day shifts. My creative practice was born because it responded (or gave me a way to respond, I don't know which!) to how I was feeling. If feels wonderful, then, to find ways in to practice that continue the original relationship I forged with my fiddle even after all my training. Honouring that original relationship (truth) and upholding its integrity means I can enjoy my practice more fully and arrive to it more often, more whole, more rebellious, and... more curious!