Permission

From an Adult Art Journal Workshop

Lately, I have been overwhelmed at the concept and use of permission in my work with others as well as in my personal life. In our lives we seek permission, but we also grant it. While this concept seems fluid and a already enmeshed in each day I am haunted by the fact that we often are on autopilot instead of thinking through the act of permission as thoroughly as we should be. Acts of permission can be minor like letting someone pass ahead of you in a four-way stop, to something much more important like allowing a new person into your home. The concept is broad and often little thought is given to it, but what if we really put some thought into the concept? Permission is power and can be impacted by many factors including gender, age, timing, influence of others and this list can go on and on.

Consider your childhood, where we learn about the concept as rules to live by. As children we give little thought to the permission we are able to grant and are often subject to those older and hopefully wiser. Were you able to give permission as well as get permission as a child? How has that impacted you as an adult? If you are a parent, providing opportunities for your child to give permission can be empowering and confidence building. You can get permission from your children in subtle ways that still honor your role as parent. We can do this in how we love, listen, speak and respect them as human beings.

What about granting ourselves permission? I have heard from many that this can be difficult. I have encountered many adults over the years in my workshops who are nervous and full of self-doubt when they arrive. It is always an honor to be with them on their creative journey, allowing themselves to take creative and safe risks. Many have little or no art experience and find a way to let go of the inner critic and be in the process of creating. Often in those creative moments and through the process they find what it feels like to honor this self-empowerment. It is my hope that they hold on to that feeling and remember it in their daily life, a moment of self-inspiration.

Sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to grieve, laugh, say no, be in a bad mood, shift gears...
Permission and mindfulness can also go hand in hand. Being present in each moment and making each choice one with the confidence to know what you truly need.
Consider your own experience.
Where is it easier to grant yourself permission?
When do you get stuck?
Who do you look to for permission? Is this a safe and constructive power dynamic?
When is it more difficult to grant yourself permission?
Would outside support would be helpful? 
In your process if you discover that you need a little help, give yourself permission to ask for it.

“Nobody can hurt me without my permission.”  ― Mahatma Gandhi