Stuck in a Creative Rut?

Plus, 5 things worth sharing this week.

Photo by Edu Lauton on Unsplash

Hey Crashers,

This week, we were asked for help breaking out of a creative rut… Rich’s response was not what I expected—he’s gone for a pretty out-there circuit breaker!

Also, we had a great time with Amanda Cook this week! She’s got some great new songs; check out the Rapid 5 to listen.

Grace and Peace,

Cass & Rich

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In today’s issue:

• Rich suggests a crazy idea: Head to the audio edition!

• Is your art creating empathy? A conversation that will shake your worldview.

• Fasting: What does that have to do with anything?

• and more…

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1. If you like the song ‘Brave,’ you’ll LOVE Amanda Cook’s new songs… especially “Sing.” Head to her website for more info… 👉 (LINK)

2. We’ve been reading about fasting lately, and this old book by Arthur Wallis is a classic! It might even help you out of a creative rut! (LINK)

3. Watch this guy literally swallow a robot! That’s crazy - but maybe doing something crazy (in a good way) will stir new creativity!! (LINK)

4. Imagine your neighbor as yourself to rethink the power of your art… or just listen to this conversation to spark art-empowered empathy. (LINK)

5. Can’t get to a monastery? Our new friend Strahan has a guided prayer podcast to help you reimagine your way forward. (LINK)

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🎧 On the go? Here’s the quick 😉 audio version where Rich drops a left-of-field suggestion for digging yourself out of a creative rut!!

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Circuit Breakers: Moving Your Creativity Forward.

There's an old U2 song that goes like this...

"You've got to get yourself together
You've got stuck in a moment
And now you can't get out of it
Don't say that later will be better
Now you're stuck in a moment
And you can't get out of it."

Oh, I know that feeling!

What once felt so fresh now feels like a creative failure or, worse, a deep ditch I keep digging, following the lines only because there's nothing better.

Creativity can be a gift—a thrill when everything flows and you're in the zone. Ideas come easily, and it feels like there's a grace in everything you touch. But when the well is dry, it can feel like you're dredging mud from the bottom.

So, what do you do when it feels like you're turning over the same soil, longing for a bit of freshness? Here are three quick ideas to get to help you move on from that moment and creative juices flowing again:

1. Find a Circuit Breaker

Stop doing the same things over and over, hoping for different results—that's the very definition of madness. Instead, seek a fresh perspective. Try something different, go somewhere new, or switch up your usual routine.

Recently, at church, Rich taught on fasting. Saying it was profound would be an understatement. He spoke about rhythms and practices that help align our lives and bodies with our spiritual lives, enacting Jesus' betrayal, death, and resurrection through how we live and eat.

I'm not doing it justice, but it was a real circuit breaker. Rich invited us to deny ourselves, pray, and pursue a more sacred way forward—not just to think through faith but to live it out.

So, maybe today is a good day to jolt yourself out of your normal life. Fasting actual food could be good for fresh inspiration.

2. Phone a Friend

Sometimes, all you need is honest feedback on your latest project, a good brainstorming session, or even a simple coffee break with a friend. Laughter, light relief, and a fresh set of eyes can be just what the doctor ordered.

The closer we are to something, the harder it is to stay objective. We get down on ourselves way too quickly, and sometimes, we need insight and encouragement. And sometimes we think we're producing "fresher" ideas than we really are... We may need someone to help us know when our ideas or art are stale and need a refresh.

So today, drink some truth serum from a friend - take a risk and ask someone you trust to help you steward your gift.

3. Just Keep Digging

Remember that line from Finding Nemo? "Just keep swimming."

One of the best ways out of a creative hole is to pull up the dredges, purge the rubbish, and keep creating - just keep digging.

I've been so moved recently by the story in 2 Kings 3:16–19:

"God's word: Dig ditches all over this valley. Here's what will happen—you won't hear the wind, you won't see the rain, but this valley is going to fill up with water, and your army and your animals will drink their fill. This is easy for God to do..."

Keep digging trenches and praying for the Holy Spirit to bring the water to fill those empty ditches with new life.

And today, if you're feeling stuck, remember: the waters are rising! Keep going, and trust that freshness is on its way!

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