- Jessica Wat
- Nov 14
- 3 min read
In the quiet spaces between our to-do lists and responsibilities, there is often a whisper, a longing to express what words alone cannot capture. If you’ve ever felt that whisper, you’re not alone.
In a recent Women of Hong Kong Community Call, creative educator, Urmila Menon, gently reminded us that creativity is not a skill reserved for a talented few, creativity is an innate human need for self-expression. It’s a soft place to land when the world feels loud, a way to listen to the quiet wisdom within. She introduced us to the nurturing practice of creative journaling, a tender blend of writing, colour, and texture that helps untangle emotions and bring a sense of calm.
If the thought of drawing intimidates you, take a deep breath. This is not about art. It’s about heart.
The Soul of the Practice: A Sanctuary for Your Feelings
Creative journaling is a compassionate conversation with yourself. Urmila shared how this practice became her sanctuary during a period of overwhelming stress. The simple, tactile act of moving a pen across paper, of choosing a colour that matched her mood, gently quieted her mind. It wasn’t about fixing anything; it was about honouring her feelings exactly as they were.
This is the true magic of the practice. It creates a safe harbour where your inner world can spill onto the page without judgment, making space for lightness and release.
Beginning with Kindness: Simple Steps to Unfold Your Practice
The journey begins with a single, kind step. Let go of any pressure to create something beautiful, and simply embrace the act of showing up.
1. Start with a Whisper, Not a Shout
Urmila’s beautiful suggestion? Try micro-journaling. Let your practice be small and gentle.
Your companion: A little notebook that feels like a friend.
Your time: Just a mindful moment.
Your intention: A soft smudge of pastel, a single word, a traced leaf. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence. Let a consistent rhythm find you, naturally.
2. Weave It Into the Rhythm of Your Day
Instead of adding another task, let journaling become a quiet ritual nestled within your day. Let it be the peaceful pause with your morning tea. Let it be the reflective close to your day, as you sit in the evening calm. When it becomes part of life’s gentle rhythm, it feels less like a duty and more like a gift.
3. Follow Your Curiosity
Your practice is a living thing; let it change and grow with you. If you feel your inspiration waning, gently shift your approach. Perhaps one day, your soul needs the quiet touch of physical paper. Another day, it might crave the playful possibilities of a digital app like Procreate or Ibis Paint. Listen to what your spirit is asking for, and follow with kindness.
Creating Your Sacred Space, Anywhere
Even in a bustling city, you can carve out a corner for your creativity. Urmila offered these few suggestions to get started:
Two Kinds of Pages: Keep an "everyday" journal for playful exploration, and a "treasured" one for pages that feel like sacred keepsakes.
Hold and Release: If you fall in love with a physical page but need to let it go, scan it. This way, the feeling is preserved, even if the paper isn't.
Your Private Sanctuary: Your journal can be entirely for your eyes only. Some feelings are meant to be released, not recorded, and that is perfectly okay.
The Gift of Shared Light: Finding Your Creative Circle
There is a special kind of magic in creating alongside others. Urmila shared how sharing her pages naturally grew into a community; a circle of individuals inspiring each other with their unique perspectives. In this space, there is no competition, only shared inspiration and the gentle encouragement to keep listening to your own creative voice. She encouraged listeners to find or create their own community if they needed extra inspiration and support. It can be as simple as suggesting some creative time to friends, finding an existing community online or even joining the Women of Hong Kong Arts & Crafts WhatsApp chat.
A Gentle Nudge to Begin…
If you feel a soft pull to begin, honour it. Find a notebook, choose a colour that calls to you, and let your hand make its first, gentle mark. There is no right or wrong - only the beautiful, unfolding story of you.
A heartfelt thank you to Urmila Menon for reminding us that creativity is a compassionate, healing force available to us all. If you’d like to connect with her, you can find her on Instagram or LinkedIn.