don’t be afraid of empty space.

It’s so easy to push through. To power through work and life with brute force, doing one thing after the other. Forcing yourself to make it happen, in spite of fatigue.

Some call it discipline.

Some call it rigor.

Some call it the movie Rocky.

Some call it the only way they know how to survive.

For most of my life I called it all those things. [cue: Eye of the Tiger!]

I’m learning it’s more than that. And it’s not the only way.

The compulsion to do more, make more, and power through more, can also be a coping mechanism - a way we learned quite literally to survive through the storms of growing up, painful family dynamics, untouched emotions kept deep inside, etc.

And while this rigorous compulsion can serve to protect and propel us for a time, it’s not really sustainable. Because it’s tiring. And as fast moving as it might seem, it actually can keep us stuck. (Like being on a treadmill and wondering why you’re not going anywhere.)

Enter: the empty space.

Time to just be. To soften into nothing. To face the fear of the unknown. To be faced with your emotions, your thoughts, your heart’s calling.

The empty space is where the magic happens. It’s where you get in touch with your humanity. It’s not always pretty. It can be painful. Terrifying. Seemingly unending. (“Will I ever create anything again?! Will I ever want to get out of bed again?!”)

Until it’s not.

Until a switch happens where you learn to love that empty space. Where you embrace it because you embrace yourself. Where inspiration enters your being effortlessly - because you stopped trying to force it to happen.

Like magic. Things start to happen for you. Opportunities are created. There’s a current supporting your forward movement. No more fighting against the stream.

That’s the power of the empty space. And it can still exist alongside hard work. It’s simply about making time to pause and let go and let a greater power take over for awhile. Relief! You don’t have to do it all alone.

I wish that empty space for you this week. Anything as small as 10 minutes with your eyes closed, to an entire day laying under the clouds. For that time, take pressure off yourself to figure stuff out or do anything. Just be. Empty. Space.

If you must be rigorous, be rigorous in your effort to commune with this empty space and make time for it as much as possible.

I’d love to hear what comes through as a result.

to creating from peace, love, & solid ground under your dancing feet,

Jess

p.s. If this makes sense to you but you’re still wondering HOW do I actually get there? Or, if it doesn’t quite make sense but you really really want it to because you’re tired of being stuck in the same pushing patterns…. I encourage you to reach out to me. I’m taking on a small group of clients this fall for 1-1 and group coaching and one of the spots might be perfect for YOU. When you email me, I’ll send you a sample class full of really valuable takeaways and we can talk further about the options for working together.

Because together, we can let go, trust, and create more powerfully than when we are divided.

what I learned from the New York's Got Talent finals

I finished in 2nd place at the New York’s Got Talent finals on Tuesday night. And while I didn’t win the prize of a 6-week run of my own show at that particular Off Broadway theater, I couldn’t be more proud of myself and of the group of women who have been part of this process with me.

Because here’s the thing about competition shows -

While they provide an amazing platform to get your work out there, they don’t actually MAKE your career.

You do.

The blood sweat and tears you put into the process does.

The raw, unbridled passion being channeled into something does.

The persistent practice and dedication towards your vision does - especially in the face of all the doubts and fears that try to convince you to stop.

And even still, all of that won’t do it unless you connect to the humanity that will ultimately fuel it. The humanity in another person’s eyes when you tell them you believe in them. The humanity in being humble enough to ask for and receive help. The humanity that bands people together, despite all odds against them, to come together in community and serve a greater purpose.

That humanity is the prize I won that night and my heart is full of joy because of it. I’ve never felt more in service of a greater purpose than I do now.

Before the show, I led a ritual with the 9 women who danced with me in this piece. Sitting in a circle in the corner of the theater’s lobby, I asked each of them to share an intention they had for themselves for our performance.

I was brought to tears (we all were) hearing what each woman shared: how this process has brought something back to life within them, how it’s helped them move through sorrow during the anniversary of a loved one’s passing, how it’s helped them reinvent their life after making a comeback from cancer, how they couldn’t have imagined a better way to get back on stage after 10 years away from it.

They set the intention to be present, to have fun, to soak up every moment of this experience. We uplifted each other. We believed in each other.

We spoke from our heart and souls, and then we danced from our heart and souls.

Not all of the judges "got it" -

In fact, one was pretty harsh with her comment of not getting it  -

But I'm grateful for that too, since it puts even more fuel in the fire.

Because many people did get it. And most importantly WE got it.

If you are not making art to satisfy something in yourself, then it's not going to do anyone any good. 

Keep creating, keep channeling your passion and expression through the unique vessel that only have.

I can't wait to see what YOU create next.

keep on dancin' on,

Jess

p.s. If you missed it, here's a video.

The evolution of the performance we did purposefully took each of our characters through a journey of self-discovery on that stage. From all the “shoulds” and costumes and rules and standards being thrown at us as women, to getting to a point where we have to look within, shed the layers, and dance to come back home to ourselves.

The kind of show I am making is about THAT. Because of that.

And it certainly won’t stop here.

I’m so grateful for this opportunity and this learning, for all of you who have so generously cheered me on, for the support I received, for the women who I danced with and for.

Thank you.

These words have never been more true:

You can dance again.

Jess Grippo | New York's Got Talent Final | 8-23-16 from Jess Grippo on Vimeo.

doubt & fear are real, but so is this.

Here’s what I shared on Facebook yesterday:

There are 27 tickets left for the New York’s Got Talent finals on Tuesday. I don’t really want you to come to the show because I’m terrified. I’m doubting my vision, scared of being criticized, and want to hide in a ditch.

But I’ve shared my creative work enough times to know that this is all part of the process.

I know that the intention behind what I’m creating is far more powerful than the doubts and fears that want me to stop.

I know that I have no control over people’s perceptions of my artwork, that I will be criticized, but I need to do it anyway (because there might be just one single person in the audience who will be inspired or touched by what I have to share.)

I know that my heart and soul speak much louder than the running tapes in my mind that tell me it’s all pointless and I suck.

And I know that if I don’t invite you to be there on Tuesday, I’ll regret it...

And here’s what else I’ll add -

The doubts and fears are so so real…. Here’s what’s been helping me stay true to my creative vision, despite them:

1. Taking inspiration from artists I admire, remembering that we ALL have doubts, even Beyonce. This video from Danielle LaPorte was key for me.

2. Staying connected to the PURPOSE and MESSAGE of my artwork. Remembering it’s about something much bigger than me.  i.e. the healing power of dance and creativity, transformation, discovering our true selves and authentic womanhood in a world with so many conflicting messages, bringing dance back into our lives in a unique and powerful way. Taking a stand for a world where women’s bodies and creativity are highly valued. Paving the way for future generations of dancers. (You get the point ;)

3. Seeking help; not doing it alone. This one took me a long time to learn - and I’m still learning it: It’s ok to ask for help. It’s actually quite necessary if you want to put your creative work out into the world in real ways. After a semi-meltdown, I reached out and brought on a director for the piece, as well as friends and colleagues who are supporting in various ways. Makes ALL the difference.

Hoping this reminds you to keep going through the doubts and stay true to whatever your creative visions may be.

I have no idea what’s going to happen on that stage or after on Tuesday evening, but that part is not in my control.

And what happens with your creative work after you share is not in your control either.

We have to trust, express, and release.

TRUST, EXPRESS, RELEASE, REPEAT.

Props to YOU and everyone out there who is taking a courageous leap and sharing your work in whatever capacity you choose.

We are all in this together.

As Chani Nicholas shared in this week’s full moon forecast:

“it takes great courage to follow the visions that we receive, especially when they lie outside of the realms of what tradition dictates.”

from my courageous heart to yours,

Jess

p.s. If you’d like to join me live for the show on Tuesday, here’s the link! http://jessgrippo.com/shows/

Either way, I’ll send an update in next week’s Creative Fridays about the outcome.

top picks for creative summer reading & adventures

In follow up to my email last week about making August about renewal and integration, I thought you might be thirsty for some creative inspiration to support your process.

(because taking things IN is so necessary if we want to put OUT our expression, work, and projects into the world.)

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I’m also opening the gates for one more day to the special rate on my Find Your Rhythm program, since I’m on vacation and feeling generous :)

The first 3 sections are all about helping you make the space, fill your well, and slow down enough to create from an authentic and inspired place.

Click here to get it.

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In no particular order, here some of the resources that have been filling my well and that I thought might fill yours, too (creatively, that is) →  

books.

Love Your Lady Landscape.

I’ve had a lady crush on Lisa Lister for a long time now - I so appreciate her down-to-earth, tell-it-like-it-is, deeply soulful yet still filled with humor approach to women’s health. It’s a must-read for anyone with a vagina, and those who love them. Because our health and connection to our natural rhythms within are essential for a thriving creative practice. p.s. I’m honored to actually be IN THIS BOOK, too! On page 69 you’ll find me, talking about Dance Breaks as part of the “Feel It To Heal It” chapter. Click here to get it

Worthy: Boost Your Self-Worth to Grow Your Net Worth.

By Nancy Levin, another she-ro who I’ve had an admiring eye on for years. This book and this conversation of worthiness is so on point and so necessary for artists, creators, and humans of all types if we really want to be able to create and share our gifts from a fulfilled and authentic place, without the “starving artist” persona. Click here to get it

Untame Yourself.

For a dose of wildness, boldness, and inspiration, I highly recommend Elizabeth Dialto’s podcast and book. I heart this woman. She’s hilarious and deep at the same time. Her tools and tips on love and relationships have personally helped me immensely. (She’s very transparent about her own process in an effort to share the gems and spread the love.) And her podcast interviews are off the hook.  Click here to get the book

Still Life With Woodpecker.

I’m returning to this book years later, because I realized a. I had never actually finished reading it, and b. Tom Robbins’ style of humor, kookiness, and magical love stories never gets old for me. Plus, in this book the chapter sections are separated by the phases of the moon. #mykindofbook Click here to get it

adventures.

Madcap Factory.

Molly Sonsteng is the creative brains behind this factory full of adventures and memorable events, dedicated to the advancement of play. Madcap Factory was one of the sponsors for the Creative D’Answers retreat, gifting each of us cards from their 100 Hours Project.

Among their other creative adventures that you can partake in:

First Time Out, a NYC-based variety show that gives performers a safe space to try out a new talent or something creative for the first time.

Inconspicuous Games, field games played in secret in high traffic landmarks (Grand Central, Met Museum, for example). They are a really great way to engage with strangers and make new friends.

Check out all the offerings at MadcapFactory.com

Daybreaker.

Another amazing retreat sponsor that we are so grateful exists, Daybreaker has created a real movement of dance parties at dawn - and at dusk. Conscious community. Wellness. Self-expression. Mindfulness, as well as a little Mischief. What more could you ask for? Join a party here.

Dr. Nitin Ron & The Neuroscience of Meditation.

This will probably be the subject of an upcoming Creative Fridays post, but the short story of it is that I met Dr. Nitin Ron while waiting underground for the F train, where he proceeded to read my palm, give me a meditation mantra, and overall uplift me from a down mood. When he’s not reading palms, he’s saving babies, climbing Mount Everest, and giving tours at the Rubin Museum in NYC. I’m now lucky and grateful to call him a friend and to have had him as a guest speaker at our recent dance retreat. He’s hosting an upcoming seminar on the Neuroscience of Meditation which you can read about and join here via his Facebook page. If you’re not in or near NYC, here’s a link to a recent radio interview.

What are you favorite reads and adventures this summer? Comment below and tell us!

And don't forget to take advantage of the flash-dance sale of Find Your Rhythm!

I would be thrilled to support you on your creative journey. Click here to join.

why August is the most important month for your creative sou

We’ve hit upon a very significant month for your creative life. It starts with August 1st, in traditional pagan cultures known as Lammas, or the festival of first fruits. It’s when we start to see the hints of the harvest that is to come in the fall. It’s a last chance reminder to check yourself before you wreck yourself.

• If what’s popping up in your life now is NOT what you are truly wanting, then now is the time to do some letting go and shifting.

• If what’s popping up IS what you are wanting, and wanting more of, then now is the time to cultivate THAT stuff.

• If you’ve been too busy to even reflect on what’s happening and how you’re feeling inside, then it’s DEFINITELY time to slow the F down and make some space - before you busy yourself into burnout and miss out on the glory of one of the most magical months of the year.

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August is the ultimate month of transition and creative renewal. While life slows down and the harvest continues to grow, we have the opportunity to take a few steps back and recuperate, get re-inspired, get reacquainted with what really matters. The more you do this, the more powerful and aligned your fall season will be.

So consider this your reminder to make that space for yourself. Come home to yourself. Be with yourself. Dance and write and search your soul and allow the creative muses to dance their way through you.

And if you sense it might be easier said than done to do all that –

(because let’s face it, you’re going to close up this post and move onto the next one really soon)  -

I invite you to keep reading and join me for a special opportunity, available this month only. It’s about committing to the flow, health, and sanity of this one precious creative life you’ve got.

What I’ve learned over the years and continue to practice is that the answers we most desire cannot be accessed at the level of our mind only.

Our BODIES -  the heart, the gut, the intuitive vibrations and inner fires that get stoked – are what truly guide us, if we are willing to listen and are willing to take the ACTION necessary to cultivate this listening.

(i.e. stop thinking about it and start getting bodied, as Beyonce would say.)

A couple of years ago, on the calm end of some of the biggest transitions I’ve gone through in my life and relationships, I created a program that brought together a sequence of body based practices and soul-opening teachings that helped me navigate the changes of life and, in the process, get the clarity and confidence I needed to move forward with my business and creative ideas.

I’m once again returning to these practices and teachings during this transition period of August and there are spaces open for you to join me.

If you’re:

• in transition with your career, creativity, or life at large

• wanting to make a transition but are feeling stuck and haven’t quite figured out how to get out of the funk

• juggling many ideas, interests, and passions and often stop yourself from moving forward because you are not sure what to focus on…

It’s time to dance into your answers – in your body and in your life.

Join me for a unique online experience designed to get you dancing and writing daily, as you discover more clarity, creativity, and alignment.

Get access here: https://www.jessgrippo.com/danceanswers

I’ll be welcoming you in with dance bells on.

love + dance for the journey, Jess

creating through transitions

I’ve been re-reading parts of Agnes DeMille’s memoir Dance To The Piper (which I highly recommend if you want to get an inside peek at historical moments in dance history, plus feel inspired by one choreographer’s persistence, passion, and dedication to dance with a sense of humor and humility.)

There’s a scene where Agnes goes to visit Martha Graham, along with Martha’s friend, mentor, composer, and fellow choreographer Louis Horst.

Martha is in a huff because she feels her latest work is not good enough. After she rehearsed her dancers for hours upon hours, changing and re-creating entire scenes right up until showtime, she is having a breakdown. (Apparently this happened with every show she did.)

“The winter is lost. The whole winter’s work is lost. I’ve destroyed my year. This work is no good,” Martha says.

After some back and forth, Louis says to her:

“One cannot always create on the same level. The Sixth Symphony followed the Fifth, but without the Sixth we could not have had the Seventh.... One cannot know what one is leading into. Transitions are as important as achievements.”

Ah, the transitions.

Can we remember that life really is a series of transitions strung together by occasional pinnacle moments?

Can we remember that not everything we create will be a masterpiece, but that we need to keep creating anyway?

Can we remember that through the challenges, the stretching, the painfully long, the piercingly tough transitions, we are not alone?

If we can remember, we can find peace.

We can connect and collaborate with our fellow artists and humans, to create more presence and love in this world.

We can muster up the courage to keep creating and expressing what’s inside, in the face of whatever we are transitioning from, through, or into. For what else are we supposed to do in this life?

Don’t let the critical voices in your head shut down your creative flow. And if those voices do show up, keep going anyway. Just like Martha did.

In the crazy state that our world is in, we need creativity, self-expression, and healing more than ever.

Do your thing. Make your stuff. Dance your dance. And share it.

I’d love to hear from you on this -

• What kind of transitions are you in or creating right now?

• When in life did you think something you created wasn’t good enough, and what happened after?

Please share in the comments below and help us all feel less alone.

to creating through transitions,

Jess