Dancing with the Snake: The Artist’s Guide to Fear

Embracing the Snake: How to Transform Fear into Creativity

Understanding Our Fear

Hello again, my loves!

There are few creatures in this world as universally feared as the snake. With its silent movements, sharp fangs, and unpredictable nature, it has long been a symbol of danger, deceit, and the unknown. But what if, instead of recoiling in fear, we chose to look deep into the eyes of the snake? Much like snake charmers who seem to easily hypnotize these deadly creatures, we could learn from their presence instead of being consumed by our primal instincts to run.

Life is full of snakes—not just the slithering kind but also the metaphorical ones. These represent challenges, betrayals, and unexpected dangers that can creep up when we least expect them. Don't forget the people; there are so many dangerous snake-like individuals. If surrounded by snakes, it may be easy to become one of them. Letting fear consume us can lead to striking back with venom. Sometimes, however, fires are put out with cool water, and venom can be extracted by someone willing to risk their life for you.

Instead of becoming another poisonous force in an already toxic environment, we can become something else: the hypnotizers willing to charm the snakes.

Taming the Metaphorical Snake

To tame a metaphorical snake is not to eradicate fear but to understand it. When fear rises—whether from the threat of failure, judgment, or even death itself—our first instinct is often to panic. Panic makes people reckless, forcing quick, thoughtless reactions instead of intentional action.

The key is to acknowledge your fear and see it for what it is: a tool. Fear is simply a messenger; it has never been your enemy. It informs us of danger, sharpening our instincts and helping us navigate uncertainty with precision. Fear has kept animals alive for ages. The strongest among us are not those who lack fear; they look into the eyes of fear but refuse to be controlled by it. They acknowledge the presence of the snake, respect its power, but do not let it dictate their moves. They breathe, think, and then act.

Facing Our Creative Fears

As artists, we too must face our own snakes. The fear of imperfection, rejection, or the belief that our work will never be good enough can be paralyzing. We often find ourselves asking questions like, "Will I make money? Will anyone care about what I think? What if someone says something mean to me? How will I respond?"

However, when we pick up the paintbrush, chunk of charcoal, or pen, and push through, we channel that fear into something meaningful. We do more than just create art—we transform. We take something dark and turn it into something that captivates, inspires, and resonates with the deepest parts of the human experience.

Learning from Fear

The next time you feel fear creeping in, don't let it coil around you, suffocating your creativity and stalling your progress. Don't run from your monsters; instead, turn around and face them. Use them. Let fear teach you.

In the end, strive to create something beautiful from it. The world doesn’t need more venom—it needs more empathy.

Final Thoughts

Every artist faces challenges, but it’s how we respond to these challenges that defines us. Embracing fear rather than shying away from it is essential for growth. Be the hypnotizer, not the menace. By recognizing the snakes in our lives and transforming our approach, we can cultivate a more nurturing environment for ourselves and others.

With Love,

Chej

P.S. If you are looking to create your own art and need supplies, there are many great resources online. I always search Facebook Marketplace first for people's throwaways. If you prefer new items, I suggest Blick Art Supplies. They are affordable and have everything! I buy 90% of my supplies from Blick.

P.S.S. If you or anyone you know wants to learn how to paint and draw and actually make money, check out the Milan Art Academy—the place I chose to go (besides watching countless YouTube videos). The people at the Milan Institute don't believe in the 'starving artist' myth. Every lesson is designed for long-term success in making money. We can all make a living with art, especially in a time when we can connect with anyone across the globe in seconds.

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