Mar 1, 2011

Grow your Mojo



A flyer on my husband's desk caught my eye.  It read Mojo Gro - organic potting soil.  This got me thinking, not about potting soil, but about how to grow your mojo.  I've hear of artists losing their mojo and then gaining it back.  I wondered, is it possible to grow the elusive mojo before we lose her?  How exactly might one approach this concept?

Well, first I guess we better try to define mojo.  Looking at the etymology (study of the source and development of words and morphemes) of mojo, it is probably of Creole origin, related to Gullah moco ("witchcraft") and Fula moco'o ("medicine man").  In our context, artists use mojo as a noun meaning "supernatural power of luck".

So, how can we grow some magical power or luck?  I thought about some of the things I have grown in my life - flowers, veggies, houseplants (not so well), and a daughter.  The plants needed food (water, compost, sunlight), nurturing (nutrients, pulling of weeds), and shelter (from pests, heat and cold).  Our daughter required similar elements but in different forms; food (healthy diet), nurturing (guidance, love, books and more books), and shelter (safe home and school).  

Let's apply these same ingredients for growth, in creative form, to the wild, elusive artists' mojo.  I think we should feed her with stimulating visuals derived from nature, museums, books, magazines, and internet sites.  Let's try to vary the mojo's diet depending upon her desires - one day it may be poetry, the next a walk in the woods or city park.

Now comes nurturing.  Since mojo seems a bit like our alter ego, maybe we better nurture ourselves along with this mojo creature.  I'm thinking exercise, yoga, meditation, positive self-talk, self-care (new clothes, haircut, or maybe just chocolate), and surrounding ourselves with caring, creative friends or family.  I see Ms. Mojo is starting to smile and grow.

Finally, the last ingredient is shelter.  We need to shelter her from negative energy, criticising-jealous folks, power zappers like too much volunteer work, stress builders, and work or family commitments that aren't really her business.  Ms. Mojo looks quite vigorous and healthy at this point.

So, can we grow our mojo?  Yes, I think we can.  Please, try my recipe for Mojo Grow and see how it works for you!

Wishing you a productive, Mojo-Growing day,
Anna

13 comments:

One Woman's Thoughts said...

Your photo is GORGEOUS.

Love the mojo recipe. True and cute.

My mojo is needing a little fertilizer or spice right now . . . oh but it will be beautiful when iy comes into bloom.

Kim Klassen said...

aMazing mojo recipe Anna!! wonderful!!

and wow... what a perfect image after Kelly's post... naming march the month of color!!

wonderful... truly!!

Tanya said...

Wow, that piece is mesmerizingly beautiful! Katrina's face?

Life gets in the way of my Mojo. Sometimes life IS my Mojo! I love your recommendations. Especially the chocolate!

kelly@thebluemuse said...

Yes, that is just what I thought when I saw your image, what a grand dose of color! And so beautiful...
I really liked this post, being a seed-starter and gardener myself, I could relate to it all, and my mojo is in need of a little tender loving care just now...

Jamie said...

Anna - you are a genius! Such an inspiring post, I need to start growing my mojo!

Anonymous said...

:-) Love it! xx

ELK said...

Anna ... how can I not be inspired by this amazing lady with color..flowers and stitching .. she is beautiful !!

my mojo comes and goes for sure .. i often feel rushed for time ..a real mojo stealer!!

Unknown said...

how very wonderful, Anna!
the photo, the intention, the words.

Just what I needed this morning.

Lori said...

That piece is gorgeous! I love the meaning in this post :)

Sonya Anderson said...

I increased my mojo today-got a haircut and ate chocolate!! Loved the article Anna. Can't wait for the class.

Anna said...

Thanks everyone for your kind comments! I think we've got a great thing going here at iStudio - lots of creative folks encouraging each other as we journey along this creative path.

Prairie Girl Studio said...

wow ... dynamic post, anna!!
i loved and hung on to each of your words ...
nodding up and down ... yes, yes, yes ...
and as you saw ms. mojo starting to smile and grow ...
i could feel myself smiling and growing ...
powerful!
a recipe to tuck into my recipes of life!
thank you.
xoxo
prairiegirl
ps. your work of art here is simply stellar ... : )

dbalyoz said...

Anna, what a fantastic post. I love the idea of a Mojo day. And we do tend to take care of everyone else, why not ourselves? and why not our Mojo?? Love it...thank you for the perfect reminder! :) Denise xxo