What’s the “Why"? Part 1.

Estimated read time: 4 minutes

Today is the final day before the first-ever Creative Compass group begins.

I’ve never created anything like this group. It’s required me to do many new things, in the span of a few weeks:

• Write copy for a website, including a deeply personal “About” page.
• Write clear and enticing copy for a group offer, with sensible pricing.
• Discuss that offer, and further refine its shape through feedback.
• Setup payment processing and invite the first dollar.
• Market, solicit interest, check in with interested folks, and sell the offer.

I’ve barely used any social media for marketing this. Two posts total so far, in fact, and it’s the last day of enrollment. I've always had a preference for the “analog,” the “old school,” and that’s shown up as I’ve developed and marketed this group. The great majority of my communications regarding this group have either been through text messages, or through actual verbal conversations. Both face-to-face and on the phone. The human element has been strong.

These conversations have helped direct the shape of the group every step of the way.

And heavy emotions have been part of the deal from the beginning.

For example: The idea emerged in May this year, when I reached out to my longtime friend Nate Dybevik (talented musician, piano tuner, composer, and music teacher) for support with my creative practice.

Nate said he wanted more accountability with his creative discipline too, and the idea for Creative Compass was born.

Our friendship has always circled creative work. We met at a house party in 2013-ish and immediately started nerding out about piano technology. When I did a weird-ass theremin + toy piano project the following year, he allowed me studio space to practice. I met my husband there.

After my father died in 2015, Nate helped me move his piano (to multiple locations). And when I wrote a series of folk songs commemorating my father and mourning his death, Nate was one of three dear friends who helped me perform them for hundreds in one grand, sad show. He harmonized with me and played keys as I sang of a great loss. Nate was the solo musician at my backyard wedding reception in 2021. In early 2024, we both participated in a group format of The Artist’s Way. I was feeling especially unmoored at the time and gladly took the invitation when Nate extended it.

I say that Nate is one of those people who has always shown up for me in big ways, without fuss. In the ways that matter. So it’s not just that our friendship has circled creative work. It’s held a whole lot of life, and grief, as well.

Going back to May of this year: I remember feeling especially “low” at the time, and that’s why I reached out.

At the time, Nate suggested, “How about just five minutes per day?” (of piano improvisation). It was a great suggestion. I can do five minutes.

In the many conversations I’ve had about this Creative Compass group, I’ve heard a couple repeated themes. One is overwhelm. Can I commit to this? Do I have too much going on? And the other theme is more emotional. Am I in the right headspace for this? That kind of discernment is great! It’s A-OK to say no.

And at the same time, I want to suggest that it’s precisely in those times of overwhelm, stress, grief, and the like, that we may be best served through the grounding and connecting nature of creative practice.

The Creative Compass group is designed to be chill, and it doesn’t have to be thought of as an addition. It can be thought of as something to do alongside our lives, however full and wretched they may be at times. Whatever shape you’re in, you’ll be in good company.

In grief and all the things,

Caroline

P.S. The first-ever Creative Compass group starts this week. I’m curious to see what this container can do. (Email me or sign up on the Offering page if you want to get on a list for future versions.)

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