08 How a Spiritual Wilderness Leads to Creative Abiding

SHOW NOTESFocus word: AbideHave you ever felt trapped in a spiritual wilderness, wondering if your creative calling still matters? Artist, writer, and podcaster Hayley Rawnsley knows that exhausting tension between faith and creativity — and the crushing pressure to perform. Graduating during the pandemic, she found herself unraveling from years of striving, until painting and contemplative prayer opened an unexpected door into abiding in Jesus.In this episode, Hailey shares how her wilderness season became the very place she discovered a slower, deeper way to create — rooted in presence rather than performance.We cover:- Why your spiritual wilderness season is not wasted- How contemplative prayer transforms your creative process- Breaking free from performance and striving as a Christian creative- What abiding in Jesus actually looks like in daily creative life- Why the story you're carrying deserves a rooted foundation, not a rushed platformThis conversation is for the Christian writer or artist who is tired of performing and longs for a way to experience peace and purpose in their creative calling.About the Guest: Hayley Rawnsley is an artist, writer, and podcaster whose creative work is inspired by faith and spiritual wilderness. Her passion is helping creatives break free from performance and learn to create from abiding in Jesus.Website + Abiding Creative Workbook: desertsblooming.comSubstack: https://substack.com/@desertsbloomingPodcast: Abiding CreativesCONNECT WITH EMILY:Website: emilygrabatin.caThe Heart's Calling SubstackWelcoming Slow Growth communityThis is a space for the sacred, the soulful, and the slow. Welcome to the journey. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theheartscalling.substack.com