Pat Novak on Creativity, “Soul Mates,” and Why So Many Americans are Single

Welcome to Snipper of the Week. Every week, we chat up a Snipper with particularly interesting collections. This week, we talk to Intuitive Counselor Pat Novak about overcoming creativity blocks, the “medication generation,” and the myth of a “soul mate.”  

You snipped the much-talked-about WSJ article  ”Medication Generation.” It’s a tricky subject, but what are your thoughts on using medications to alleviate mood disorders and issues?

Personally, I usually won’t work with a client who is on anti-depressants. Their energy is very dull and it keeps them from getting in touch with the very feelings they need to get in touch with. I have had numerous clients who (with their physicians cooperation) have gotten off of such drugs during our time together. I understand severe cases may need them, but as a whole, I feel psychiatrists are too quick to medicate people. Especially the younger generation. I find it a very lazy form of therapy. The younger people I have worked with are very angry they were put on medication, not realizing what consequences it would have later in life.

Do you see meditation and other alternatives gaining traction in Western medicine? 

In the Western world, the whole “mindfulness” movement has become popular, which is great. I’ve studied personal development, metaphysics and spirituality for years. People are more open to what all this means in their lives. I’ve always used meditation as part of my practice. Now people want to learn more about intuitive life skills, as they find the world changing and new challenges arise.

You snip a lot in your Creativity/Discovery/Inspiration collection about being “blocked” or “stuck.” What, in your mind, what’s the single-best tactic to overcoming that feeling?

Healing occurs as we become more of who we truly are. Rather than who we have been subconsciously “programmed” to be. Creativity is a wonderful way to explore and express yourself more “authentically.” I always want to challenge how people think. Perfectionism is the number one killer of creativity. Moving away from trying to make something perfect, opening up to messiness and play. To risk being wrong, in the pursuit of what is right. 

If you work in a boring environment, how can you foster your own creativity?

I think women don’t “honor” their sexuality enough. They either give it away too easily or are afraid of it. This book created the “permission” to talk about it.

Very interesting snip about “I Hear You” being the new “I Love You.” What do you think that’s about?

It’s about recognizing how vital good communication is for healthy relationships. “I hear you” is about taking the time to connect on an authentic level, rather than what can easily become a superficial level. For women, having our feelings “heard” is how we feel love and honored. For men, really listening when they are ready to talk and not shutting them down (how can you say that!) or giving advice (This is what I think you should do) helps them feel we trust them.

What do you think about all the pressure society puts on finding a “soul mate?”

There is a big misperception about “soul mates”. In your lifetime, you can have many soul mates, not just one. A true ” soul mate” is one who will challenge and cause you to grow. Not someone who “completes” you, which is what society generally has told us we need to be whole. Not true, you need “you”, to complete you. So that “ex” you hate, was probably a soul mate. The question is, did you learn the lesson? If you learn the lessons, you will pull in a more loving, supportive soulmate next time. 

Why do you think so many Americans are single right now?

There is more opportunity to be independent, so we don’t need to rush into a relationship for validation or survival. There is also an upswing of narcissism in America, which does not lend itself to vulnerability and honesty. Two key components required for relationships. The internet, while it opens the world to us, can also close us off from developing connections of any real intimacy. We feed our need for socialization, but without perhaps, the emotional risks true relationships require. We play it safe behind our computers, believing we are not alone.

What are your favorite Snip.it collections?

I always learn something new from Jan Angevine.

You can subscribe to Pat’s collections here.