I want to talk with you about creativity.
If you’re like a lot of other people, you don’t think you’re creative.
But you are.
It’s your birthright.
It’s Easy To Get Stuck Following The Rules
In our culture, from a young age you were told that creativity is the domain of artists, musicians, and writers – those who were graced with these talents (so you were told).
Like most of us, you took the path that was laid out for you – excellent grades, college, a job where you made a lot of money, etc.
You followed the rules. But at a certain point, you admit to yourself that you’re stuck. Your gut tells you that there has to be something more to life than the one you’re living.
I know that feeling. I’ve been there.
Living Creatively Everyday Is A Key To Experiencing A Life Filled With Joy
It took me several years to realize that it’s important to be generally creative in how you approach life – not specifically creative in terms of a project. That the key is to learn how to live creatively.
This kind of creativity is accessed from within, and every single one of us has it. Your creative roots make up the very fiber of who you are as an individual. By unearthing your creative nature, you at the same time unearth your authentic self – not the person you offer to the world and not who you think you ought to be, but who you are in your deepest realms.
5 TIPS
1. IMAGINE – Feel free to explore, release your dreams, and let your thoughts and wishes run wild. Don’t censor. Don’t analyze. You can imagine anything from the sublime to the ridiculous. If you’ve always dreamt of being an astronaut, why not imagine that you are? Or you can imagine the earth as a peaceful and loving place. It doesn’t matter what you imagine – anything and everything is fine.
2. OBSERVE – It’s a lost art but you can bring it back. Slow down. Observe people – sit on a park bench. Observe nature – it’s one of life’s great teachers. Observe yourself – what’s going on inside of your brain? How are you interacting with other people? Do it with intent – slowly and consciously.
3. PLAY – We used to do it as kids. We dressed up, played with paper dolls, played outside – all of that kind of stuff. As we got older, we were taught to believe that play was only for kids. Well, it’s not.
Playing is a critical element of the creative process. As a matter of fact, research has shown that if you don’t play as a child, you won’t be able to develop healthy relationships when you’re an adult.
You can play when you’re having a conversation or when you’re cooking. You can play just about anywhere. Shake it up. Let loose. Don’t care what the end results are – just have fun.
4. LIVE WITH AMBIVALENCE – Our society has taught us that powerful, productive people are decisive. Living with ambivalence is counter- intuitive to what we’ve been taught. Guess what? Adding this skill to your repertoire will help you develop creative muscles.
So, the next time you find yourself pushing to make a decision, let it go. Remind yourself that the answer will come to you. Trust in the ‘knowing’. It’s OK if you feel uncomfortable or anxious. The more you practice not forcing an action or decision, the easier it will become.
5. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS – Logic has had years of practice being in charge of your decision making. You hear that dominant voice of reason telling you what to do most of the time, don’t you?
Yes, there are times when you need to be logical.
But more than times than not, if you follow your intuition, you’ll lead a life that is significantly more aligned to who you really are.
So, the next time you hear that inner voice whispering in your ear or you feel a tug in your heart, listen up. That’s your intuition guiding you to where you need to be.
These 5 steps are stepping stones to experiencing creativity throughout your day.
It is what I call everyday creativity.
I know that you have the ability to be more creative than you can possibly imagine.
Even if you start working on just one or two of these skills diligently, they will eventually become part of your DNA.
The results? Each day will be filled with color, adventure, curiosity, magic – and joy.
And isn’t that what life is all about?
Hi Fran,
Liked your ideas about increasing creativity.I agree,that creativity is sniffled by unnecessary forcing and tugging.The freer the better.Its like water flowing downhill,which eventually does find its own path,without any one goading it on needlessly.No wonder we hear the euphemism “creative juices”…that’s because things need to flow.
Creativity lodges in the heart,and the heart has an organic intelligence which is intuitive,holistic,and free flowing.that is why any deep emotion is felt in the heart.So ,for creativity,we need to tap into this colossal reservoir that is at the centre of our existence.
Thanks
mona
I agree with what you’re saying. Your phrase ‘creativity lodges in the heart and the heart has an organic intelligence which is free flowing, intuitive, and holistic’ is beautiful and right on target. Thanks so much for your thoughts ~
Everyday creativity. Like that concept Fran and these are great tips you offer for us to experience greater creativity in our days.
Thank you.
Elle-
Everyday creativity is actually a phrase that has been around for some time. Since I read Abraham Maslow in college, I’ve been passionate about ‘peak’ experiences…which can last for a moment, hours, etc. What I’ve realized in recent years is that even the smallest exchange in a conversation – although not a true peak experience – can be creative – it happened to me the other day in the grocery store. I felt immense joy and peace after an exchange with the woman at the cash register. xxoo
These are great tips! I always add – savor the moments. Inhale. and smile broadly…a lot!
Jan-
When my son was young, he had a principal, who at every assembly told the kids ‘smile even if you don’t feel like it – one day if you practice enough, it will become part of who you are’…
Couldn’t agree more Fran …
Breaking the ‘old rules’ and introducing new, fresh rules that embrace one’s Creativity is the way to go. Thank You.
Be good to yourself
David
Thanks David.
You’re right about breaking the rules.
The first step though- for so many of us- is that you have to become aware that there are rules to break….love your thoughts-thank you!
Wonderful idea of everyday creativity, Fran. I love coming up with new ideas and no matter how small, I know it was my unique creation. I feel that people are happiest when they are being creative. Thanks for the reminder!
Cathy – I have watched your creativity burst into a beam of light – your passion is palpable ~xxoo
Fran,
I love your videos. Love them! And count me in for more color, adventure, curiosity, magic – and joy.Amen sista!
Ah dear Tess-
it’s inevitable that we meet in real life sooner rather than later ~ love you ‘muchly’ ~