We all have stories we tell ourselves (and have been told) about what creativity is, whether we have it or if indeed it’s something to be valued at all. These narratives often lead us to see creativity as something exclusive, gifted to a select few and beyond our general capabilities.
It’s time for a creative awakening.
This is an invitation to defy the creative stereotypes and celebrate creativity in all its many forms. An invitation to redefine creativity as a way of thinking and being, as well as doing. An invitation to explore the profound impact on our well-being when we infuse creativity into our daily lives.
This is not merely a call to paint or draw; it’s an invitation to recognise the creativity within each of us and set it free!
Defying the Creative Stereotype
Let’s start by debunking the myth that creativity is a talent given to a chosen few.
As Elizabeth Gilbert wisely explains in “Big Magic,” creativity is not an exclusive club reserved for talented artists or eccentric geniuses! It is accessible to everyone, a universal gift within each of us. It’s not confined to the canvas or the studio – whether you’re improvising a new recipe in the kitchen or finding innovative solutions to everyday challenges, you are engaging in the essence of creativity.
What is Creativity, Really?
Rick Rubin captured it succinctly: “To create is to bring something into existence that wasn’t there before.”
It’s that simple. And that complex!
At its core, creativity is the ability to think outside the box, connect seemingly unrelated ideas, to make something new.
Whether it’s exploring a new perspective on an everyday situation or making something with our hands, we are presented with opportunities for creativity every day. We can express our creativity through the way we decorate our homes, the thoughtful ways we show love to others, how we handle issues at work or the witty remark that catches everyone off guard.
Picture your creativity as a winding river, flowing through the vast landscape of your life. At its source lies the spring of your imagination, nudging you with ideas and activities waiting to be explored.
Much like a river carries water from the mountains to the sea, creativity meanders through the valleys of your experiences, carving pathways that reflect the contours of your unique perspective. These ideas, like water droplets, merge and swell into currents, some ideas rushing forward with unstoppable force, while others gently trickle, forming pools of reflection.
The flow of creativity within us does not always follow a straight or predictable path. The twists, turns and changing currents sometimes require adaptation and reflection. In the same way that river water encounters obstacles, sometimes our creativity becomes disrupted.
Creative blocks can manifest as self-doubt, fear of failure, or the weight of expectation. Just as rocks can divert the river’s course, these blocks can lead to stagnant pools unless we learn to redirect the flow of our creativity. The key to a creative life is giving ourselves permission to surrender to the flow.
The Link between Creativity and Well-being
The link between creative expression and well-being is profound and transformative. You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s true – it’s more about the process than the end product!
Being creative is not just about producing a masterpiece to be viewed or approved by others; it’s a therapeutic journey which research shows can reduce stress, alleviate anxiety and depression, and enhance mental well-being.
Whether it’s gardening, dancing, restoring a car or creating a playlist, creative activities not only provide a sense of accomplishment and relaxation but also promote physical health and social connection while offering a channel for self-discovery and self-expression.
5 Ways to Nurture Creativity in Your Life
Infusing the energy of creativity into your everyday life starts with small, intentional steps. If you are willing, your life can become a creative practice. Here are some suggestions for ways to encourage the flow of creativity in your life:
- Embrace Curiosity
Creativity begins with curiosity. Pay attention to those longings and whispers of intuition within you – you know those little sparks inside you that are so easy to ignore? This is your permission slip to listen to them and take action, whether it’s playing with art supplies, trying a new hobby, attending a workshop, or even changing your hairstyle!
Get curious about your beliefs and narratives about what it means to be creative. You could express yourself creatively by the way you set a table for a meal, how you deal with clients in your business or the distinctive way you style your clothes. Asking questions like “What if?” and “What else?” can be a great starting point for a new creative direction in your life.
- Make friends with failure
Creativity may begin with curiosity but it can be killed by fear. Creativity thrives in an environment that welcomes experimentation and accepts failure as a part of the learning process.
The key is to practise letting go of expectations and not be afraid to make mistakes – they very often lead to new ideas and innovative breakthroughs. As artist Eva Kalien insightfully said: “There is never failure because everything is experience and communication.”
- Don’t get stuck in the rut of routine
We all know the feeling…wake up, do the daily grind, go to sleep, only to wake up and do it all again.
Routine can be the enemy of creativity. If you want to embrace your creativity, shake things up! Sprinkle some creative magic into your daily life. Find intersections between your interests. Take a different route to work, visit a new town, or challenge yourself to think differently about a familiar problem. Disrupting the ordinary opens the door to creative thinking.
Asking questions like “What is possible?”, “What do I really love doing?” and “How else could I do this?” can be a great starting point for a new creative direction in your life.
- Create a sacred space
Do you believe you need to have a studio space or hours of uninterrupted time in order to be creative? Not true!
A shoe box of supplies, a table and chair and 10 minutes might be all you need!
To embrace creativity in your daily life, it can help to dedicate a space in your life (physical or mental) where inspiration is welcomed and nourished.
Creating that sacred space fuels your creative spirit, whether it’s:
- Setting up art supplies or a musical instrument to use in a designated corner of your home or having your favourite supplies available in a box and ready to use.
- Setting aside 20 minutes every morning or evening, or even a weekend afternoon for your favourite creative activity and then guarding this time as you would any other appointment.
- Find your tribe
Creativity flourishes with connection. There’s nothing quite like sharing your passion with others who just “get it” and also love doing what you do!
Connecting with like-minded individuals in a local group or even starting your own can lead to new ideas and keep you encouraged. Attend events, and share your ideas in supportive environments to inspire and keep your creative flow moving.
Life itself is your Creative Practice
It’s time to redefine what creativity truly is, recognise its diverse value in our society and receive the gift of wellbeing that it offers us. It’s time to listen attentively and respond fearlessly to the whispers of our creative spirits, both as individuals and as a community. Creativity isn’t a destination or an end product – it’s a messy, beautiful adventure available to us all. The most important canvas is the one you paint your life on, with the unique colours and strokes you choose.
The Waipa Creative Trail 