The Creativity Within

Dear Creatives,

How does it feel when you are addressed that way? Creatives? For some there will be some resistance. “I’m not creative!” And for others, it’s an acknowledgement of something they DO. 

But for me, it’s a frame of mind or a state of BEING. I believe we are all creative and it is expressed daily in our communications, our activities, our work and our leisure. 

Think about it. Our creativity comes from who we are; our unique personality — the way we speak, walk and live. We all tell stories differently; tapping into our imagination and conjuring up word pictures or descriptions to explain ourselves to our listener. And when we do our work, are we not thinking of creative ways to solve problems, or at the very least dreaming of ways we can take off a little early? Our activities might include gardening — a very creative chore involving colour and beauty. Whether we are cooking, cleaning, building, doodling or writing a story —it all comes from the part of our being that creates. 

Therefore, we are creative. So let’s embrace it. Tap into it and train it to rise up and release its power. Why not allow the life force of creativity to be our teacher? What might happen if we did? 

I’ve had the pleasure of working with children for many years, and currently enjoy watching my grandkids grow. The other day I watched my grandsons go on a treasure hunt. One is five and the other two and a half. They coloured on large pieces of paper and rolled them up like scrolls to make treasure maps. Then they went in the backyard where the oldest pulled the youngest around in the little red wagon in search of the treasure. They also carried plastic pirate swords in case of an ambush. It was delightful to watch and hear their conversations as they ran around looking in the bushes and behind trees and in the garden. 

I’ve noticed something intrinsically valuable in these little humans. They allow their creativity to flow constantly. Their little brains are collecting data and rolling it around in their imaginations and suddenly their pretending becomes their reality. Their bodies move according to the story they have created in their minds. We call it play. They call it fun. 

I don’t know about you, but I could use a little more fun! 

I find it easy to be playful with kids, but it’s harder around adults. They think I’m silly. But I think silliness is underated. Not only does it make me feel a little joy, it actually sparks the part of my brain where happy hormones are released, which feels pretty good. And if there are other people around, it can make them smile. It might even become contagious. 

What I am trying to say is this, creativity is a state of being. It is essential to ones life. It is meant to bring us joy and those around us. And sometimes we have to let go and be silly if we want to learn how to get back to that child-like flow where our imagination is free to play and ideas become our reality. 

I’ll leave you with a challenge. Next time there is a song going through your head - no matter where you are - sing it out loud. Or, the next time you are waiting patiently in line at the ferry or in the bank, tell someone a ‘knock-knock joke’. Or if you are the shy introverted type, leave something creative behind the next time you go for a nature walk - build a little inukshuk, or lay some leaves out like a flower. Let your creativity BE.

You may find it’s contagious.