Right away we should all dispense with the idea that we are not creative. Everyone is creative in some way, so do yourself a huge favor and let go of that thought right now. Poof… it’s gone.
There, now you can read on without wasting time disparaging yourself. There are enough people willing to do that for you without adding your own voice.
Humanity is an obsessively creative species. We can’t help ourselves. We create stuff; all kinds of stuff, everyday. And it’s not always pretty. Look around at what we have done to — or not done for — this sacred earth and our fellow human beings.
We clearly need a new and positive creative direction. And before you abdicate responsibility for the state of the world, think about this…
If everyone who feels they have not played a conscious part in that state, rejected responsibility, then who will initiate change? Will the creatively destructive among us suddenly alter their ways?
No, it is up to you and me to change the world. Fortunately, we are the Kings and Queens of our private universes. We have the power to change our own world, our own lives, and by extension, the lives of everyone we interact with on this beautiful planet.
You need only change your own spin on creativity to affect the whole; to be creative just for the joy of it; to make something useful and beautiful from nothing, or to experience the magic of transforming a mundane space into an inspiring environment.
The people you love and associate with will follow your example in their own way. Joyful creativity is seductive.
Think about that for a moment. Understand and own the simple power you possess to affect your world — our world.
3 reasons to be more creative
- Because it feels good. Creativity rewards you with warm and fuzzy feelings. Create something from nothing and you will shine up your self-image. You will be proud of yourself. You could pay a bundle on self-esteem workshops to get the benefits that your creative muse will gladly provide for free.
- Because it is useful. You could develop the prototype for a new product that would help millions. How many times have you said, “Someone should invent…?” Why not do it yourself? You might reorganize and decorate your home or work space to raise the inspiration and energy levels. You could paint a picture for your living room that will constantly remind you that you hold creative power. A faux finish can transform a few old pots into Grecian urns. You can have great fun creating things that will provide lasting benefits. You win no matter what.
- Because it will improve your world. When you are creative you are more apt to own and declare who you are, by expressing it in tangible ways in your world. When you do this you infect others with your spirit. They get your positive enthusiasm and emulate it in their own lives — and on it goes. The more you indulge yourself in joyous creativity, the more easily creative ideas will come to you. Find unique ways to decorate a few pots and you’ll soon be applying creative solutions to major areas of your life, and then…?
7 ways to experience more creative joy
- Take a regular time-out to relax or play. If you can schedule a trip to the doctor, you can schedule time out. Children are creative because they enjoy relaxing and playing.
- Stop. Open your eyes. Breathe. Even when stress is breaking you down you can do these three things. When you do, creative possibilities float up through the cracks. This creates opportunity. Use it.
- Ask What if…? as often as possible. What if I changed this so that…? What if I could find a way to…? “What if…” is the most creative question in existence. How often do you ask it? How big are the questions?
- Sign up for art, decorating, writing, or music classes. Empower your creative drive with structured training. This one decision can change your life forever, and affect everyone around you. You don’t know what you might create and accomplish with new skills, until you have them.
- Identify just one thing that you want to create or change — then do it. Just begin. Ignore your fear and start somewhere. The magic is always in the beginning. Anything is possible after that.
- Hangout at your local building supply, book store, coffee shop, art store, music shop, or scrap metal merchant. Go wherever your inclinations lead you to find material and ideas to play with. Be bold. Be you.
- Design and build a workshop, writing, or studio space. Creating a properly equipped physical space in which to work and play, creates a mirror of this within you. As you build this space, you will create an equally well-equipped and dedicated mind space. It doesn’t need to be lavish. It only requires enthusiasm, respect, and some creative planning.
I hope that I have expressed why we all need to take responsibility for the course of our collective creative impulse — and why we must to shift it from destructive shortsightedness to a joyously useful creativity.
I hope that I have conveyed well enough, that it all begins and ends with how we live and share our individual creative joy. And I hope that I have offered some effective ways to begin.
Never underestimate the immense power that resides in the small and beautiful spaces we forge within us – and how that spreads through the world by example and interaction.
Over to you now…
Stumble it!
If you enjoy Zen Moments please leave a donation for John to help build this resource.
You Might Also Like...
17 comments ↓
A beautiful and thought-provoking essay. Everyone can be creative and artistic. Every can find his inner beauty and use it to positive impact the world. You point out the practical ways to do it. Thanks!
I love it John! I especially like the idea of creating a special “creative space” or studio. I did something similar when I was searching for the perfect writing desk. Since I found an old antique desk in my parents’ basement, my writing has really taken off! Thanks for the other creative ideas!
I can’t imagine not being creative. It’s one of my highest values. For me the important thing is to not worry about how good the results are. For instance, a future post at Cheerful Monk will be entitled My Brain Is my Favorite Toy. I’ve just spent hours coming up with the illustration. Was it really worth the time? Sure. Slipping into sacred space is the best possible use of my time.
John,
This is a beautiful read. You have spotlighted power that lies within us in a subtle way. I’m a big believer in simplicity and power of focused efforts. As you’ve mentioned, we can make change in this world by using our creativity.
Shilpan
Wonderfully written. There are so many truths here. Sign up for a class - I like that one - try something new! Or revive an old passion!
We ARE creative - but sometimes don’t realize it. In the busy-ness of our lives, we need to take time to let the creative juices flow.
Thanks you guys,
I am a huge believer in the power of positive creativity, not just in my painting, but in all my activities. I think there is always room for a creative spin. It makes the mundane a joy.
I am always amazed at how creative people are — even those who say they aren’t — when they give it a go.
If we spent less energy judging ourselves, just think what we might accomplish. It boggles the mind doesn’t it?
Best,
John
[…] Continual Learner How to End a Relationship 3 Reasons and 7 Ways to Live in Creative Joy […]
I certainly like the idea of using creativity to effect changes on the world. Your post has inspired me to pick up from where I left off, in my creative pursuits. Thanks!
I’ve just posted my version of living a creative life: http://cheerfulmonk.com/2008/08/18/my-brain-is-my-favorite-toy/ It’s a subject near and dear to my heart. Great choice of topics. Thanks!
Our inner cretivity is the one thing that makes us who we are. If we dont get to express us we lose part of ourselves.
Thanks for the post!
Evelyn, That’s fantastic that you are going to begin again where you creatively left off. Have fun, be excited about it, and good luck with it.
Jean, your new article looks good. In a few moments I leave for a couple days so I’ll read it when I return.
Steve, I agree; expressing our personal brand of creativity is a big part living authentically — and living authentically is vital. I like your site by the way. I’ll read more in a couple days when I return from a trip.
I agree with you. For years I have neglected my creative side and focused on my analytical side (I was an attorney). Now that I am back to doing more creative stuff, I am much happier.
A year ago, I would never have thought of myself as creative. Now, I cant believe what I was thinking.
Vered and Writer Dad, I think you’ll both agree that we are more complete when we consciously explore our creative nature, and it is different for each of us.
Even people with a strong analytic side, as you Vered, find that creativity can compliment that side. Some of the best artists are highly analytical. They use it to control and guide the technical aspects of their chosen creative pursuit. We need both.
And Writer Dad, you get to pass that influence on to your children. What a gift to give!
Hi John,
I finally have a moment to say Hi and reread your article!
I love what you say about asking “what if.”
This little question has completely baffled me while serving me well!
Although I normally ask by saying “how can I..” I am in awe at the creative flow that arrives almost immediately after asking. What a profound universe we live in.
Best wishes!
Monica, that deserved repeating. Thank you.
I like this article a lot.
Whenever someone tells me they are “not creative” I suggest they put a big glowering frown on their face and stomp their way through the day, and then look at what they created. They get the point quickly. We create all the time.
Best to do it intentionally from our inner wellspring of inspiration instead of by random unthinking accident driven by our fears and traumas.
Lexi
Share your Thoughts with Us!