Creativity has a part to play in wellbeing
CREATIVITY is defined as ‘the use of imagination or original ideas to create something’.
Our creativity is that part of us that is unique. To create is to bring something into existence. The action or process of creation is about making something that was not previously there. It could involve connecting people, solving a problem, doing a painting, or making or imagining anything new and original.
Creativity has a big part to play in our wellbeing as it makes us feel alive, engaged and connected. We cannot feel creative and negative at the same time. Enthusiasm for life and living is always flavoured with a good measure of creativity.
Everyone has creativity. In my classes, some of the most creative people often feel they aren’t creative because they do not paint, sculpt or sing. But creativity is something that is in all of us. It can be related to the arts or any area of life and living. Children use it so well. They explore everything in front of them. They have no limits and no barriers.
As Steve Jobs says: ‘Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That’s because they could connect experiences they’ve had and synthesize new things’.
Entrepreneurs are known to have great innovative and creative capacity. Creativity is at the heart and soul of any person and business. It is our essence. Ultimately if we keep doing the same thing over and over, we will not just get the same result but we will eventually get less. Business that doesn’t innovate closes over time.
Similar principles apply to individuals. People that are not creatively engaged lose their appetite for life and living. When our creativity is flourishing, it helps us thrive. It gets us out of bed in the morning. It is what differentiates us from others and it is what we celebrate in others most. Our creativity is our unique gift to the world and developing our unique creativity is one of the greatest things we can do for ourselves and others.
Creativity takes courage as it means going somewhere someone else hasn’t gone. Failure is part of the journey. Creativity involves being fully present to connect the dots without limitations. Creativity keeps you young, present and engaged in life. A quote I love: ‘There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.’ - Sophia Loren
To connect the dots of our creativity, we should be present and open minded – no limits and no blocks. Our creativity comes from deep inside us and it comes out when we are fully connected to ourselves. Your ego can block creativity. When we are attached to our greatness or any notions of ourselves it kills our creativity. Boredom, darkness and frustration often come before a period of great creativity.
Creativity is key to wellbeing. Being creative on a daily basis brings joy and excitement.
If you are suffering from low mood or struggling to be happy, or you want to grow yourself and make more of your life, explore and expand your creativity. Meditation greatly boosts our creative capacity. When we fully engage in something, and connect the dots according to our own life experience and imagination something new, special and almost sacred unfolds to benefit us and those around us. Wishing you a creative week ! Enjoy