I’m a creative by nature, and a lifelong one at that. When I’m in the midst of creativity, particularly writing, it’s like a vibrant flow state. Time disappears.
But if I’m out of touch with my creativity, I feel stifled, sometimes stuck.
At the same time, I constantly surround myself and/or connect with many creatives at heart, from fellow writers to artists, from entrepreneurs to spiritual healers.
But I also find it interesting how several people, even some professional writers and photographers, think they aren’t creative whatsoever. “I don’t have a creative bone in my body,” they say.
As far as I’m concerned, everybody is a creative at heart. And that’s because creativity, like imagination and charisma, is an innate human trait. What’s more, it’s strongly linked to our intuition.
The thing is, creativity, which can also be regarded as an expression of imagination, is often taught out of us.
As young children, we often engaged in fantasy play or had imaginary friends. Maybe you constantly constructed and reconstructed buildings or scenes with the likes of traditional Lego — minus the instructions. Alternatively, you could have turned cardboard boxes into cars, spaceships or cubbies.
You probably had art and craft at pre-school and throughout the earlier stages of primary and/or secondary school. Of course, that didn’t mean you were going to become the next Picasso or Van Gogh, unless you wanted to.
When it comes to being creative, it all depends on how you define it and what level you choose to express it at.
The Human Nature of Creativity
I’m still amazed that so many people tend to associate creativity purely with the arts. In fact, there’s a good chance that you’re thinking poets, dancers, musicians and painters.
But creativity encompasses various aspects of life.
Parents, for example, often need to make up games or stories to entertain and/or engage their children, let alone create birthday cakes, themed costumes for school events or parties, social or sporting clubs, etc.
The way you cook food, style your bedroom, recycle things or repurpose old wares, they, too, are creative expressions.
Naturally, entrepreneurs thrive off creativity and the subsequent change and/or stepping out of their comfort zone that it brings. That’s because it goes hand in hand with the ability to see things through a different lens.
Creativity brings about new ideas (often swiftly), solutions (rather than focusing on problems) and improved productivity. It’s something — thankfully — we are gradually starting to see more of, particularly with those looking to make a meaningful difference in the world.
What’s more, our brains are built for problem-solving. I know there have been many times when I’ve had to think on my feet to find instant resolve, especially with media–related work.
Some go with the flow of creativity from the get-go in life, nurturing, expanding and evolving it to a fulfilling passion or career. Others squash it down in favour of doing something more tactical.
But it’s often when people experience trauma or no longer feel like they have meaning in their lives that they turn to more creative ventures. It’s like an inner calling.
The Real Beauty of Creativity
What I love about creativity is that it’s an opportunity to expand ourselves; to feel more contentment and connection. It can be profoundly healing and transformative — mentally, physically, energetically, emotionally and spiritually.
As social entrepreneur Tania de Jong AM advocates, no matter what you do, creative expression is vital. But it’s more likely that you’ve forgotten it, or it’s been smothered by expectations of what you thought you should or shouldn’t be.
Most of all, it’s often suppressed by the daily grind of modern living.
The thing about creativity, like almost everything in life, is that there is no one path. Of course, some of us have more talent than others in certain areas, but we can’t all be the same and, frankly, we don’t want to.
The overall idea is that creativity is fun, evolves as we do, keeps us inspired and motivated. It’s good for our wellbeing and expression, especially when outcomes can be shared with others.
But too many people think that creativity can’t be learned, or it isn’t significant enough.
From the boardroom to the bedroom, creativity is valuable for everyone.
How to Nurture Your Creative Spirit
Interestingly, neuroscientist Alice Flaherty, an American researcher on creativity, indicated that the more dopamine that is released (in healthy quantities), the more creative we are. Therefore, the trick to being creative is not to force it.
For creativity to flow, we need to be relaxed, not have our heads buried in a computer screen, running ourselves ragged, or endlessly scrolling social media.
In fact, most of our light-bulb moments rarely happen when we are sitting at our desk.
With that in mind, here’s a snippet of some simple and accessible ways to get your creative juices flowing:
Have a Warm Shower
Most of us understand the value of having time to ourselves in the shower, especially a warm one. And as the water flows, so do the ideas, which can literally be anything.
In many ways, a shower is like an incubator of creativity. It cleanses and refreshes you so that you start anew.
That said, many people forget their ideas as fast as they arise. The idea is to capture them, no matter how big or small, even if it means putting a small waterproof diver’s slate inside the shower. Think of it as a shower idea catcher.
Handwrite Your Ideas
Speaking of noting your ideas down, I find that handwriting is best, especially in a journal. Not only does it help with the flow of the idea, it also helps to solidify it.
Another option is to record it on your smartphone, particularly if you are prone to writing down ramblings on torn pieces of paper or sticky notes that have a habit of being misplaced. That said, make sure you regularly back up your smartphone.
Take a Forest Bath
Getting among nature is a surefire way to become grounded and uplifted. The tradition of forest bathing, a loose translation from the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-yoku Forest Therapy, can get the endorphins and creativity going.
Likewise, dancing, be it freestyling in your living room, or something like 5Rhythms, or Bey dance or Dancing Eros for women, is terrific for getting in tune with your sensuality, hence creativity, given they’re interconnected.
Awaken the Sacral Chakra
Given the sacral chakra (also known as Swadhisthana) is the second chakra, which is located just above the pubic bone, it has a strong watery and sexual element. It’s often referred to as being the seat of ourselves, hence our source of fantasy and vast creative energy.
As a huge fan of various forms of meditation, deep breathing, and tantric yoga which has a particular focus on the lower chakras, these three practices are some of the best ways to get into authentic alignment and thrive with creative expression.
Even better, creativity is an expression of love.
Take a Dip
Continuing with the watery theme, swim leisurely or float or wade in natural, calming waterways, such as the ocean, rivers or mineral springs. Alternatively, go skinny dipping. Even a saltwater bath with a touch of peppermint oil can be relaxing and stimulating.
Take a Road Trip
How often have you been driving, especially on a freeway or a country road, and suddenly been struck with a download of ideas, as if it’s a bolt out of the blue. Of course you need to be aware while driving, but when it’s in fairly free-flowing conditions, especially in scenic rural areas, it’s like flicking on the creative switch.
I’m fortunate to live in a semi-rural area and sometimes take the slightly longer and more picturesque way home, especially when in need of clearing my head. What it also does is help me recharge my creative mojo.
Get Enough Sleep
Something else that’s great for enhancing creativity, let alone our wellbeing, is getting sufficient sleep. So does dreaming. That said, sometimes we can wake up in the middle of the night with a burning idea. Although not always ideal, occasional insomnia has been known to boost creativity, too.
Basically, get in tune with those things you love doing. Alternatively, try things you’ve always wanted to do. Even give yourself permission to daydream.
Remember, we are all wired to create. What’s more, creativity never stays the same. It enables us to reimagine new directions in all areas of life — if we let it.
How do you express creativity?
Words & Images by Kristin Lee
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