Welcome to another iteration of Exploring the Circle of Life! In this month’s post, we’re going to focus on Creativity. In case you missed it, check out my last post on Spirituality.
Humans thrive on creativity. It’s what makes us special, and is such a crucial part of our daily lives. It not only plays a vital role in our personal development, but it also allows us to express ourselves, explore our passions, and find fulfillment in life.
Creativity also enhances our overall well-being. Research has shown that creative expression often improves mental health, reduces stress, and increases happiness. In addition, creativity challenges us to think in new ways, expanding our perspective, and further stimulating personal growth. It’s no wonder when we feel stifled or stuck, our mental or physical health can suffer.
While creativity is incredibly important for our overall health and well-being, it’s often difficult to find when there are so many other demands on our time and attention.
Here are 5 ways to help you discover that inner spark, and unleash your creative potential!
As you go through these steps, remember that being creative doesn’t mean you have to be an artist, a musician, or a writer, either. Just as our spirituality is inherently individualistic, so too is how we express ourselves, and there are myriad ways to express our creativity!
1. Give yourself space and time to create.
Perhaps the most important thing for fostering creativity is to give yourself enough space and time to create. Whether it’s setting aside a few hours each week to work on a piece of art, writing, or knitting, or simply finding a quiet corner where you can connect with yourself, it’s essential to create an environment that’s conducive to your creative work.
Try creating a designated space for yourself. This could be a room, a desk, or even just a corner of a room where you feel comfortable and inspired. Try to minimize distractions as much as possible, and make sure the space is well-lit and well-organized (organizing can be a form of creativity as well! Thank you Marie Kondo and The Container Store)
If it’s hard for you to find time to create, try carving out small pockets of time throughout your day or week. Whether it’s waking up an hour earlier, or using your lunch break to sketch or brainstorm, finding even a little bit of time each day to dedicate to your creative pursuits can make a big difference.
2. Embrace small experiments and play!
Creativity is a fun, iterative process that often relies on a series of small experiments, especially if you’re trying something new.
Be gentle with yourself, and don’t set any expectations. Whatever you decide to create is not going to come out exactly how you envisioned it the first time, and there is certainly no such thing as “perfection.” Simply allow yourself to play around with different materials, ideas, or techniques. You never know, you may stumble upon something completely unexpected and exciting!
Allow yourself to play and explore new ideas without judgment, and keep an open mind about the process.
Remember, there are no mistakes – only opportunities to learn and grow. If it doesn’t work out the first time, try again!
3. Find your inspiration
If you feel stuck and don’t know where to start, or you don’t even know what form of creativity you want to pursue, find some inspiration! Visit art galleries and museums, read books and blogs, build out a pinterest board, or even ask your friends and family how they get creative.
Inspiration is something that resonates with you personally, not what others think you should be interested in. As you find your inspiration, focus on what speaks to you on a deeper level and sparks that creative urge.
It’s also important to seek out inspiration in unexpected places. You never know where you might find the seed of a new idea. Talk to friends or family, or head out for a leisurely walk and see what comes up for you!
4. Collaborate
Creativity doesn’t have to be a solitary activity, either! Invite your friends or family over for a painting or crafting night, or to solve a murder mystery puzzle, or to cook a fabulous meal together. There are plenty of fun group activities you can try that can both help everyone learn something new, and also push your creative boundaries in ways you might not be able to do on your own.
Collaborating with others also offers opportunities to gain feedback on your own creative endeavors, and can spark other ideas you can try together!
5. Find joy in the process.
Finally, find joy in the process itself. Creative work can be frustrating and challenging, even if it’s just a hobby; but, it is also incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Try to focus on the moments of joy and inspiration that come with your unique creative process, whether it’s the feeling of flow you get when everything is coming together just right, or the sense of pride and accomplishment when you finish something. These small moments of joy can help encourage you to learn more about yourself, and offer a sense of meaningfulness in your daily life that may be lacking when we’re stressed or overwhelmed.
Creativity is a vital part of what makes us human, so it’s important to allow yourself to explore, experiment, and learn more about this essential part of yourself. By following the tips above and staying open and curious, you can tap into your own creativity and unleash your full potential.
Got any other tips for finding creativity? Have a favorite activity yourself? We’d love to hear from you! Tell us in the comments below.
If you’re struggling to find your creativity, or can’t seem to ignite that creative spark, come find me! Together, we can discover your own beautiful, creative potential.
