Creative Practice
Cre·a·tiv·i·ty
A Grounding & Inspiring workspace
How to set up:
~ Have your materials accessible
Cover the table with a drop cloth, newsprint, or larger paper.
Water for paint in a small jar
Paper towel or cloth for blotting
~Create a comfortable environment
Drink/tea/snacks
Limit distractions (this is huge. set yourself up to not move for at least 30mins. Use the washroom and put your phone on silent)
Sketchbook or journal
Personal items - cozy blanket
Light a candle
Surround yourself with images and objects that inspire you and bring you joy.
3. Take time for stillness
I know we all have busy lives. Taking time for stillness and silence can be a rare commodity for many people (which, in part, is the reason stress and stress-related illnesses are so prevalent in our modern culture). For me, I am happy to get 5 minutes of quiet somewhere in my day to just sit and think! Why? Because the muse visits those who show up and listen within for new ideas, for creative impulses.
I love the quiet moments of the morning before my kids wake up, with the first cup of coffee and my journal; I can pen more ideas in these few minutes than in an entire day when distractions and multitasking are more present. Stillness and silence help to clear our minds, help us relax and slow down, thus opening up the inner space for creative ideas to arrive.
4. Engage in purposeful storytelling
Storytelling is a creative process that allows for learning, transformation and growth at both the individual and organizational levels. Tell your story – Why do you do what you do? How do you do what you do? Our stories show the narrative of our personal ways of being in the world and can highlight our strengths, interests, talents and learning moments. When told to a listener (a colleague, team, friend, etc.), we find new sources of inspiration that are unique to us, but at their core have universal meaning. We can also write our story with positive affirmations and setting intentions.
5. Foster curiosity
Curiosity is the fuel of creative expression. Questions can be asked, mistakes can be made, new ways of doing things can be found, and more. There are no mistakes in Art making.
Creativity takes courage - which means creativity is the exact opposite of fear. When you begin to follow the path of creativity and you begin to become more authentic to who you are, you begin to listen to yourself more deeply. You make space for the things you want to grow. You might begin to manifest what you think about faster when your thoughts are in alignment with who you really truly are. Creativity involves curiosity, experimenting, and not being afraid to fail, because through creating we realize that failure is just part of the process of discovery. The most wonderful thing we have is creativity over our own lives!
The ultimate purpose of creativity is to expand and elevate your life by cultivating a healthy mind and manifesting your dreams.
Cultivating your creative practice
1. Dedicate a creative space
A bench in the back of the garage may serve, or a big chair under an open window – wherever it is you choose, take ownership and say out loud, “This is my creative space”. At home, I even just use a tray sometimes. This way I can start a project and move it place to place without it being disturbed. You can sit and sketch anywhere!
Don’t postpone finding and declaring your creative space. The benefit of having a creative space, either at work or at home, says you are taking creativity seriously and making room (literally) for inspiration to flow.
2. Enter your creative space regularly
By simply being in your declared creative space, at home or at work, creative energy and synergy will happen. It is an act of commitment to show up in front of the blank page, the canvas, the new business plan, the pieces of a new invention, the mass of clay, or the not yet fully formed new idea. It is a simple creative truth: by putting yourself in your creative space regularly, creative thinking will naturally emerge and flow.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
The following questions make great journaling prompts. Or perhaps you want to make a mindmap of your answers, create a vision board, write a poem, or simply go for a walk in nature and mull over your responses and insights. The creative choice is yours…
What is your unique form of self-expression or creativity?
What does creativity mean to you?
How does creativity show up in your work and life?
If you were striving to become more creative, what actions would you take?
Who is the most creative person you know? What about them makes them creative?
What benefits would you like to experience from cultivating more creativity in your life?
How might greater creative self-expression enhance your life and career?