7 Steps to Greater Creativity

Photo by Joanne Zh, Dreamstime

Creativity is one of those mysterious words.  Some people think creativity is reserved only for special individuals who create great “art”.   A simple way of defining creativity is the act of making something new.  Creativity generally involves looking at things with fresh insight or trying some new technique or approach to solve a problem.  When I showed some friends and colleagues a mock flyer for my creativity and life coaching workshops, most of the time their first response was “I can’t draw” or “I’m not creative”.   I disagree.  We are all creative beings, and blessed with talents that mostly remain hidden or stuffed away.  We would really love to be more creative and unleash all our talent, but it is scary and we don’t know where to begin.

Being creative does not have to involve high art.  It can be as simple as making a beautiful meal for family or friends.  Or maybe working in your garden and creating a tranquil oasis  with Mother Nature.  It could mean getting out your scrapbook and making beautiful memories.  Of course, you can always paint, play the guitar, write a novel etc.   Each person defines creativity differently and expresses it in unique ways. 

 Here are 7 practices I personally use to help nurture my creativity:

1.       Turn down the volume

We live in an increasingly noisy world, especially those of us who live in cities.  Also we are surrounded by people with cell phones that ring at inconvenient times (like last night at the end of a beautiful yin yoga class!).   There is even a new term called noise pollution to describe this growing problem.  If we can’t control the noise level in the outside world, at least we can control the volume inside our homes and minds.  You need to find that “still, small voice” within and it is impossible to hear it when there is too much distraction and noise.  Creativity is all about expressing your unique voice and talents and you need to be able to listen to your intuition to discover what that means for you.

Externally you can turn off the TV or radio and just enjoy some peace and quiet.  If you have kids, maybe designate a “quiet time” each day, where they silently read or draw. Perhaps stop by a park and sit quietly for fifteen minutes before you get home.  Internally we are plagued by the constant chatter (usually negative and unconnected) in our minds.  Try a technique such as meditation, focusing with total awareness on your present activity, or repeating a positive affirmation or mantra. 

2.       Connect with nature

Spending time in nature revitalizes us and makes us notice how much beauty there is in the world.  I am lucky because I live in Arizona where I am surrounded mostly by mountains rather than skyscrapers.  On my way to and from work each day I drive though some beautiful scenery and it is a constant source of renewal.   It reminds me of the wonder of creation, and makes me want to create something myself.    You don’t need to plan a trip to an exotic location.  If you are lucky enough to have a garden plant a few seeds or sit quietly and enjoy the surroundings.  Maybe there is a park close to your home you could visit and go for a nice walk.  Find some way to connect with nature and you will be rewarded.

3.       Always carry a recording tool

Choose your poison – small notebook, sketchbook, digital camera, phone, video device, etc.  Creativity is all about being in the present moment.  When inspiration strikes, you want to be able to record your thoughts in whatever manner best suits your nature.  Otherwise sometimes you later forget what you wanted to write, or the moment passes and cannot be recaptured and you lose an opportunity for a great photo.  Nowadays, I always carry a small notebook and digital camera with me at all times.   When I get a flash of inspiration, I write it down or take a photo straight away.  I have a notebook full of ideas for blog posts for months to come.  I have taken some beautiful photos because I had my camera available, and was in the present moment.

4.       Solitude

We are social animals and love company.  We need to be connected with others whether it is in person or with a blogging community.   However we are often so busy and over committed that we don’t spend time alone.  I am social and love people, but ever since I was a little kid, I always spent a lot of time alone.  My mother told me I would always be in good company!

Solitude is another tool that rejuvenates your soul – you get to discover what you really like and want, without having to consider the wishes of others.  Make an appointment with yourself and spend some time alone!  Get to discover what excites your soul or just enjoy some stillness in this crazy world.  Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way calls this an artist date and says “You cannot afford not to find time for artist dates”.

5.        Quit making excuses

You know the type: “I’m too young” … “I’m too old”…”I’m not good enough” …”I don’t have time” …”I don’t have money” etc.  These are self limiting beliefs that have no basis in reality.  Most of what we worry about never comes to pass.  If you are waiting for the perfect time to create something or do what you really want, it will never happen.  Trust in existence.  Stop making excuses and whining and instead start making something that feeds your spirit!

6.       Experience something “Live”

We live in an ever more virtual world, whether it is video games, Wii tennis or whatever takes your fancy.  I love technology and how it helps us communicate, but there is nothing like experiencing something live.  This past week I visited the Phoenix Art Museum twice.  A colleague and I brought a group of students on a field trip on Tuesday, and the previous Sunday we went to scope out the museum and see what artwork we wanted to show the students. 

In my opinion, a museum is a spiritual place.  You are surrounded by artwork that may have just been created, and also work that is hundreds or thousands of years old.  You can feel the power of the artwork and it touches you on a deep level.  After both trips to the museum last week I felt inspired, healthy, and balanced.  Seeing an artwork in person is a totally different experience than looking at an image in a book or online.

What is your passion?  If you love music, check out a local band.  If you like gardening, visit a botanical garden in your area.  Find something you like and experience it “live”!

7.       Start blogging

I just started my blog two months ago.  To be honest, I felt like I had a major creative block before I started blogging.  For the past few years, I felt like I had been using my creative energies primarily to serve others.  Somewhere along the line, I was squeezed dry. 

Since I started blogging, I am invigorated again, and the creative ideas are just flowing.  Not only that, but I am acting on those ideas.  I love writing and taking photos and constantly carry a notebook and camera to capture those inspirational moments.  I am also experimenting with other new media and am starting work on a new series of paintings.  I feel such joy again, and wonder how I survived without expressing myself so freely for so long.  I recently attended a WordCamp and had a blast!  I learned what a fun, good-looking group bloggers are!  Blogging is basically self expression and self publishing, and you are the editor.  How cool is that?

How do you define creativity?

What are you willing to do to nurture creativity in your life?

What would you like to experience “live”?

Related posts:

1. Fab Five Books on Creativity As an artist, educator, and spiritual seeker, I would like...
2. Chakras and Creativity The chakras are subtle energy centers in our auric bodies...
3. 7 Tips to Cultivate Wonder and Creativity A well-known holiday tune made famous by the singer Bing...