We are all familiar with creativity... painting, drawing, music, writing, singing, speech, birth, sculpting, etc. & etc. & etc.! Have we each, however, been aware of our own creative abilities? Too many times I have heard someone comment that they don't have a creative bone in their body. This is unfortunate as it simply is not true. EVERYONE has creative capabilities and it is in using these capabilities that we move forward in our lives & develop ourselves. Also unfortunate is the fact that too few people are aware of how our creativity actually affects us. Creativity brings us back to the awareness of who we truly are and this is so very important. (Not to mention the changes they bring about on a cellular level in our bodies.) So what if we've never had formal training in fine arts?! So what if we can't carry a tune?! We can still do these things that we enjoy (and can even choose to do them when no one else is around to witness) or, if we don't enjoy them, find ways of creative expression that DO make us feel good. How about putting together that seemingly complicated set of shelves we bought as a kit? How about transplanting that spider-plant into a larger pot? How about doodling on a scrap piece of paper while watching our favourite t.v. program that we just can't miss? When was the last time we actually coloured in a colouring book? [Side note to those who think that they might like to colour... many bookstores actually sell colouring books for grown-ups now, consisting of complex and intricate designs of which, in some cases, require far more focus and dedication than children are capable of. This, of course, does not mean that our Scooby-Doo & Micky Mouse colouring books are too immature for us adults. I say GO FOR IT!] These are all ways of using our creative energies and there are so, so many more to choose from. And you know what? Each and every time we do anything creative, we are actually getting back to knowing who we really are. How many of us have experienced those times when we just feel out of place or in a situation that is stressful or have gotten ourselves in over our heads and are concerned about how others may view us? When we recognize that we are having these experiences we can then turn things around by reminding ourselves of who we really are. We really are people who care... and hadn't actully intended to say those hurtful words and will rectify things. Or, we really are people who can be relied on... and could have planned our time-strategy better. Or, we really are more in control of ourselves and our personal wills... and just need to allow ourselves to stop what we are doing, at any given moment, and reasses what we really want in our lives and who we really want to be. Practicing our creative abilities on a regular basis and paying attention to what this does for us will lend itself to our skill levels in dealing with life. NO!... I'm not someone who can't use my voice for truth...I SING THE TRUTH ALL THE TIME WHEN I'M AT HOME! Or, NO!... I'm not someone who can't get myself and my spending under control... I PRACTICE CONTROL ALL THE TIME WHEN I'M BUILDING THINGS! This is who we are. So...
Homework...
As we go through one day (or each day, if we like), let us make a list of all of the ways that we have used creative energies. And I mean EVERY way. At the end of the day, let us look back at our lists and truly recognize who we are and what our capabilities are. Then, let us smile and feel good and tell ourselves that we can remember this. We are great, creative beings and are moving towards being even more so!
