Why is it that a lot of us long to be creative? What is it about artists that draw us to analyze and often mimic their lifestyle? Is it the fact that they seem to not care about life’s issues in the same way that we do? Is it because creative people seem to not follow the crowd which seems freeing in itself? Perhaps what we are longing for is to be comfortable in our own skin and not be afraid to be different from the norm. I’m not saying that we need to be obnoxiously flamboyant, but maybe what we should do is to start thinking outside the box and start living in the body that we’ve been given. All of us have something unique to offer!
If you are reading this and have no desire to be creative, then you don’t have to read on, but if you do, I listed some ideas that might lead you in that direction!
Psychology today published an article called, A Step-By-Step Guide To Creative Behavior, in it they said, “To be creative is not in any case a psychological destination or a permanent state of affairs. It is, rather, a behavioral process, a habit of intention, a fortuitous act.”
Here are my suggestions for how you could start making creativity a part of your lifestyle and maybe you will discover that you are an artist afterall!
1. 1. Get inspired by other artists: find your favorite painting, song, book even dancer and figure out why each one captures your attention. Maybe there is a common thread between all of them!
This is my favorite painting of the week!
This is my favorite song of the week, Somewhere over the Rainbow by
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. I know this song has been around for a while but I just love it!
2. 2. See things from all angles: Lets stop looking at things straight on, dissect the object, location, or person( not literally of course). Dig deeper and go beyond the surface.
3. 3. Take up a creative hobby whether you are good at it or not: If you really want to draw then draw, if you really want to learn the guitar then learn it! What’s stopping you? I bet I know, it’s a fear of not being good at doing whatever it is. Well I’m hear to tell you to get over it! Now is the time to learn something new. You will not be good at whatever it is overnight, but you will only get better if you keep at it. The more you do it the better you will get! It is not a waste of time to learn how to do something. It makes life exciting and makes you well rounded.
I want to learn how to play the ukulele!
4. 4. Learn to live in the moment and let your experiences speak to you: become aware of your senses take note of smells, sights, sounds, tastes, feelings, and people you are with . We often do this on vacation because it is something we want to remember. Start doing that in your ordinary life on your way to work, or when you are in line buying lunch I bet you can find something of interest in those situations if you really pay attention. Artist are often curious people who enjoy experiencing!
5. 5. Become an explorer of life: You don’t have to explore new land to be an explorer. The definition of Explorer is, “someone who travels into little known regions.” Discover things about moments in your life or your character that no one else could explore but you!
Finally, you don't have to be good at drawing, singing or dancing to see the world like an artist, instead you can learn how to create to the best of your ability and take time to enjoy the beauty of life in all its rawness.
