What's the Big Deal About Creativity?
For me, it's about becoming more alive.
We have art so that we shall not die of the truth. Friedrich Nietzsche
If truth is something that people die of, it begs the question…
What’s killing us?
Anxiety is running rampant.
According to Psychology Today,
“Anxiety is now the leading mental health problem around the world, and the incidence of anxiety is still rising, especially among youth.”
Social media does not help. Overloaded with information, nothing feels worthwhile. Our thoughts are constantly interrupted, and we become scattered.
We can’t process life’s fast pace but don’t know how to get out of the race. That feeling of being trapped and the stress it produces is not healthy. It can work its way into disturbed sleep and serious health issues.
The commonly heard refrain is — to unplug and detox your brain by getting off the gadgets, but without something more worthwhile to call to us, it simply doesn’t happen.
That few minutes on social media stretches into hours even when we know it’s not good for us.
Here’s what helped to light up my life and refresh my weary soul.
The beginning
Beginnings are hard.
Often, they take courage; always, they take effort and energy. But a start is what is needed when you want to make changes.
No one else can do this for you. Finding the oomph to get up and try is up to you. I hope to convince you it’s worthwhile. The ‘it’ is creativity.
Step one is exploring to find your passion.
What is calling to you? Is it writing, painting, woodworking, music, fiber art, or dance? There is a world of possibilities for creative focus.
If you aren’t sure, you can explore. Some activities are more solo, although there can be groups for almost anything.
If you would enjoy the encouragement of a group for your creative activities, local libraries are great resources for finding various clubs and activities.
For me, the original spark was drawing and painting. But diverse creative possibilities abound.
And to all the creative writers on Substack, it’s a joy sharing this space with you as we cheer each other on.
It doesn’t have to be expensive.
You can be flexible about how much or little you invest in exploring new interests. If art interests you but paints are too expensive, drawing is a creative expression, too. A 4B pencil and paper are all you need.
A recorder costs less than a flute and makes captivating sounds.
Most folks have a cell phone, and I have seen some creative photography produced on those. You don’t have to have big expensive lenses anymore.
Are you always meaning to go for a walk, but tend to avoid getting around to it? There could be a nearby group for that. Getting out into nature is a valuable way to break the negative mental trends that so easily happen. Walking is also recommended as a way to boost creativity. Leave the gadgets at home.
Don’t let finances discourage you from your creative calling.
Maintaining the flow
Once you find a creative interest, life changes.
A new interest gives you a new subject to spend time on, ponder, and relate to others about. Once you get some basics down, the joy of creative flow can kick in. Get a taste of that, and you will become eager to spend time there.
Ask any writer, painter, or creative enthusiast what they love about what they do. It will be the creative flow.
Creative flow is a wondrous thing. You lose track of time, worry is impossible, and suddenly you feel glad to be alive.
Give yourself grace
Don’t be deceived into thinking your song, painting, short story, or movie review needs to be a masterpiece. Golly, we are hard on ourselves — so unnecessary.
Instant masterpieces are not reality, but a fantasy based on rare exceptions.
The media loves these rare exceptions, and we do too. They make for captivating stories. However, when we hear those stories, do we take to heart just how rare they are? Yes, there are geniuses, but do we also consider how much luck has had a say in fame?
I digress. The important point here is that when you are being creative, the goal is to enjoy the refreshing state of creative flow. The object being produced (if there is one) is of secondary importance. This is a work of the heart. A work meant to help set you free from this racing information-packed life.
I understand that you want to improve your skills. So you don’t get discouraged, be aware that mediocre paintings or cringe-worthy first drafts will happen along the way. That is where we all start. Even the greats were beginners once.
“It’s far easier to let go of the need for a specific outcome when you value the growth that happens in you when you simply create something that day.” — From Creatively Jacked by Alex Mathers
Accept the time needed to learn, but more than that, embrace the joy of getting into creative mode. Ironically, you will learn faster when you do.
Benefits
Here’s a statistic to knock your socks out of the park.
According to research by Dr. Karyn Purvis, scientists have discovered that it takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain unless it is done in play, in which case it only takes 10 to 20 repetitions.
Creative mode is play mode, where learning takes place faster.
The potential health benefits of being creative are significant. Salient Health confirms:
Engaging in creative pursuits can serve as a powerful antidote to the stresses and anxieties of modern life.
This antidote is needed in our fast-paced world, for ourselves and others.
Creativity is how I escape stress, anxiety, and information overload. It opens my mind to a happier way to live. And it’s not just me.
It’s how humans are made - a built-in need to be creative to feel fully alive. Combine that with some time with others who share your interest and it’s a winning formula for a richer life.
Let’s encourage each other to live better. Let’s turn off the gadgets, get creative, and live more fully.