Choose To Be Creative

Choose To Be Creative

When we ‘Choose To Be Creative’ we decide to see the world with fresh open eyes! We make new connections and perceive new facets of experiencing life. Our simple being, doing and living takes on new dimension! There are several theories espousing the nature of Creativity depending on what viewpoint you resonate most with. Various pathways and brain processes fuel creative momentum. A wide confluence of factors, beyond the scope of this article, may enhance or thwart creative capacity.

Firstly, from a very basic standpoint we know from psycho-biological and motivational research that ‘perceptual acuity’ is an essential sensory tool that is fundamental to the process. This is the ability to develop our power of perception and notice a nuance of context and relationships so we may generate new associations. So if we wish to improve our ‘perceptual acuity’ we can challenge ourselves daily by observing and noting subtleties that we had previously been oblivious to or otherwise glanced over! So the pearl of wisdom is to take time to observe and notice something new whenever you can! It just might be fun!

A legitimate discussion of Creativity must include both Convergent and Divergent thinking processes to explain the methodology of the Creative Brain! Divergent processes emerge from a nonlinearity, which is a primary tenet that encourages the process of creativity! It is known that Divergent thinkers think much differently than the majority do! Interestingly, according to Author Jocelyn K. Glei in her article “You Can’t Be Creative WIthout Being in Your Body” this free flowing divergence, a defocused process, greatly improves through engaging in activities such as dancing, running or walking. So it's good to remember that physical activity is a catalyst that just may enhance your creative flow. Whereas, convergent thinking emphasize the process of evaluation and attaining a logical answer which is primarily a linear process. We can appreciate the sequence and blend of both of these processes as useful in their own way!! What we experience is only a subpart of the whole; therefore, opening ourselves to greater sensitivity is a great way to become more imaginative and creative!

Along similar lines of discussion, it helps to recognize the balance of explicit and implicit conceptual blending. Basically our internal (implicit) emotional state and motivational outlook coupled with the explicit detail of our surroundings inspires us to express our own flow of creativity. I know this is so true for myself in that getting outside especially in nature’s surroundings always does me a world of good. The sacred space of nature is a gentle invitation to expand awareness and inspire clarity. It enables me to access a deeper level of intuition and knowing which also promotes creativity! You and I know that we just can’t force creative energy, though we can encourage it by recognizing helpful tips when we really ‘Choose To Be Creative!’

Another Model derived from Maslow’s humanistic philosophy addresses prototypical levels of human need with personal growth at the top tier where creativity is found. With this model, we distinguish between 3 types of creativity! These are ‘Primary’ creativity which is basically a spontaneous escape from reality, ‘Secondary’ which involves more thought out processes and ‘Integrated’ which is how great art, philosophy and scientific discoveries are made. It helps to know the later reflects advances for society.

Needless to say that in order to reach the threshold of creative success, concerns regarding incubation and breakthrough can't be overlooked! It is known that Visionaries who build visions often experience a so called ‘confusion’ which is the learning state they encounter prior to that welcoming breakthrough to more meaningful, higher levels of artful recognition. The artist who struggles knows this is true and must honor this state of ‘confusion’ as a timely moment for incubation as well as the opportunity for new neural networks to form. Incubation is the necessary period of time for the idea/ construct to fully manifest in totality. Another advantage is that Incubation allows for recovery from the fatigue and frustration that could be present. So the next time you feel that stagnant feeling that puts things on hold, remember Incubation is ok! It's not procrastination!

My last point for this article is the emergent research providing evidence that our brain’s plasticity enables us to form new paths for thinking/ behaving and also for creative innovation. In her article “What Is Brain Plasticity?” (2018) Kendra Cherry underscores that it is the brain’s true capacity for malleability. This neurogenisis, or capacity to reorganize pathways and create new connections, occurs ongoing throughout our lives! This is good news for those who want to expand their awareness and increase their creativity!! There's always that possibility!

In closing, let's all recognize and appreciate that Creative sparks are divine gifts!! They allow us to find such fascinating discoveries about ourselves and the world. When we get these sparks let's use them the best way we know how!!! I hope that you follow your intuition and ‘Choose To Be Creative!’ It’s your birthright!