The colors of creativity

Most people think creativity is only for artsy people. Yet creativity is simply the process of solving problems.

by Shelia Eastman — 

I  love being creative every day. All my life I have been told I am very creative. For that matter, I often have too many ideas, which makes it hard to stop the flow. But I believe that everyone, with a little practice, can and should be over-the-top creative.

You often hear people say that they do not have a creative bone in their body; after all, they cannot draw or paint, do not do crafts, or write short stories or poems. Most people think creativity is only for artsy people. Yet creativity is simply the process of solving problems.

So even if you draw stick figures, you will need to use creative skills, as there are always plenty of problems to solve. And if you think brain health is important, realize that every time you are being creative, that activity is actually changing your brain chemistry in the memory area of your brain. Creativity will keep your brain fit and your problem-solving abilities in top form.

Here are a few tips on how to start practicing the art of creativity and get your creative juices flowing. The benefits will enhance your life and improve your work and play. You will feel better about yourself and become a more interesting person.

• Do not be so hard on yourself. Reality is in your words. So get rid of the negative talk and believe that you are creative — and you will be exactly that.
• Dump your junk. Jot down all that stuff whirling around in your head, but do not go back and read it. Let it go and stop worrying.
• Carry a notebook or recorder. You can come up with terrific ideas when you least expect it, so record them. Do not judge them, because they could be just what you need.
• Learn to quiet the mind. Qigong is based on a flowing exercise movement program that uses deep breathing and creates moving meditation. It will renew energy, improve memory and clarity, and enhance well-being.
• Shake up the routine. Take a day trip, go to a museum or art gallery, doodle your ideas in color, try something totally new, take an art or craft class or, better yet, find a creative workshop.
• Carry a camera and snap away. We do not need a new location to take pictures. Rather, we need to see what is in front of us differently.
• Do not give up; creativity can be challenging. Sometimes it is like getting water from a rock. So make a list; write your ideas down; surround yourself with creative people; use your crayons and color outside the lines; do not judge; ask yourself questions; and consider everything worthy. Just keep writing and asking — answers will come.

Appreciate that we all can be abundantly creative with some practice and self-care. And regular use of your creativity will go a long way in helping you to be the best you can be, at any age.

Sheila Eastman is a qigong practitioner teaching in the Phoenix area. She is a senior fitness instructor, Tai Chi Easy and Brain Fitness facilitator and does private sessions. She is the creator of EZ Qigong Movements. www.ezqigongmovements.com.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 32, Number 1, February/March 2013.