Creativity in Crises
Last Friday, like hundreds of thousands of Oregonians, my electricity went out. It was 19 degrees Fahrenheit and little did I know at the time I was in for six days of this. The roads were so icy, no one was going anywhere.
In two pair of long johns, two pair of trousers, three shirts, a fleece jacket, coat, socks, boots, hat and fingerless gloves I sat down to do some art.
Why?
Why not hunker beneath six blankets on the bed?
Because these crises are not going away. Because I want my soul to sing no matter what's going on. Because I know there are many reasons why my creative voice is needed now more than ever.
Here are 5 reasons to keep doing your creative work no matter what's going on in the world. Pandemics, protests, politics, climate chaos -- oh there are so many reasons to hunker down and do nothing. Here are important reasons to do SOMETHING:
Creativity keeps your spirits up
I don't know about you, but with all of the crises, from pandemics to wildfires, it's easy to get down. Way down. Doing your creative work is scientifically shown to fire certain chemicals in the brain that keeps you happier, and better able to weather the weather whatever the weather.
Creativity keeps your mind active and flexible
What better way to be able to handle crises than a flexible, well-honed, creative mind? Rigidity is the thing of the past. We must adapt. And adapt. And adapt. A creative practice keeps your adaptability muscle strong.
Your creative voice inspires others
I promise you that when you post a painting or a poem, when you write a book and others read it, you're inspiring others to keep going in these unprecedented times. Creativity inspires, provokes, engages, connects, and motivates! You're art and writing are your activism. Get to work.
What else are you going to do?
Sit around and worry, fret, scream at others on social media, panic? Drink and smoke too much? Eat too much? Your creativity provides you with a healthy outlet that can help keep you aligned with a healthy mental state. You need all of your marbles to manage the current paradigm. Engage and activate them. I know from all the coaching and teaching that I do, that every person is a powerhouse of creative passion. If we could unleash 1/10th of that we could and we will change the world and make it a more exciting place.
Creativity is Diversity
You personally are a seething cauldron of diverse creative expression. What you know of your creativity is the tip of the iceberg of your potential. Now, add to this, the diversity of expression among different people of different races and ethnicities and cultures, and what an exciting delicious world we live in. How many times have you gone onto social media and seen a work of art from a far away country and your jaw has dropped. It happens to me daily. Creativity is the very essence of diversity -- add your voice to the diverse pool. It's important.
What creative project can you dive back into today, or start right now? What are you putting off? Dust yourself off and get to work. The world needs you.
In two pair of long johns, two pair of trousers, three shirts, a fleece jacket, coat, socks, boots, hat and fingerless gloves I sat down to do some art.
Why?
Why not hunker beneath six blankets on the bed?
Because these crises are not going away. Because I want my soul to sing no matter what's going on. Because I know there are many reasons why my creative voice is needed now more than ever.
Here are 5 reasons to keep doing your creative work no matter what's going on in the world. Pandemics, protests, politics, climate chaos -- oh there are so many reasons to hunker down and do nothing. Here are important reasons to do SOMETHING:
Creativity keeps your spirits up
I don't know about you, but with all of the crises, from pandemics to wildfires, it's easy to get down. Way down. Doing your creative work is scientifically shown to fire certain chemicals in the brain that keeps you happier, and better able to weather the weather whatever the weather.
Creativity keeps your mind active and flexible
What better way to be able to handle crises than a flexible, well-honed, creative mind? Rigidity is the thing of the past. We must adapt. And adapt. And adapt. A creative practice keeps your adaptability muscle strong.
Your creative voice inspires others
I promise you that when you post a painting or a poem, when you write a book and others read it, you're inspiring others to keep going in these unprecedented times. Creativity inspires, provokes, engages, connects, and motivates! You're art and writing are your activism. Get to work.
What else are you going to do?
Sit around and worry, fret, scream at others on social media, panic? Drink and smoke too much? Eat too much? Your creativity provides you with a healthy outlet that can help keep you aligned with a healthy mental state. You need all of your marbles to manage the current paradigm. Engage and activate them. I know from all the coaching and teaching that I do, that every person is a powerhouse of creative passion. If we could unleash 1/10th of that we could and we will change the world and make it a more exciting place.
Creativity is Diversity
You personally are a seething cauldron of diverse creative expression. What you know of your creativity is the tip of the iceberg of your potential. Now, add to this, the diversity of expression among different people of different races and ethnicities and cultures, and what an exciting delicious world we live in. How many times have you gone onto social media and seen a work of art from a far away country and your jaw has dropped. It happens to me daily. Creativity is the very essence of diversity -- add your voice to the diverse pool. It's important.
What creative project can you dive back into today, or start right now? What are you putting off? Dust yourself off and get to work. The world needs you.
No comments have been added yet.
