I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well. ~Diane Ackerman
Each of us harbors innate creativity—we were born that way. Drawing, singing, dancing, painting, and telling stories are a part of us. Whether we enjoy them or not, or consider ourselves “good” at them, we are hard-wired to create. Do you remember if anyone was required to teach you how to finger paint or to teach you to tell a spooky story around the campfire? I mean, geez!
Granted, taking classes to learn painting techniques, music theory, or tap dance is all well and good. But, have you ever tried being creative or attempting something you’ve always wanted to try, without a lot of planning or classes? Just for the hell of it? You might surprise yourself.
My mate, Scott, and I have a tradition of making cards for each other for our birthdays and holidays. We both love to create and one of the ways we manifest the creative muse is to hand craft personal sentiments. For my recent birthday, Scott painted a landscape card using a mini set of watercolors (top image).
Neither of us have had formal training. We just create for the fun of it. And yeah, many of you out there may think the examples of art I post here today are, frankly, only worthy for my refrigerator door. But, I would like to put forward that it is the process of creating that counts. I love that we do this for each other. And, frankly, it is fun!
I see unleashing creativity as a spiritual practice. When I let my mind wander through a musical piece at the piano, or when I tell a funny story to a friend, I am closer to heaven. Here’s the thing: creativity is hardwired in us. Creativity rests at our core! If you think you might want to draw, draw! What are you waiting for?
Recently I became interested in drawing with pen and ink. I have no idea what I’m doing, so I simply started letting it flow. You may have gathered from my recent hiking post that I love trees, lichens(!), and nature. I love the process of putting pen to page as a writer, too. So, what could be better than drawing trees? Here are a couple examples of my pen and ink tree experiment. I had a ball! It was fun!
For me, drawing has become a meditative experience. I’m using a different part of my brain, stimulating other areas of my cortex that need some exercise, too.
I hope that you’ll consider doing something creative today that you don’t normally do. If you’re a writer, paint! If you’re a scientist, draw! If you’re an engineer, dance!
Celebrate the gifts that arrive hardwired at birth. You may open up a part of you that you never knew existed.
“But if you have nothing at all to create, then perhaps you create yourself.” Carl Jung
I would love it if you drew or painted something for me, or if you sang for me and sent me a recording, or if you recorded your awesome dance moves and sent me a video. Live life well! Unleash your creativity!
I walked an uncomfortable edge today by showing you my art—it’s your turn!
Create a great day, everyone.
Lori,
I love the art you’re sharing here! It’s great because it’s real and it comes from a place of deep meaning. For me, right now – this creative side that I sometimes let out is through the piano. I haven’t had lessons since I was 12 years old. And back then, piano was the last thing I wanted to do. Today, though, even though I’m not very good at reading music, I like to sit down and play. I find it deeply connecting for me. And I don’t play from a book. I just go with what feels right on the keys. Usually that’s a somber and meditative type piece – as it helps to put me into that space within myself I’m seeking. Although on Saturday, I went a little more lively (at least for me!).
This has become something that just really feels “right”. And it’s certainly not that I’m any good at it. I’m not. I just find it soothing for my soul. My next project to tackle is guitar…my wife got the guitar for me, now I just have to spend some time with it.
Lori, I love how you’ve openly shared here, and showed a side we normally wouldn’t see. Beautiful…
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
Hi Lance,
I loved hearing about your creative outlets. I just knew you’d have a great example and story, being the talented writer you are.
As a pianist, myself, music is the ultimate in creativity. I can sit for hours and let it flow out from me onto the keys. It is truly other-worldly. I’m happy to read that you connect with this form of creativity, too.
And, you’ve hit upon a very important point, here, “And it’s certainly not that I’m any good at it. I’m not. I just find it soothing for my soul.”
Right on!!
Who cares what others define as good or with merit. You’re doing it – and its coming from your heart out into the world.
Bravo, Lance, bravo!
I love this post, Lori! Your artwork is awesome. I’d love to hear you play the piano sometime, too. As Lisis and I have bot said before, is there anything you’ can’t do? And I don’t buy the dancing thing! I bet you’re even good at that!
My own creativity takes a number of forms. I have the writing thing going on, but I also play guitar, write songs, and dabble in several other instruments. I’d like to be able to draw or paint, but I’ve never taken the time to really practice it.
I believe (like you) that creativity is a spiritual practice, connecting us with the Divine and our own higher selves. It’s definitely a spiritual practice. No matter what form it takes, or how well you do it, it is relaxing, calming, and beautiful.
.-= Jay Schryer´s last blog ..The Power of A Smile =-.
Jay,
Aw, I’m blushing! *wink*
Thanks for your kind comments here.
Man, I’d love to hear you play your guitar – I bet you can shuck it down to the cob (how was that, Lisis?? – ha)
Really, I bet you are very good, Jay!
And, just like Lance, you hit it right on the mark! “No matter what form it takes, or how well you do it, it is relaxing, calming, and beautiful.”
Right on, brother!
P.S. I stand firmly on my comment, you don’t want to see me dance! I’ll do it, I’ll let ‘er rip, but no one should have to witness the event…
Lori:
Great post! Thanks for sharing your art…its really, really good. I also think you and your husband’s tradition of making cards for each other is an awesome idea…I may steal that idea for future use. In any case, I think you hit the nail on the head in terms of creativity. I think all of us are more creative than we think we are. I want to try a little more sketching, but like you and your dancing, its not going to be pretty.
.-= Tim´s last blog ..Having Fun With Social Media =-.
Tim,
Hey, thanks for the warm fuzzies. Don’t tell anyone that your check is in the mail (ha).
Yes, card making is fun! Plus, it saves money spent on cards that never quite say what you intend and you can look back over the years and remember those times with even better clarity. I highly recommend it!
Sketch away, Tim, sketch to your heart’s content. It is surprising how fun it is and easier it becomes over time.
Enjoy your day and week!
I’m a former drawer-and-painter, now writer, but my creative outlet is travel photography. We’ve got another trip planned, so I’ll share some photos with you when we return. Thank you for sharing your art. I love it. (You should post the art from your wedding invitation, too!)
.-= Alison | Quest for Balance´s last blog ..Inspiration from Osho: Three Truths About Life =-.
Despite the fact of our hard-wired gift to create, most of us prevented from expressing it. We are not aware of our abilities, instead we try to copy others’ gift. If only we attain awareness of our self we can discover our true potential.
Hi Alison,
(or maybe you told me and it seeped through the swiss cheese…?) That’s cool!
I didn’t know that you draw and paint! Wow, someone has some ‘splaining to do.
I can see you someday making a living from your travel photography. Your photos are gorgeous! And, you love to travel, too, so – why not?
In the mean time, enjoy being creative, Alison. You are a creative soul and I am sure unleashing your creativity will bring even greater peace and happiness to your life. Have a great week, Alison!
Walter,
Thanks for leaving your thoughts here with me today. I believe you’ve spoken truth with wisdom; I, too, believe that we all have gifts that, for most of us, lie dormant in us. We should be ourselves and let our gifts rise to the surface – to benefit everyone.
Thanks for stopping by and I wish you a beautiful week!
Good on you for putting your art out there Lori (it’s great by the way)! The world misses out whenever anyone hides their artwork for fear of judgement from others.
Me, well I have a thing for writing and you already know I love an impromptu Flashdance routine. I was always creative as a kid but I’ve only really started re-exploring my creative side in recent years as an adult. I’m glad I did, my life has more meaning because of it.
.-= Sami – Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s last blog ..The Future of Life, Laughs & Lemmings =-.
Sami,
Thank you for appreciating my refrigerator art. Believe me, I never thought those cards would see anything outside the bounds of our kitchen.
I’m glad you’ve been exploring your creative side, Sami! I mean, geez, the Flashdance routine alone is worth it! And, seriously, you have a talent for writing and living life to the fullest. Thank you for sharing that with us. Cheers to you, Sami!
Speaking of exploring new art mediums… last night Hunter and I were up late watching this sand artist on youtube. You know… the one that has sand on a backlit table and uses her fingers to move sand away, creating ever-changing scenes. Well Hunter LOVED it and said he wanted to try that!
Great! I thought. I mean it IS great that he wants to explore new creative styles, but… umm… how the heck are we gonna do THAT? So, at 11:00 last night, I busted out the flour ALL over my blue kitchen counters and we stood UP in some creative expression.
He thought I’d lost my mind (as did Jeff, I’m sure). But we had a ton of fun!
.-= Lisis´s last blog ..Road to Freedom Update #4: Free At Last!!! =-.
Lisis,
Excellent!
You and Hunter get an A+ for unleashing your creativity! Bravo, girl, bravo for busting into the flour!
I’m glad you mentioned the sand painting thing, too. Sami (see the comment above this one) actually posted that video on her site a few days ago. I watched it that night with Scott and it blew our minds! I am so glad that Hunter can express himself and had the yiitzee to take a stab at it.
I think you’ve inspired me to break out my flour tonight. Excellent idea!
That video was fantastic. We were totally mesmerized by it. I must admit, our creations weren’t nearly as… elegant, but we had a blast trying!
.-= Lisis´s last blog ..Road to Freedom Update #4: Free At Last!!! =-.