As I was walking out of a store today an elderly woman walked in with a tied up, basketball size bag of plastic bags for recycling. Rather than simply drop it in the bin, she walked by, flicked it into the air with her wrist putting backspin onto it , and it landed with a swish like it was the game-winning shot.
That’s an expression of creativity.
And she did it for the heck of it.
She didn’t care who saw it, it was just a creative moment.
Create not because you have to,but because you want to.
It doesn’t have to be perfect or useful; just be you. I made this video in 15 minutes and had a blast.
When we create just for the joy of it, we tap into something special. Peer-reviewed research supports this, indicating that creativity leads to personal fulfillment and can even be therapeutic. And joyful creative people make for powerful innovators.
So go ahead, let your inner child out and create for yourself…
Seventeen long years In darkness, dirt and voiceless Now sun, flight and song!
One of the longer insect life cycles in the world is the 17-year Locust (which is actually a cicada). Today I was able to witness one as it experienced daylight for the first time in over a decade. I truly felt honored . White, soft, and fragile but it will soon be black and armored.
I’ve always been fascinated by the intense color combo. It’s not the olive green and drab of the perennial varieties but intense black, orange, yellow and red! It’s like these are designed to say:
“Predators be damned! This is me, world! I’m free to move in three dimensions and I am going to make my mark!”
There’s a lesson here for all of us. So often we spend our lives in the dirt and dark and feel voiceless and oftentimes it’s even of our own making or because we are afraid.
Let’s not wait 17 years to sing.
This is your day to shine and be you in the colors of your choosing!
In environments often dominated by rapid changes and high pressure, calmness stands out as a key ingredient for innovative thinking and creative solutions. This state of tranquility allows the mind to navigate away from the distractions of stress and emotional disturbances, taking a path towards deeper, more creative insights.
This peaceful mindset is equally vital in collaborative efforts. A calm individual is better equipped to listen, understand, and integrate diverse perspectives, which are crucial for effective and innovative teamwork.
What makes calmness especially powerful is that when things seem chaotic, it’s the calm demeanor that rises above the noise and captures attention. And then, in a mysterious fashion, calm becomes contagious and spreads. It’s not that the chaos doesn’t exist…
…it just doesn’t matter.
In what ways are you nurturing calm within yourself, and how are you facilitating the growth of this serenity in others?
Discovering your creative True North takes an adventurous spirit, as our compass points not to the fully known, but to misty, glowing horizons of possibility…
The drive to create, improve and explore, beckons us all if we but listen.
I invite you to experiment boldly, learn relentlessly, fail often and stand back up.
By traversing seas of exploration we steel ourselves against fear of the unknown, our higher callings whispering in the winds that fill our sails.
Your creative endeavors will plant seeds, give others permission, inspire boldness, even nourish souls struggling upon the frothed waves of life.
No matter how far we venture into uncharted waters, there is a Star, our True North, that shines and guides- a sweet light that captivates, enthralls, and empowers.
Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) is a tool developed by the Museum of Modern Art and cognitive psychologist Abigail Housen. It enhances critical thinking and creativity by exploring art through three simple questions: What’s happening? What do you see supporting that? What else?
Now take it further with the “Multi-sensory Insight Method,” applying the same approach to all senses. Dive deep into scenes, experiences, and emotions, fostering mindfulness beyond sight and building your creativity. Join the conversation and let’s talk about this transformative method. 🎨✨
So I was going to talk about creative tension today and I came upon a fisherman and it reminded me of something essential to the creative process, something that, dare I say is even more important. Something that works hand in hand with creative tension.
While trying to photograph a hosta flower in the rain, the focus and lighting were less than ideal.
However, by turning the flower at an angle and using digital editing tools, something beautiful emerged from the imperfect initial photo.
We can apply this lesson of transforming flaws into assets to our lives and work. Rather than discarding imperfect situations, look for the potential beauty in them. Let your creativity flow in new directions, unhindered by preconceived limits.
Imperfections often lead to unique outcomes.
Pay attention to life’s out-of-focus moments, as they may become something special if given a chance.
ZenStorming 