Monday Mindset
Embrace Creativity
Hello there, friend!
It’s the last week of focusing on Spring's Invitations, and we’re rounding it out by exploring the connection between the openings of springtime and creativity.
Even if you don’t think of yourself as a creative person, I promise you are. You don’t have to be artistic to harness creativity. You only have to be able and willing to see new possibilities (of communication, of relating, of expression — you name it!) and put them into practice, or bring them into the world. You are uniquely creative, but you, my friend, are creative.
Go ahead, settle in for a few minutes with me, and get ready to
Embrace Creativity
“The beautiful spring came, and when nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.”
—Harriet Ann Jacobs
Springtime is a prime time for harnessing creative energy. Why? Well, while nature unfolds in new life, putting bright color back into the dull landscape, we see possibilities everywhere. If we pay attention to nature’s cues, we will also learn to look with expectation for where new ideas are breaking ground in our own lives.
Last week’s focus reminded us of the power of connecting to the natural world: When we become close observers of nature’s display, we witness the glory of her rebirth all around us.
The earth sighs as sun and rain alchemize to bring growth from seeds that have been waiting under the surface. Your soul, too, breathes deeper as new life grows and you experience a revival of hope, of joy, of satisfaction.
What does this have to do with creativity?
Springtime is overflowing with inspiration. Inspiration is the spark that leads to creative action. Some define inspiration as a light-bulb moment, but it does not have to feel revolutionary. Sometimes the spark feels like clarity. This might be about what is needed, and the creativity comes in the form of meeting those needs from a fresh perspective.
Every time you write an email to a colleague or relay an idea to a classroom in ways they’ll understand, you are using creativity. Let alone when you write, play music, draw, engineer something, or problem-solve. Why not embrace the natural energy changes of the season to motivate you in ways you care about?
There are a few factors that can help you harness the creative shifts of the season. The following are crucial to creativity:
A sense of safety and openness [the freedom to try and fail | knowing there are no stupid answers or ideas]
A mix of focused work and downtime [your brain needs focus AND rest/mental space in order to create]
A curious mind [keep learning, get out of your comfort zone, try new things, and don’t stop asking questions]
No matter what shape creativity takes in your life (chances are, there are multiple), let it motivate you in personal growth. Feeling the urge to clean out your wardrobe or your eating habits? Embrace the inspiring energy that already lit that spark in you and do something with it.
Creativity, like love, like presence, is not a finite resource. The universe is continually expanding (one of my favorite scientific facts), and so are we. Our understanding can continue to grow as we remain open and curious. This is where creative inspiration meets us. The more we pay attention, the more we will discover what wants to be found in plain sight.
Creativity thrives on connectedness — where things intersect and feed into one another. We are not isolated islands. We are in webs of connection — in families, communities, nations, and in humanity. So, let’s stay connected — not only to our inner world, but to others. Let’s create a world of kindness and care, even if only in our little corners. It starts with us. It always starts with us.
In what ways do you identify as creative?
How does this time of year feed into your creativity?
Activities that promote relaxation can help you get to a state where you are more readily inspired. When you are feeling uninspired or scattered, doing something restful can help reset you.
With that in mind, choose an activity from the following to try out: meditate or pray, take a walk in nature, doodle, watch a sunset, take a shower, or go for a drive.
Note how you feel before and after.
I’d love to hear what you end up doing and how it lands for you. Drop a comment or reply anytime (I realize this may be something you need to come back to with feedback).
As a multi-dimensional creative, this is a topic I could spend hours delving into with you! In fact, I love it so much that I am going to be offering creative coaching services beginning this summer. This shift has been behind the scenes, moving with its own life force, and it is exciting!
Nothing will change here in this space. Dropping In will continue to serve you as it has. Still, I would be remiss if I didn’t share my exciting little secret with you (especially when we’re talking about creativity!). There are already two separate group activities on the calendar that I cannot wait to share with you!
(Hint: if you message me, I will probably spill the beans!)
So grateful for you, friend. Take good care.
I’ll see you here soon,
Sara