Creatively Speaking
Author: Valerie Garner
Recently a friend was talking to me about her first experience in a store where you can paint your own pottery. She was excited and animated while talking about this experience, and explained how she wanted to be there everyday during lunch to paint. That she could just live in that store and paint all day. I understand that passion and loved seeing it in her. Then she said something that I nearly fell off my chair. “I’ve never done anything like this before in my life, I’m one of those people who have no talent, or an artistic bone in my body.” I asked her if she really truly believed that, and she indicated that she did honestly feel that way. I do not believe that about any person. I believe especially in people who haven’t found their “niche” yet, that there is a wealth of hidden, undiscovered talent, which just hasn’t been found yet. I love meeting people like this because to me, I sense a treasure hunt. I have found in my life that the seasons where I’m not doing something creative, there was something vital missing. That I’m off balance somewhat. I’ve been that way since I was a child. I believe people are born with a need to express their creativity. The obstacles to blocked creativity are finding what that medium should be, and probably also defining some goals, and perhaps some defined reasons they are blocked. Expand your thinking and definition of what creativity is. It isn’t only a person who can draw or paint or write. Most didn’t just take it up and were good at it at their first attempt. It was a natural talent, but it needed developed. They learned and practiced to become good at what they do. Just about anything and any medium can be created into art. Gardening can be an art form for instance. I’ve seen some gardens that truly were a work of art and almost breath taking. I’ve seen junk turned into art, there’s jewelry making, basket weaving, knitting, spinning your own yarn, photography, too much to list. Start thinking big. Where does your interest lie? Take some time to really think about that. What are some areas you’ve told yourself, “someday I’d like to learn that.” What are some areas that you’ve seen others do that you find totally amazing and you seem to be the last one hanging around admiring all the small, finite details, wanting to know all about it? Look at those areas first. Invest in yourself. Take a class, get a book or find a possible mentor. Put into action a commitment to learn. Each one who has mastered a skill goes through a learning process and starts at step one. Start. Put away the excuses and fears. It doesn’t have to be perfect; you don’t even need to show it to others if you don’t want to. Give yourself permission to fail, but give it enough time and dedication to see if it’s something that fits you or not. If it doesn’t, move on to try something else, but keep looking until you find that fit. Don’t be terribly surprised if doing this however, brings up issues in your life. I’ve found in mine that to be true. I’m not sure if it’s because it’s working another part of your brain and taps into that creative side or what. But I’ve found that to push through those feelings, to talk to a good friend or safe person about those feelings. In the last few years I’ve taken up candlemaking, and I had made candles as a child as well, so it was a return for me to an art form I long ago loved doing. I was very surprised at some major issues to come to the surface in my life, things far too personal to go into here, but they were so major that I nearly quit; despite that it was something I loved doing and had invested heavily in. I cried for 2 weeks. After grieving an ugly truth I had long ago pushed down and ignored in my spirit, I realized that ugly thing had robbed me too much in my life already, and it was time for it’s power over me to stop. Through the pain, I chose to make it a business and it came forth with the name: Joyful Designs in Soy. I gained some real personal freedom through that process which I am deeply grateful for, and my business name is a declaration of a new truth in my life. I also carry a new joy that I didn’t have before, into the rest of my life. Our creative side isn’t just about what we’re doing, it’s also about who we are, and that touches people near us. Just like tossing a stone into a pond, those ripples it creates, flow out and affects others.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/motivational-articles/creatively-speaking-200517.html
About the Author:
By Valerie Garner - Exploring work life balance issues http://www.thecomfortablelife.com Visit her other site for handpoured soy candles http://www.joyfuldesignsinsoy.com
utorok 3. marca 2009
piatok 27. februára 2009
7 exercises to boost your creativity
Do you have a problem or project that has you stumped? Are you just not satisfied with the solutions you have? Follow these steps to generate some great ideas.
1.Gather Information: you might not have enough information about your project/problem to come up with a great creative solution. Exercise: Go to a source of information you don’t typically use. When is the last time you went to a library? Is there a government agency that has related information? How about a local community college, is there an instructor that teaches something connected to your subject? Clerks at bookstores are often very helpful. There may be trade magazines addressing your area of interest.
2. Be Active: yes, you read correctly. Your brain uses a lot of oxygen and does not work well when undernourished. Exercise: Go do something active and FUN! This will get the blood flowing and when you have fun, your creative juices start flowing. Do something that you haven’t done in long time: dance, roller skate, hike, ride horseback, garden, or ride a bike.
3. Change your viewpoint: As Einstein is quoted as saying: "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." Your perception determines the path to a problem’s solution. Exercise: Look at your problem from another point of view. What would your problem look like if you were a different person? Imagine…from the viewpoint of a child, a co-worker, your dog, a gambler, a professional athlete, etc. This may sound silly, the point is to shake up your normal routine and help your brain create new pathways of thought.
4. Compare and Contrast: Compare your problem/issue/project to something very different; an object or a concept. Through juxtaposition, you may find combinations you never saw before. Exercise: Grab a blank sheet of paper. Write your problem at the top. Next to it write an unrelated idea such as “shoe”, “the national highway system”, “a candy bar”, “cat litter”….you get the idea! Underneath write every way you can think that these two things are alike. Remember to have fun. This is simply another method of changing your viewpoint as well as generating more ideas.
5. Be Visual: Thinking is very fluid and visual, making use of symbols and pictures instead of words. Give your problem a color…even a smell! What shape is it? What does it feel like to the touch? Exercise: This is best done with a large sheet of paper or a white board. Use a regular piece of paper if that’s all you have. Draw a rectangle in the center and label it with your problem/project. Draw at least 5-6 radiating lines coming out from the box. Label these lines as different aspects of your project. For instance, if the problem is Planning a Wedding on a Tight Budget, some of the radiating lines could be Food, Entertainment, and Wedding Dress. If the problem is Building a Team at work, some of the lines could be Collaboration, Productivity, and Communication. At the end of each line write whatever you think needs to happen with that area. This exercise can help you see the big picture as well as prioritize all the parts of your project.
6. Generate LOTS of ideas: You have gathered information, pumped up your enthusiasm and reviewed your problem from many angles. It’s time to really let loose with ideas. Exercise: Brainstorm! I mean REALLY brainstorm. Don’t just toss out a handful of ideas and call it quits. Put some energy into it. Collaboration is good for this as everyone will get some different ideas. Hand everyone a piece of paper (preferably large, that you can stick to the wall). Set a time limit. Allow enough time to get plenty of ideas but not so much time that you judge the ideas coming out of you (5-10 minutes). Also set a goal for the number ideas, a goal that will force you to work fast. Speed is important as well as reserving any judgment.
7. Give it to your subconscious: Let you subconscious mind have another crack at it. You have plenty of information and ideas. It may be challenging to pick the best course of action. Exercise: Sleep on it! Let your mind have it while you are resting. For this to really work you must do a review just before going to bed and place a notebook by your bed so you can jot down ideas if you wake up during the night and first thing in the morning. Intend that you will have some answers when you wake up. As you wake up, you may have to catch the ideas in the half-awake state. The notebook is right beside you so you won’t lose any good thoughts.
Congratulations! You came up with some very creative solutions to your project. You can repeat this process with any subject.
1.Gather Information: you might not have enough information about your project/problem to come up with a great creative solution. Exercise: Go to a source of information you don’t typically use. When is the last time you went to a library? Is there a government agency that has related information? How about a local community college, is there an instructor that teaches something connected to your subject? Clerks at bookstores are often very helpful. There may be trade magazines addressing your area of interest.
2. Be Active: yes, you read correctly. Your brain uses a lot of oxygen and does not work well when undernourished. Exercise: Go do something active and FUN! This will get the blood flowing and when you have fun, your creative juices start flowing. Do something that you haven’t done in long time: dance, roller skate, hike, ride horseback, garden, or ride a bike.
3. Change your viewpoint: As Einstein is quoted as saying: "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." Your perception determines the path to a problem’s solution. Exercise: Look at your problem from another point of view. What would your problem look like if you were a different person? Imagine…from the viewpoint of a child, a co-worker, your dog, a gambler, a professional athlete, etc. This may sound silly, the point is to shake up your normal routine and help your brain create new pathways of thought.
4. Compare and Contrast: Compare your problem/issue/project to something very different; an object or a concept. Through juxtaposition, you may find combinations you never saw before. Exercise: Grab a blank sheet of paper. Write your problem at the top. Next to it write an unrelated idea such as “shoe”, “the national highway system”, “a candy bar”, “cat litter”….you get the idea! Underneath write every way you can think that these two things are alike. Remember to have fun. This is simply another method of changing your viewpoint as well as generating more ideas.
5. Be Visual: Thinking is very fluid and visual, making use of symbols and pictures instead of words. Give your problem a color…even a smell! What shape is it? What does it feel like to the touch? Exercise: This is best done with a large sheet of paper or a white board. Use a regular piece of paper if that’s all you have. Draw a rectangle in the center and label it with your problem/project. Draw at least 5-6 radiating lines coming out from the box. Label these lines as different aspects of your project. For instance, if the problem is Planning a Wedding on a Tight Budget, some of the radiating lines could be Food, Entertainment, and Wedding Dress. If the problem is Building a Team at work, some of the lines could be Collaboration, Productivity, and Communication. At the end of each line write whatever you think needs to happen with that area. This exercise can help you see the big picture as well as prioritize all the parts of your project.
6. Generate LOTS of ideas: You have gathered information, pumped up your enthusiasm and reviewed your problem from many angles. It’s time to really let loose with ideas. Exercise: Brainstorm! I mean REALLY brainstorm. Don’t just toss out a handful of ideas and call it quits. Put some energy into it. Collaboration is good for this as everyone will get some different ideas. Hand everyone a piece of paper (preferably large, that you can stick to the wall). Set a time limit. Allow enough time to get plenty of ideas but not so much time that you judge the ideas coming out of you (5-10 minutes). Also set a goal for the number ideas, a goal that will force you to work fast. Speed is important as well as reserving any judgment.
7. Give it to your subconscious: Let you subconscious mind have another crack at it. You have plenty of information and ideas. It may be challenging to pick the best course of action. Exercise: Sleep on it! Let your mind have it while you are resting. For this to really work you must do a review just before going to bed and place a notebook by your bed so you can jot down ideas if you wake up during the night and first thing in the morning. Intend that you will have some answers when you wake up. As you wake up, you may have to catch the ideas in the half-awake state. The notebook is right beside you so you won’t lose any good thoughts.
Congratulations! You came up with some very creative solutions to your project. You can repeat this process with any subject.
štvrtok 26. februára 2009
What Does Creativity Bring to Your Life?
What Does Creativity Bring to Your Life?
Author: Linda Dessau
You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.
In my 2004 e-book, The Creativity Interviews (details below), I asked 7 questions about the creative process to 19 creative artists from a variety of disciplines.
One of these questions was "what does creativity bring to your life?"
As I'm looking through the answers with new eyes, themes start to pop up in front of me. As you read through these broad themes, and the actual phrases spoken by the artists in the book, consider which ones you identify with most.
Creativity brings adventure, affects my whole life and what's "out there"
Artist spoke of a sense of "exploration", "spontaneity" and "adventure", and that their creativity "brings life to whatever I'm doing". They felt the effects of their creativity on other parts of their life, giving them "unique problem solving opportunities" and "energizing my relationships".
Creativity brings opportunities for self-discovery of what's "in here"
Artists appreciated the "heightened awareness" and increased ability to "understand myself".
Creativity brings connections to people, both in and out of my "tribe"
"I feel I m part of a tribe of free people" was how one artist expressed this sense of connection and of being understood when they're around other artists. Another artist recognized their creativity as a "gift I can share with others" fulfilling the desire for connection in a way that's natural and enjoyable for the artist.
These are hopeful points, considering how isolated and misunderstood many artists feel.
Creativity brings a spiritual connection
Themes of spirituality such as "gratitude", "purity" and "essence" could be heard in some of the answers from artists. One claimed creativity gives them "a glimpse of the spiritual realm", and another described creativity as "a soulful experience".
There was also the idea that creativity brings "a connection to something larger than myself", and "the feeling that I'm 'in the zone', in the flow of life". Many of us connect to our spirituality most easily through being in nature. One artist found that creativity brings a "freedom to recreate what I see in nature".
I think one artist summed up the link between creativity and spirituality by answering with one word: "wonder".
Creativity brings an awakening, a jarring, a sense of delicious discomfort
Though I only heard one answer that fit into this theme one artist felt that creativity brought a "discontinuity" to their life I included it because it really interested me.
What about those moments of torment before the dissonant chord resolves itself, before the elements and colours of a painting "come together", before the ideas for a story or article make any sense.
And what about the plain fact that there is ALWAYS something we won't know how to do, always something more to learn, always a creative idea who's execution is out of our reach because our skills haven't caught up to it yet. Is that partly what keeps us going?
Creativity brings a return to home, a "normalcy"
"Creativity IS my life" and "creativity is unavoidable". For one artist, creativity is "a reason to live", and for another "it helps me live". Creativity is what we know, and when we're expressing it our TRUE selves are shining through. As one artist commented, it's a "relief".
Another artist noted that creativity often brings "more creativity". Which make perfect sense when you apply the law of attraction the principle that states that whatever you focus on is what you'll attract into your life.
Creativity brings a sense of self-worth and identity
For the artists I spoke to, creativity brings a "reward", "satisfaction", "pride" and "accomplishment" It contributes to their "self-esteem" and "sense of self and identity".
For artists, who often feel so misunderstood and different from other people, creativity provides "a way of explaining myself to the world". Creativity celebrates the fact that we're different, by showing us "a sense of purpose" and "a sense of my uniqueness".
One artist said that creativity "puts me in touch with the core and essence of my being".
Creativity heals me
As a music therapist, this theme was not surprising to me. Not only are the arts amazing therapeutic tools to use in treatment, creativity can be extremely therapeutic for the person expressing it.
Some of the therapeutic benefits of creativity that the artists shared with me were "relaxation", "centeredness", "possibility", "hope" and "connection with self". Creativity "lifts me from my sorrows" and is "a way to translate my hopes & feelings."
Creativity brings happiness, energy and power
The "endorphin rush" that one artist described was echoed by many as "joy", "energy, vitality it s a rush", "pleasure", "magic", "fullness", "happiness", "passion" and "a high". Creativity is "uplifting & motivating" and gives "the impetus to push further" and "a sense of power".
What does creativity bring to YOUR life? What do you miss the most when you're not actively expressing your creative ideas? What's the first thing you notice that changes in your life when you're in the "creative flow"?
Naming the gifts of your creativity can help to re-ignite your passion for your creative work and can excite you into courageous action. Thinking about these gifts can also put a mysterious smile on your face while you're traveling through the other parts of your life.
Whatever you're doing whether it's taking care of life's little details and obligations or taking care of other people's needs you can remind yourself that you're one of the lucky ones with access to creativity.
You have this incredible source of adventure, self-discovery, connection, spirituality, awakening, normalcy, self-worth, identity, healing, happiness, energy and power.
This article originally appeared on the Creativity Portal http://www.creativity-portal.com in August 2005.
C Linda Dessau, 2006.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/what-does-creativity-bring-to-your-life-22302.html
About the Author:
Linda Dessau, the Self-Care Coach, helps artists enhance their creativity by addressing their unique self-care issues. For your copy of the Creativity Interviews, visit: http://www.genuinecoaching.com/creativity-interviews.html
Author: Linda Dessau
You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.
In my 2004 e-book, The Creativity Interviews (details below), I asked 7 questions about the creative process to 19 creative artists from a variety of disciplines.
One of these questions was "what does creativity bring to your life?"
As I'm looking through the answers with new eyes, themes start to pop up in front of me. As you read through these broad themes, and the actual phrases spoken by the artists in the book, consider which ones you identify with most.
Creativity brings adventure, affects my whole life and what's "out there"
Artist spoke of a sense of "exploration", "spontaneity" and "adventure", and that their creativity "brings life to whatever I'm doing". They felt the effects of their creativity on other parts of their life, giving them "unique problem solving opportunities" and "energizing my relationships".
Creativity brings opportunities for self-discovery of what's "in here"
Artists appreciated the "heightened awareness" and increased ability to "understand myself".
Creativity brings connections to people, both in and out of my "tribe"
"I feel I m part of a tribe of free people" was how one artist expressed this sense of connection and of being understood when they're around other artists. Another artist recognized their creativity as a "gift I can share with others" fulfilling the desire for connection in a way that's natural and enjoyable for the artist.
These are hopeful points, considering how isolated and misunderstood many artists feel.
Creativity brings a spiritual connection
Themes of spirituality such as "gratitude", "purity" and "essence" could be heard in some of the answers from artists. One claimed creativity gives them "a glimpse of the spiritual realm", and another described creativity as "a soulful experience".
There was also the idea that creativity brings "a connection to something larger than myself", and "the feeling that I'm 'in the zone', in the flow of life". Many of us connect to our spirituality most easily through being in nature. One artist found that creativity brings a "freedom to recreate what I see in nature".
I think one artist summed up the link between creativity and spirituality by answering with one word: "wonder".
Creativity brings an awakening, a jarring, a sense of delicious discomfort
Though I only heard one answer that fit into this theme one artist felt that creativity brought a "discontinuity" to their life I included it because it really interested me.
What about those moments of torment before the dissonant chord resolves itself, before the elements and colours of a painting "come together", before the ideas for a story or article make any sense.
And what about the plain fact that there is ALWAYS something we won't know how to do, always something more to learn, always a creative idea who's execution is out of our reach because our skills haven't caught up to it yet. Is that partly what keeps us going?
Creativity brings a return to home, a "normalcy"
"Creativity IS my life" and "creativity is unavoidable". For one artist, creativity is "a reason to live", and for another "it helps me live". Creativity is what we know, and when we're expressing it our TRUE selves are shining through. As one artist commented, it's a "relief".
Another artist noted that creativity often brings "more creativity". Which make perfect sense when you apply the law of attraction the principle that states that whatever you focus on is what you'll attract into your life.
Creativity brings a sense of self-worth and identity
For the artists I spoke to, creativity brings a "reward", "satisfaction", "pride" and "accomplishment" It contributes to their "self-esteem" and "sense of self and identity".
For artists, who often feel so misunderstood and different from other people, creativity provides "a way of explaining myself to the world". Creativity celebrates the fact that we're different, by showing us "a sense of purpose" and "a sense of my uniqueness".
One artist said that creativity "puts me in touch with the core and essence of my being".
Creativity heals me
As a music therapist, this theme was not surprising to me. Not only are the arts amazing therapeutic tools to use in treatment, creativity can be extremely therapeutic for the person expressing it.
Some of the therapeutic benefits of creativity that the artists shared with me were "relaxation", "centeredness", "possibility", "hope" and "connection with self". Creativity "lifts me from my sorrows" and is "a way to translate my hopes & feelings."
Creativity brings happiness, energy and power
The "endorphin rush" that one artist described was echoed by many as "joy", "energy, vitality it s a rush", "pleasure", "magic", "fullness", "happiness", "passion" and "a high". Creativity is "uplifting & motivating" and gives "the impetus to push further" and "a sense of power".
What does creativity bring to YOUR life? What do you miss the most when you're not actively expressing your creative ideas? What's the first thing you notice that changes in your life when you're in the "creative flow"?
Naming the gifts of your creativity can help to re-ignite your passion for your creative work and can excite you into courageous action. Thinking about these gifts can also put a mysterious smile on your face while you're traveling through the other parts of your life.
Whatever you're doing whether it's taking care of life's little details and obligations or taking care of other people's needs you can remind yourself that you're one of the lucky ones with access to creativity.
You have this incredible source of adventure, self-discovery, connection, spirituality, awakening, normalcy, self-worth, identity, healing, happiness, energy and power.
This article originally appeared on the Creativity Portal http://www.creativity-portal.com in August 2005.
C Linda Dessau, 2006.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/what-does-creativity-bring-to-your-life-22302.html
About the Author:
Linda Dessau, the Self-Care Coach, helps artists enhance their creativity by addressing their unique self-care issues. For your copy of the Creativity Interviews, visit: http://www.genuinecoaching.com/creativity-interviews.html
streda 25. februára 2009
Creative Ideas For Personalized Favors For Your Wedding Day
Author: Juhlin Youlein
Choosing the perfect wedding favor for your Phoenix wedding sometimes can be a little difficult because there are so many to choose from. Traditional favors include sugar coated almonds, cakes, cookies and chocolates. Today, as wedding ceremonies and receptions become less traditional so are the wedding favors. Couples are more and more creative in their selection of wedding party favors. They now choose from elegant picture frames to homemade organic soaps. Weddings favors can really be anything you want just as long as it reflects the couple's personality or the meaningful message of the union.
It is very important to come up with unique and special favors. Gifts that your guests can use are usually always appreciated. Some couples even provide cultural favors that help them celebrate their cultural heritage. Others come up with ideas for favors that add fun that can surely be remembered for your guests and in your wedding photography Phoenix.
Wedding favors do not have to be very expensive and can readily fit in your wedding budget. You can even make homemade favors like soaps and personalized picture frames. They can be beautifully wrapped that will surely add a touch of elegance in your wedding reception.
If you are a little tired of the same key chains and homemade soaps in favor catalogues, then here are some creative ideas that can trigger your creative juices in coming up with a unique wedding favor of your own.
Chocolates are a traditional wedding favors. But before you give away plain chocolates why not personalize them with your wedding theme or your initials. A wedding favor that is readily available in your town can also be a good idea especially for the out of town guests. For instance, jars of maple syrup for a Vermont wedding.
A unique but easy wedding favor is to give each guest a picture of themselves arriving at the wedding reception. This is possible with the help of your professional wedding photographer. The pictures can be printed out during the reception program. The guests will have a pleasant surprise as they receive the favor at the end of the program.
Another option is giving a small picture frame which can be used on the reception as place card holders. In this way, you do not need to worry about wrapping the wedding favors anymore.
If you are having a wedding near a holiday, why not give away favors that are in tie with the season? For instance if you have a December wedding, you can give out favors like candy canes and poinsettias. This type of favors can add a Christmas spirit in your wedding photography Phoenix.
There are a lot of really creative ideas for wedding favors. But the most important thing you have to consider is that your favors will be able to leave a lasting impression on all of your guests and be remembered as something that reflects both of your personalities.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/marriage-articles/creative-ideas-for-personalized-favors-for-your-wedding-day-660243.html
About the Author:
Find more about wedding photography Phoenix at http://www.memoriesputtomusic.com/wedding_photography/index.html
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