One of the beliefs that I have is that there are moments in life that leave an imprint on you which you only come to fully comprehend years later. Many years ago, I had an opportunity to visit Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was one of my very first international trips and life somehow had me in the middle of Buenos Aires.
For the record, Buenos Aires is known as the Paris of South America. It is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is also the birthplace of the Tango. There is an area in Buenos Aires that is called La Boca and that is where the Tango dance began. When I was there, people stand on the corners and play tango music. Once or twice, I saw people performing the tango.
Also when I was there, I discovered the tea yerba mate and drank it in the traditional style with the gourd and a special kind of metal straw called a bombilla. This was years before yerba mate hit America so it was an unusual treat to experience. While there, I spent time in the Las Pampas and went to visit local working farms with gauchos (Argentinian cowboys).
It was an amazing trip and there is one event that sticks out the most. One day during my visit, a middle aged man who was dressed in a suit and a raincoat came up to me and asked if I was interested in exchanging currency.
For those who have not traveled abroad, there are two exchange rates. One is the official government rate and then there is the black market rate. The black market rate usually gives you more for the dollar. Anyway, the man told me how much I could get for the dollar. I then asked him about where he got the money. And he told me in Spanish that he was the bank and opened his raincoat to show me how in the lining was currency from all over the world. I kid you not, this guy had compartments for every possible foreign currency. It was impressive how he turned his raincoat into a mobile bank.
I never did exchange money with him but I never forgot that conversation. I couldn’t figure out why that incident affected me so much. I can close my eyes and replay every detail as if it had happened yesterday. It was not until a couple years after that trip that I understood why this one conversation had made such an impact.
When I first started to work on my writing, I used to think of creativity as being something separate from me. I used to have the habit of compartmentalizing my life. So there was a space for my writing, a space for exercising, a space for my family, a space for my personal life and so on. Whenever there was something that I loved to do, I would get all excited and joyful. But when it came to things I did not love, it would make me sad or down or some other type of negative emotion.
As life would have it, things began to crumble around me. Practically every aspect of my life was in chaos and I found myself with nothing. Everything I had known had been destroyed and I was sitting down in the ashes trying to figure out how I would get out of all this mess.
Now the great thing about hitting rock bottom is that you have only one direction to go and that is up. So I cut myself off from every negative person I knew and just started to study the people that I admired. I figured that by looking at the lives of those that had what I wished for, I would learn something.
I spent months reading, watching and doing everything I could to learn another way of being. Then one day I realized that there was no need to compartmentalize my life. It occurred to me that the best way to be was to carry the same mindset throughout the day regardless of what I was working on.
I then remembered that man in Buenos Aires. He viewed himself as being the bank and he found nothing wrong with that concept. Granted, he probably had no idea I was going to take his one sentence and use it as an example for how to live life. But in my mind, he was a genius. I can still hear him telling me in Spanish: “Estoy el banco.”
With time, I came to realize that in order to do anything well, you have to embody your work. This brings me to the truth about creativity. For the record, I do not like to read articles or books on creativity because I never found anything that really conveyed the truth about creativity. Creativity is not something that you turn on when you need it or at will…it is a way of life.
Truly creative people eat, drink, sleep and go through their day being consumed with their craft. This does not mean that you become a workaholic or have no fun. It means that you experience life while being mindful of what is happening around you. As a writer, I can honestly tell you that there is no reason to have writer’s block. The world is a constant source of inspiration. You just have to look at what is happening around you.
Each outing into the world provides material whether you are a writer, a painter, a sculptor, or just someone who is a business person. The world is rich with information. All you need to do is to be engaged in the world. Once I started to do that, I never suffered from writer’s block again. Life is full of inspiration.
Recently, Javy W. Galindo contacted me with the request to review his book on creativity (The Power of Thinking Differently). I was going to say no based on my dislike of books on creativity but he was such a nice guy and his site was really interesting, so I agreed. I am so happy that I did because his book is the only book I have ever seen on creativity which I feel really describes it perfectly. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about true creativity.
Here is a section from the book which totally conveys what I have come to learn:
“…but by definition, creativity isn’t about being normal. It’s about being different.
Creativity is ‘the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.’
Being creative doesn’t mean you become a Picasso, Ella Fitzgerald, Bill Gates or Mother Teresa. On the contrary, it means being unique, more original and authentic.
Creativity means breaking free of the herd in order to be less like someone else and more yourself.”
Many people write to me asking for advice about writing and/or blogging. My advice to anyone is to just embody your work and discover your own voice. Each one of us is unique and has talents. There is no reason to duplicate what someone else has done.
As much as I love and adore Marianne Williamson, I know that there is no reason for me to try to be like her. She is she and I am me. I can just be the best version of myself and that means working with what I have. Yes, study and learn from the wisdom of those that you admire but by all means, do not lose any of your own essence. Anyone can copy another person. Where is the challenge in being a copycat? It is far better to develop your own style.
So instead of trying to get creative, just simply be creative.
Special thanks to Javy W. Galindo for giving me the chance to review your book. It is truly the best one on creativity I have ever read.
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> moments in life that leave an imprint on you which you only come to fully comprehend years later
This reminds me of the show Kung Fu, where Caine would flash back to his early lessons.
Just like carrying your same mindset throughout the day, I think another key is living your values. Just like crossed-expectations, a conflict of values is a real drain.
One of my favorite lines that echoes your point on being yourself is, “be more of yourself, with skill.”
J.D. Meier´s last blog ..What 16 Movies Can Teach Us About Life and Leadership
Hi JD,
Life is full of memories that often serve as some type of lesson or will hold some type of meaning later on. I am convinced of it…or at least, that is what I have noticed in my life.
As for living your values, I totally agree. The problem is that many people have no idea what are their values. They follow values that were imposed on them by society and/or family and so on. The key is for all of us to discover what we deem to be of value and live according to it. We all have talents that can be used. We just need to discover what they are and master them.
Hi Nadia,
It’s when we embrace our true passions, and believe in ourselves…that our creativity, and our uniqueness, can really shine. It can feel a bit like stepping out into some great unknown sometimes…and not knowing how it will all be received. If that is indeed us, though, then that is where we should be stepping. That fits well along the lines of “follow your bliss”… Some days…that’s harder than others. Luckily, it’s getting easier and easier for me to do this, and in that whole process I feel much more connected to a deeper connection within.
Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day
Hi Lance,
I agree with you. Embracing our passions and believing in ourselves are both very important. I am happy that it is getting easier and easier for you! Yay! And you are so right, when you are living in line with your passions and embracing who you truly are, one of the side effects is to have a deeper connection within. I have noticed that too. It is truly one of the best feelings ever.
I love this, Nadia! I really love how you took the personal story and turned it into a little life-lesson for all of us. But the part that really grabbed me was your very last line:
“So instead of trying to get creative, just simply be creative.”
Trying to be creative is a mistake that a lot of people make, and that’s why they often feel like they don’t have the ability to be creative, which simply isn’t true. Everyone has the ability to think creatively, and to create “something” from “nothing”.
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..Grandpa Comes Home
Hi Jay,
Thank you so much for the kind words!
I really appreciate it.
You are so right, everyone has the ability to think creatively and to create something from nothing. It is truly a matter of perception. I really feel that all of us are creative beings. We just think being creative looks a certain way and the reality is that there is no set method to being a creative person. That is the beauty of it. Or at least, it is beautiful to me.
Hope all is awesome!
It’s interesting to me that when I read your words about there never being a reason to have writers block, I tensed up. I thought, “Come on, Nadia! Everyone in these human bodies goes through challenges from time to time – moments when they just feel flat. It’s as much a part of being human has breathing is!” Maybe my reaction came from how I defined creativity or inspiration, though. For me, I think it’s possible that my creative juices are always flowing. My motivation to channel them into something productive may not be, though. Like this morning, for instance. I woke up flat, and am having a tough time jumping beyond general apathy. Why? I guess I’d question if the reason matters. It simply is. I have ideas, though, and don’t feel as though I’m blocked. I feel more like I’m choosing to be unmotivated.
I really like the idea that creativity isn’t a thing outside of us, so much as it is what we are. By the fact that we’re alive and thinking, we are creative. Our creativity shines when we are being true to ourselves – living authentically. Yes, that feels very right to me.
Happy Sunday, Nadia!
Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last blog ..In Favor of Friendlier Foods
Hi Megan,
I really appreciate your honesty. You are not the first person to get tensed up when I say that there is no reason to have writer’s block. I understand the reaction but truly, there is no need to have writer’s block. My definition of being creative is far different than most and that is why I so much loved Javy’s book but he hit the nail on the head as far as I am concerned when it comes to creativity. Creativity is a way of life as far as I am concerned. It is a mindset and an attitude. It is a way of being. It is not something separate from you….it is you.
Happy Sunday to you too!
I too agree with you Nadia…as a creativity coach I see the whole “block” thing as fear…fear of being seen/heard/loved for just being one’s essential self…the question of course is why? Why are people afraid to expose themselves…many past hurts, or even one can be enough for some people to shut down and draw the curtains on their creative glow. Then those curtains become like dividers, much like you spoke about…compartmentalizing different aspects of self…but ultimately, this is is what creativity is…allowing our inner light to shine freely…and in my experience it’s not exactly our light, but Divine light…the uniqueness is our personal lens or perhaps prism through which that Divine light shines; we get to be partners with the Flow of Creation…putting our spin on this disco ball reflecting and refracting Source as the creative beings that we all are!
xoxo
Laura
Laura Hegfield´s last blog ..Creating Community, Loving our Brokenness, Inner Travels & Transformation
Hi Laura,
What a beautiful description! You are so right. I also believe that our inner light is our Divine light and it is meant for us to be able to tap into that source and through that source we can use our innate talents and gifts to add beauty to the world. We definitely are meant to work in conjunction with that Flow of Creation.
As for what you mentioned about people being afraid to expose themselves, I have to tell you that when I was immersed in my pain and was miserable, it was hard to be open. However, when I made peace with my past and learned to accept myself, it became very easy to be open. Now I have no problems talking about my journey and my thoughts. I do notice that it does make some uncomfortable but I realize it is more about them than about me.
Wonderful post Nadia! I know there is a creative spirit in every adult because I spent years working with children – and boy oh boy they are the true creative souls! I think it sad that so many grow up into adults who never nurtured, or were never taught to nurture, those creative juices they had as kids. I think maybe adults get all caught up in the definition of creativity and I’ve had many tell me they aren’t creative because they can’t draw! How limiting is that??? Celebrating possibilities and honoring your creative flow you do so well! Keep writing – its absolute vitamin-enhanced soul food!
suzen´s last blog ..Getting a Man’s Help!
Hi Suzen,
Great point about how creativity does not mean you have to be artistic. People do get caught up in definitions and forget that sometimes you have to look outside of the box in order to fully comprehend a concept. So creativity is truly just a way of life. The world is FULL of options and possibilities. We are meant to push things beyond the boundaries…look at those who changed the world….they just saw certain boundaries and went beyond them. Boundaries are only boundaries if we choose to accept such limits. Life is limitless so why not just embrace the infinite possibilities?
And thank you so much for what you wrote about my writing. Life has been hectic over here and so your words brought a smile. I am so grateful! Love and hugs to you!
Great post Nadia and an interesting take on creativity.
I never used to think of myself as creative. It wasn’t until I started receiving comments from family and friends about my ability to write with humour that I realised I am actually creative. I now believe that everyone is creative, just in different ways and not necessarily in the traditional sense (ie painting, drawing, art-related). For me, creativity can take many forms from creating a piece of art, to problem solving to interior design and everything in between.
What I loved about your post was the concept of being creative not getting creative. It’s a subtle yet powerful difference.
Sami – Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s last blog ..Climbing Out of the Depths of Despair – Part 3
Hi Sami,
Thank you so much for the kind words.
You definitely do have a wonderful way of writing with humor so I am happy that you listened to your family and friends and discovered your inherent creativity. I think many people think being creative has to look a certain way and the beauty is that true creativity can take on any shape or form. That to me is what makes creativity so awesome. It is full of possibilities….as is life.
Hi Nadia.
We are here to create!
We are here to be uniquely self expressed always.
Even when we clean the toilet, it can be done in a self expressed and creative way.
John once lived on Mopellier, an island with only 6 people on it. There lived a man named Kalami, who was borne in the same year on the same day as John.
Kalami never went to school and made his living from fishing and as there was no way to spend money, he did not work for money. Kalami lived, Kalami did not work!
John noticed how creative Kalami’s thinking was. He never looked at life as if there was a right or wrong answer, he always looked at doing things as if he did them for the first time.
THAT is creativity, learning from your own experiences and NOT learning from an uniform set of rules.
Robin Easton plays the piano magnificently and never learned to read notes, bless her.
She is creative as she dares to self express and play with whatever is in front of her in her own way.
Robin certainly lives like this; “Creativity means breaking free of the herd in order to be less like someone else and more yourself.”
When I break free, I too am sure that I will never experience a block in my life ever again.
Nadia, it is so good to read that breaking free is what it takes, living congruently and getting rid of compartimentalizing is what it takes and thank you to you and Javy!
Love Wilma.
PS. we are super well, the veggies are growing abundantly and the first peaches are being eaten by us and the birds.
Wilma Ham´s last blog ..A whole new world, a whole new community.
Hi Wilma,
I love the story you shared about Kalami and you are so right, his way of doing things is a wonderful example of creativity. And I love Robin’s philosophy too. I totally agree. There is no reason to be part of the herd.
To be candid, I have never understood why some people are so enamored with a uniform of set of rules. Actually, a few years ago, I was talking to one of my relatives about rules. It occurred to me that some people like rules because it makes them feel safe and makes life more predictable. The irony is that in my mind, rules do the total opposite and make life dull and boring. It was interesting to see how two people could have two totally different views about the same subject. We each have to do what feels right and determine our own philosophy of life. That to me is a form of creativity.
We have the power to take what we have and turn it into a masterpiece or do nothing and let our canvas remain bare.
And yay on the produce from the garden! Peaches are one of my favorites.
Nadia, kudos for you for finding and honoring your own form of creative expression. I used to think that I, too, wanted to be the infamous MW, but no more! It takes time and courage and very strong belief in our own Muse to be the real deal. I am glad that YOU are and that I am too. Along with soooo many others here.
I’ve just taken another leap into my truest most creative self by speaking out about a subject near and dear to my heart. After much discernment (and weighing the risk factors, ha!) I’ve announced the focus of my next creative venture. It is consuming me, you might say. I think, sleep, eat and dream it and it is being birthed full form within me. It is energizing, not tiring. It supports absolute mindfulness because you need to be so very aware of where your thoughts and attention are at any time. This process also keeps me soft and open and receptive to all…. This, I believe, is the divine nature of creativity. An expression of the Sacred. And when we are in alignment with it, the Universe opens its doors in gratitude and gives us exactly what we need to carry on… Needless to say, I am loving it.
I hope that you, too, will find the subject of your dreams to write about, Nadia, because I sense a book is being birthed in you too! It will be wonderful, I can tell.
Hi Jan,
Thank you so much for the kind words about my writing. I really appreciate it.
And yay for you about discovering you next creative venture! That is awesome! You are so right, it is an expression of the sacred. Actually, all creative acts are acts that are rooted in Divinity. In order to create, you have to be in touch with that Source. And you are so right, when we are in alignment with it, the Universe works with us and pieces fall exactly into place as they should. I love it when that happens and I am so happy it is happening to you!
Nadia,
Wow. Thank you for sharing! Until the last few months I neatly compartmentalized my life; I think it gave me some “idea” of some semblance of control. What I realize now is that I displaced little pieces of myself in each compartment–so many moments I couldn’t be fully whole or present even though I thought I was. When I began to be mindful about living with my entire being–not just the traits for that one compartment–I began to experience such a huge shift in perspective in everything I do. It is an amazing process. I express my creative essence in all that I do, my own little unique “zing” and now an added bonus is that I’m learning to celebrate that. It’s currently quite a conscious process for me, but as more moments just flow I know it will just be how I live instead of something I need to concentrate on.
Joy´s last blog .."The Chocolate Cake Sutra" Mosaic Monday
Hi Joy,
That is so awesome that you became aware of what was happening as a result of compartmentalizing your life. Isn’t it a cool feeling when you realize there is no need to do that? I remember when I had that realization, I felt like I was set free in some ways. Pretty soon, it was cool to view my life as one continous song and it truly made such a wonderful difference. Now when people ask me what do I do for fun, I always tell them that my whole life is rooted in fun.
And every day is a holiday so it is awesome that you are celebrating your uniqueness! Shine bright…the world needs you to do that!
Nadia:
I enjoyed your take on creativity…interesting to read about your non-interest in reading creativity-related books. I agree with you about just letting your creativity be. I’ve read my share of creativity books and, for the most part, I do enjoy them. However, reading a creativity book is not the same as being (or expressing) your creativity…I think that’s what you’re getting at. I have never been good at drawing, however I do consider myself a very creative person. I just express it in other ways.
Thank you for also reminding us about the inspiration that surrounds us. I’ve had my share of writer’s block so your post is a good reminder for me. Thanks for getting the week off to a great start!
Tim´s last blog ..Weekend Video Diversion: $10 Bets
Hi Tim,
My non-interest in creativity related books is because most of the ones that I have read do not focus on the true essence of creativity. I love to read about creative people because most of the time (99.9%) they all discovered there own style and method. That to fascinates me more. Each person is unique and has unique talents. The key is to realize what those talents are and fine-tune them. Most creative books apply a mass formula to discovering creativity and it just does not work that way. Creativity has no rules and therein lies the beauty of it. Creativity does not mean just to draw…it means dancing, cooking, writing, being a doctor or whatever form is your art. There are no set rules to creativity and that is why I do not like to read books that set rules on creativity. We can all be creative, if we choose to do so.
And the world is a constant source of inspiration…just watch what is happening around you and you can get tons of ideas and thoughts. There truly is no need to have writer’s block.
Hope all is well!
Thank you so much for this post!
Love your openness and honesty!
I am actually reading a few Latin American authors right now, Cortazar, Marquez and Borges…and I was just trying to figure out what yerba mate was!
Jen´s last blog ..Thankful
Hi Jen,
Glad to be of help with the yerba mate!
As for being open and honest, I would not have it any other way.
Hope all is doing well and enjoy the books. Latin America is such a beautiful part of the world. Which author are you enjoying the most so far?
Just another coincidence, when I need an answer/a view of my problem you wrote something compatible. It’s getting freaky
When I think again about my ‘writer’s block’, it came from feeling of fear of not capable, not good enough as I compare my writings to other writer’s, especially the one I admire. How silly I was. But when I wrote something from the heart, not caring about how other will judge whether it’s good or not, it became a good writing material and I get compliments on that.
Your post here reminds me that I’m as creative as I think.
Thanks again,
eva
Hi Eva,
Don’t you love when things like that happen?
You definitely are as creative as you think. Just believe in yourself and realize that you are constantly surrounded by sources of inspiration. Just walk one block in any city in the world and observe what is happening around you….you will get at least 20 ideas for stories and/or subject. Plus, if you look into the eyes of people as they walk by, imagine what they are feeling or thinking. See what their eyes tell you…that in itself is a source of inspiration. The world is full of stories. We just need to really be aware of what is happening around us. The problem is that most of the time people are consumed with their own thoughts and problems, they do not pay attention to what is happening aroung them. And yes, definitely write from the heart. Nothing is better than you speak from your heart.
Hope all is awesome!
Hi Nadia,
I echo the advice you give others, “… just embody your work and discover your own voice. Each one of us is unique and has talents. There is no reason to duplicate what someone else has done.”
I always find it sad when I see others trying to be copy cats assuming if they do what those who are succeeding do, so will they. It’s when we realize we all blessed with our own special talents, success comes knocking.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..The Battle Over Comments – Part 2
Hi Barbara,
Amen to all that you wrote. Being true to who we are is a sure path to success. How I wish more people would realize that truth.
Hope you had a wonderful holiday!
I’m sure you are right about how you describe living a creative life.
I think what you have said has an even wider application – it may not be creativity that you live, it might be service as a priest or nurse. It might be inquiry as a scientist or historian. It might be care as a parent. Distraction is the enemy of purpose.
Hi Discovered Joys,
I totally agree with what you wrote. To me, creativity is a way of life. So you can apply it to any profession whether it be in medicine, law or even if you are just a parent. It is an attitude.
And yes, distraction is definitely an enemy of purpose. As is boredom.
Nadia,
What an interesting post! Provocative and unique as always.
I will also share my thoughts on creativity:
Even during their early history, human beings had their spark of
creativity. They could see things that did not yet exist. They could imagine.
They could yearn for beauty and make it immanent through art and
Literature and architecture. They could search the skies by day and night
To look at the sun, the moon, the planets, and the stars(“the other stars,”
To be precise),attempting to understand their movements and their mysteries.
As the English Romantic poet William Blake describes it, they knew how…
To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour.
Where does this creative spark come from? How do fevers in the human brain
produce the dreams and visions that became transformed into blazes of insight?
Why do our brains yearn for beauty and truth, as if they are all we know on Earth,
and all we need to know? Why are some human beings so highly creative that we
recognize them as true geniuses? Can those of us that are less creative enhance this
innate human creative creative capacity in ourselves and others? And can we instill it
in our children and in future generations? These are the grand questions about creativity.
It is not my goal to be a your guide in trying to answer them. I will just formulate my
definition of creativity that I have used in my years of research(1981 -?), which I still find reasonable
today:
-One essential component of creativity is Originality. Creativity involves perceiving new relationships, ways of observing, ways of portraying. These novel relationships might be
found in nature and expressed in new natural laws, or expressed in a product such as a novel or a poem. Creativity is not limited to particular domains such as the arts. Creativity in the
sciences is also a fascinating topic.
- A second component of creativity is Utility, very broadly defined. For example, it is possible
to conceive something novel – such as a car without wheels – that has no creative value at all.
The concept of utility must be broadly defined, however, because creativity in arts is not always obviously useful. Its utility resides primarily in its ability to evoke resonant emotions in others, to inspire, or to create a sense of awe at what the human mind / brain can achieve.
- A final component of creativity is that it must lead to a Product of some kind. That is,
Creativity requires the Creation of something .It may be helpful to think of creativity as
comprised of three components. It begins with a Person. That person the3n addresses a problem or seeks out a good question or conceives a new way of perceiving or conceptualizing, using a creative cognitive Process. How this process occurs is a fascinating
topic in cognitive neuroscience. When the process is complete – the problem is solved, the question is answered, the work finished – is the Product. Person, process, product… These
components may occur linearly, iteratively, or simply mysteriously.
Asking about how the individual human brain moves through a creative process to produce a sonnet or a song or an equation is one of the most fascinating questions that we can contemplate. To answer it is to explain how we human beings, beginning with those early hunched and hairy prehistoric ancestors, have managed to wrestle ourselves out of dark caves and into a world ablaze with the brilliant fire and light of creative genius.
Thinking differently is a modern story with some practical impacts that can add value to any
individual as a useful guidebook for breaking free from the herd in order to be less like
somebody else and more yourself. Its value is purely pragmatic. It is not a scientific
contribution.
Hi Mike,
When I was in college, my major was Literature and William Blake was one of the many writers that I so much admired. He was a very spiritual person too. I have a collection of his works and he truly was a wonderful writer. Very simple and straight to the point.
I think everyone has a creative spark in them. The problem is that people look at life in black and white. The beauty about human existence is that it is technicolor. The possibilities of what we can achieve are numerous and limitless. Many people only see limits…I think creative people do not see limits. Life is what we make out of it. We can either choose to explore and challenge our perceptions or we can play it safe and stick with what we know.
Your points of creativity having originality, utility, and formulation of a product makes sense intellectually. However, to be candid, my mind does not work that way when I think of creativity. In my mind, creativity is way of being. It is an attitude. The world, in my mind, is full of inspiration and beauty. At any given moment, I have access to all kinds of resources which I can cultivate an idea from in my mind.
For example, I went out this morning to get a cup of coffee from this cafe that I love. When I walked in to the cafe, I noticed a woman sitting in the corner and she looked like she had been crying. She was sitting alone at the table and it appeared that she was trying to make sense of what was happening in her life. As I stood in line, I thought about that woman and thought of possibilities as to why she was crying…I came up with a verse for a poem. So I pulled out my mobile phone and typed it in. Now for the record, when I walked into the cafe, I was not looking for a verse to write but I noticed what was happening and a verse came to mind. That to me is how creativity works. Pay attention to what is around you and you will be inspired in whatever is your art form whether it be law, medicine or whatever.
So in my mind, creativity is a matter of awareness which results in an expression. Now that I think of it, you and I are saying the same thing but using different terms. Utility, originality and a product sounds too cold for me but that is just me. The essence is what matters more to me. But like I said, we are saying the same thing but in different ways.
Nadia,
We are talking about the same stuff, but as you said in a different way. I see no contradiction.
We are aware of our ability to identify self -imposed constraints, remove them, and explore the consequences of their removal. Krishnamurti would have used awareness, without any doubt. Are you aware ,when you are aware that you have relaxed into a condition of being off guard? (Something typical for a man fallen in passionate love). Is he creatively protected? If this is the case, how come it Samson had was given a decisive haircut, so creatively , by Dalila,who he cheated 7 times in their love relationship?
It turns out that in your paradigm of thinking, sensing, technicolor existence,etc, you are the second bear in our Creator’s little den!? I can only dream of such a destiny,envied by all our Holy Fathers. But who knows? As Garry Kasparov once said -”One day all of us will be world chess champions!”
Hi Mike,
I am glad that you agree that there was no contradiction between what you wrote and what I wrote. I liked your question about whether when someone is aware are they aware that they have relaxed into a condition of being off guard. That was well written and in my experience, when I am in a zone of being aware, I am not aware of being aware. At least, I do not think that I am. I will have to pay attention next time and let you know.
As for your compliments about being a second bear in the den of the Creator…only God knows whether that is true or not. I just really try to do my best. I also love the quote from Kasparov…very well said.
Wow. What a fascinating story, Nadia. Thank you so very much for mentioning my book within the context of such a meaningful life experience. I’m very touched.
I think the notion of “embodied creativity” is so important. Too many of us believe creativity is something we do — something that we pursue only if we have time for it — when in fact creativity is who we are. The result is that we limit ourselves, our access to choices, and place unnecessary fences around our lives.
Through cultural conditioning we become bound to habit and convention, and end up living inauthentic lives. From my research and life experiences, being creative is really synonymous with being our authentic selves. Fortunately, we all have the ability to break free of this conditioning.
Thanks again for the kind words. I’m so glad you enjoyed my book.
I hope that through it people can rediscover this latent aspect of their personal identity and learn to live life more consciously; willing to take time to be aware of the inherent creative possibilities that exist in all aspects of life.
Hi Javy,
You are most welcome. I meant ever word that I wrote. Your book was truly the best book on creativity that I have ever read. It is my hope that many people will read your book.
And you are so right about how being creative really means being our authentic selves. That is a very powerful realization which I think can do wonders in how people perceive the whole concept of creativity. Like you, I hope that more and more people will be able to discover their own version of creativity.
Thank you again for contacting me and for letting me be a part of your book tour. I am truly very grateful.
Oh my gosh Nadia, this was amazing!!!!
I love all things “Latin” so I really enjoyed your sharing of what Buenos Aires is like. Perhaps I will visit it one day.
But the paragraph that really got me was when you talked about creativity and writer’s block. I have read from a lot of people about writer’s block being a “normal” part of a writer and somehow I just could not agree. I mean was I weird or something? I have personally never experienced it, and never can imagine it. For me ideas flow much faster, than the time I have to actually implement them.
It is as you say, every day, every where, and every moment life provides opportunities for us to take those and make of them a lot!
Thank you for this so much
Evita´s last blog ..Essential Energy with Cyndi Dale: Beyond the Golden Rule
Hi Evita,
You are so welcome! Thank you for agreeing with me on writer’s block. I tend to be alone in my outlook so it is awesome to see another writer who shares the same belief. The world is full of inspiration at any given second. We just need to look.
Hi Nadia,
I’m coming off a few days of low inspiration…or as Megan said, “feeling flat.”
Mostly because I allowed me to overbook me and…um…forgot about the down time. The time needed to relax and re-create.
A very timely post for me!
Happy Monday!
Peggy
Peggy´s last blog ..Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Peggy,
No worries…nothing lasts forever and I am sure that you will be back to your usual inspired self in no time. And I loved how you wrote about overbooking yourself. I have a tendency to do that too. Actually, that is one reason why I am running behind today on so many things.
Creativity arises naturally when we can loosen attachment to particular points of view in Awareness. Then Awareness is free to do its thing. Of course, this too is just another point of view.
I’ve had the experience of doing “banking” in the same way in India. Indians who want to travel abroad are officially limited to certain amount money they can take, and so there is a a more expensive black market for them, and the black market is supplied by foreigners who get better exchange rate.
Great article, great insights!
k
Kaushik´s last blog ..Saying Aloha to Fear
Hi Kaushik,
All points of view regarding creativity are always welcome and I agree with how you described it. Many times people attach certain concepts to it and there are no right concepts where creativity is concerned. So the best thing is to just be.
As for what you wrote about banking in India, that is one subject that always fascinated me while living there because the rules there are unlike any other country. Then again, it is things like that which make India so interesting.
Nadia — This post was so affirming. I loved your story about the money exchange. I think the phrase, “I am the bank!” will stay with me for some time. It’s a great reminder to be the writer I AM and not the one I think I ought to be.
I used to read a lot about blogging and the importance of having a special niche, but I never seemed to be able to do this. I write what comes to me and most of the time, I’m glad I do.
I know when I write from my heart that I feel really alive, happy and full of energy! In my case, it means that I’m bit eclectic in my writings, but that’s me:~)
Thanks for this post and for the book review. I will have to check out Javey’s book:~)
Sara´s last blog ..Picture Story: Picture Quotes
Hi Sara,
I have to tell you…I love the gravatar image. Very creative and very cool.
Good for you for creating your own special niche….you! That is the best niche there is and good for you for writing what feels right for you. That is how it is supposed to be. People aren’t stupid…they can sense when something is from the heart or when it is a bunch of bs. So just be you and you will rock!
If you do read Javy’s book, please let me know what you think. I always love to hear different points of view. I tend to learn something.
Hope all is awesome.
Hi Nadia – I think when you bring creativity into your life, or tap into your own creative powers, it changes the way your life feels. Instead of the same routine every day, being creative leaves a little time and space for play and uncertainty. Something that keeps us fresh
Amanda Linehan´s last blog ..One Huge Step Towards Happiness
Hi Amanda,
You are so right about that. When you do tap into your creative powers, it does change how you feel. I know for me it makes everything seem more alive and bright. That is why to me being creative is a way of life and not something that is separate from me. And who does not want to be fresh?!
Hey Nadia !
“Truly creative people eat, drink, sleep and go through their day being consumed with their craft. ”
That line is really inspiring. I know lately when Im at work (at a retail store) I’ll start making up raps and lyrics about what Im doing.
dont tell my boss! =)
Hi Rocky,
I love the doggie in the picture! How cute! And very cool about making up raps and lyrics about the work you are doing. That is a fun way to go through the work day. And no worries…I won’t tell a soul!
Hi Nadia .. I think probably I’ve always been creative – but not being considered good at schoolwork and not going to Uni or higher level education .. the creativity was suppressed. When I went to South Africa and started to be involved in a squash club .. my creativity started to come out ..
Now with my mother confined to bed, but with a brain that still works (though not often as the big sleeps are coming in to play more and more) – I had to get creative for her: looking at articles or ideas, or thoughts I’d seen on the tv, or heard on the radio – I could all transmit to her and we could chat and extrapolate on .. then up would come “well you’d better go and google it .. print out the interesting bits, so you can read them to me next time” .. I’ve kept that up and am still doing – partly for Mum and also for the blog ..
As you say you never know when things will come back and impact on you and make their mark. The bank man – I love!!!! A coat of many currencies!!
Brilliant and I’d love to go to Buenos Aires – your pictures were lovely .. one day ..
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
Hilary´s last blog ..What Christmas memory comes back to you at the beginning of December?
Hi Hilary,
You are not alone in having your creativity suppressed. I think many people have had such an experience. The beauty about life is that it is never too late to start fresh and it is wonderful that being involved in a squash club helped you to bring out your creativity.
As for Buenos Aires, it is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Not many people have discovered South America and it truly is a very beautiful continent. I have been fortunate to spent a lot of time in that part of the world and it is truly wonderful. I hope to go back someday too.
Hope all is well!
That is a great story with “el hombre del banko” and to tie it together years later tells me we never know what anything is for. I think I get writer’s blog when when I am hiding who I really am. When I let go of my fear what others will think…viola…I can write.
You are so worldly! Except for Mexico I’ve never left the US. Your writing and travels inspire me to do more and be more of me.
And Wilma,
I’ll be right over for some of those veggies, peaches and to sit in a tree. The tree in my back yard won’t hold me. But hey in AZ I’m blessed to have one;)
Hi Tess,
Your insight about the reasons behind your experience with writer’s block is awesome. It is amazing how fear can disguise itself in such subtle ways. Kind of scary too.
As for traveling, I am so blessed to have had the opportunities to see many parts of the world. Such experiences were a great education for me. It taught me so much about myself and humanity. It truly is a small world. Actually, I think I learned more about life through traveling than I did from being school. And thank you for saying the my writing and travels inspire you to do more and be more of you. I am so touched.
Wealths (is that a real word,) of lessons and affirmations in here. Feels so good I’m not the only one who has wondered about and shied away from books that aim to “teach” creativity.
And funny, you can remember the “Estoy El banco) encounter as if just yesterday, from your description I felt I was there too. Could see his smile, his furrowed but happy brow. Hear his deep voice.
There is only one you! Only one me.
Gestalt lives. Gestalt living.
Something great’s up in the blogging community today, I feel we are all in wonderful sync. Just came from Megan JoyGirl’s with Tess. Cool!!
xo
Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Getting To Know Him… Getting To Know All About A Wonderful Blogger.
Hi Jannie,
Yay for being in wonderful sync! I love when that happens.
And amen for gestalt living. I would not want to be any other way.
I am also glad to know that I am not alone in not loving books that aim to teach creativity. It is also good to know that we are at peace in being ourselves. How cool is that? Very cool…if you ask me.
Hi, Nadia. This was a wonderful article! …so helpful to me. Since taking early retirement six months ago, I’ve struggled mightily with juggling all the things on my to-do list. Trying to figure out how to fit so many varied things into my days still isn’t easy. I think the variety adds to the difficulty. I feel like I’m continually donning different clothes and turning on and off various mental light switches! …wife, shopper, horse trainer, blogger, Facebook friend, social calendar organizer, pen pal writer to various people of all ages all over the place (including a niece I barely know who is about to graduate Marine boot camp—talk about finding it hard to think of things to write!), book writer, dinner organizer/maker, housewife, wildlife caretaker, gardener, laundress, wife again…
I’m with Megan. And I’m with Evita. And I’m somewhere in between. Continually shifting mental gears takes a toll on the creative flow…when I’m talking about writing. But in reality, I’m continually creative. And always, I’m just a little bit tired. Sometimes the writing suffers. It ALWAYS suffers when I stop to think about how it might be received. It ALWAYS suffers when I chastize myself for having a different voice than what I’d wished. It ALWAYS suffers when I’m a little low. But the creativity never leaves. And when I’m UP, it flows as rapidly and clearly and beautifully fresh as I could ever intend. So, I’m with you. It’s truly not possible to have writer’s block. It is, however, up to me to keep myself in that place that provides me the kind of writing I prefer, or suffer the resulting angst. But writer’s block, it’s not.
So there I have it. In commenting on this, I knew my answer would come, knew this would be helpful. I started out thinking it was because I was trying to compartmentalize my life when really it was simply that I was overlooking what I so often “preach”, myself: just relax and be open to the flow within.
Julie´s last blog ..A Different Thanksgiving
Hi Julie,
Don’t you just love how you find your answers in the midst of writing? Reading your comment was so cool because it was great to see your thought process. You sure do have a lot going on in your life but it is obvious that you love it. So that is awesome.
And I think you hit the nail on the head concerning writer’s block. There is no need to blocked. We can be continually creative it is just a matter of perspective. I know that there are days which are harder than others but that is separate issue…at least it is in my mind. Creativity is a constant. Our moods often make an impact in our perception but that is the beauty of perception…it is constantly fluid and at the mercy of the person viewing. Actually, so much of life is truly just a matter of perception.
One more thing, never worry about how your writing will be perceived. Just write from the heart…it will always guide you in the right direction.
I have always relied on my creativity to get me through each day, because not being much of a linear thinker in this world forces me to either hide or just push through in my own way. I am not a good hider…no matter the game.
I do find when 3 children were small and one special needs and hyper active…that exhaustion of getting through the day often blocked off the creative juices….sometimes even over whelming occurred.
I was so relieve to discover several other women describe post hysterectomy a feeling as though they had lost their creativity. When I realized my creativity was not connected to my fertility – only my feeling my well being then I could proceed with my living to the fullest.
I too do not like books on creativity…relaxation now I like those
another great post – thank you
Patricia´s last blog ..Tripping and Reading the Light Fantastic
Hi Patricia,
I am not much of a linear thinking either so I know what you mean. It is wonderful that you are not hider…who wants to hide anyway? Not much fun in that.
What you mentioned about how some women feel that they lost their creativity after a hysterectomy is news to me. I just do not see that connection but I guess some women do we feel really attached to their fertility. I guess because I never wanted children, the whole fertility issue is a non-issue so that was interesting to learn. And I am happy that you realized that creativity and fertility are not interconnected. Nothing should get in the way of living life to the fullest.
Hi Nadia,
Great post, great topic. I also used to compartmentalize everything and found that it affected my mood adversely. When I finally came to the understanding that I can carry my peace and spirituality with me wherever I go and into whatever task I am performing, life opened up for me. (And now when I feel the grumpies coming on, I know it’s me, not the task, that needs addressing.) In the past two years, I’ve really embraced my own creativity and like you, I’ve found inspiration absolutely everywhere. It’s a wonderful thing! There are times when I’m stuck on a certain writing project, or art project, and I think wait a minute—I’m not meant to be working on this. What is really speaking to me? And then inspiration comes again. Anyway, it’s great to know your thoughts on this subject, and thank you for the book recommendation!
Jodi at Joy Discovered´s last blog ..Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Jodi,
That is awesome how you have embraced your own creativity and have cultivated the awareness that whenever you may feel grumpy, you check within. May more and more people learn from your example.
And I am thrilled that you also have the awareness that inspiration is really a constant…you just have to be open to it and aware of its presence. And you are welcome for the book recommendation. Hope all is well!
Woah!,
loved the post
, found it while searching for reviews on the Thinking Differently book lol, you know an article you might be interested in is one I just stumbled upon as well in the same “creativity techniques” search because it shares some similarities, I found the title amusing cause it was called “Creative Minds Are Rebels Who Survived Education” http://sapientology.com/life/creative-minds-rebels-surivived/
Anyways, keep up the good work cause I’m definitely subscribing =)
Jenn
Hi Jenny,
Glad you found your way here. Thank you for subscribing and for the support. I also appreciate you sharing that other post with me. I love the title…there is a lot of truth to that title.
Hope all is awesome!
Hi Nadia,
Being creative is different from trying to be creative. I agree with that.
Whenever I try to be creative I seem to get stuck.
It either happens or it doesn’t.
A good example is writing. Unless I start writing it won’t happen because I will keep on judging what would be the best thing to write about and how to write it and so on.
The creative process takes place in real time. It is hard to plan ahead of time. Just doing something can get it started.
Maybe I struggle with creativity like so many people because of the way so many things in life are regimented and structured. We are taught from childhood to follow so many rules that don’t leave much room for creativity.
I enjoyed reading your post and the story you included about the one man bank.
Vance
Vance Sova´s last blog ..Blogging SEO Strategy, Help Fellow Blogger Increase Blog Traffic
Hi Vance,
Thank you so much for being so open about your struggles with creativity. Based on comments left from others, I can see that many people feel the same way.
You made a great point about how so many things in life are structured and regimented. I think we do that to create a sense of order and provide us with a sense of safety. And those rules, as you so wisely stated, do not leave room for creativity. I guess creativity thrives when there are no barriers or a sense of wanting things to look a certain way. I guess that state of awareness is not common because such thinking is feared.
You have given me some food for thought…thank you!
Hope all is well!
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