The Soul and Creativity – Art Waiting to Happen

Think about it – you walk down the street one day and you see this couple – a man and woman are strolling hand and hand, they are laughing and talking together – something we have all seen a million times, but there is something about the woman – an aura that is unmistakable - her step is light, her movements are fluid, her smile is warm and her attitude is joyful – then she turns and you realize that she’s pregnant. Ah, that explains it. They are in love and they have created a baby out of that love. You have just witnessed the connection between the soul and creativity – the original way, if you will, but certainly not the only way.

When we see a great work of art such as Michael Angelo’s, David, most of us feel a sense of soul within that work too. When I watched the recent Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics I felt the hearts and souls of the thousands it took to put on that showcase of Chinese ingenuity. The creativity was awe-inspiring and I felt the collective soul of the Chinese people that night watching it. I call it life as art and everyone can create “babies” whether they are creations of the body, mind or spirit.

Now we don’t have to create an Olympic Opening Ceremony or sculpt a David or even have a baby to be creative and in touch with your soul. Everyone is creative by nature and with a little nurture can be even more so. Plus, most of us are a lot more creative than we give ourselves credit for and therefore a lot more in touch with our souls than we may think. The act of creation is all around us – new ideas, new ways of doing things and new solutions to old problems are happening at the speed of light. Look around you and take note of all the creations you see. Then take a look at your own life and pay attention to your own creations.

Any time you take raw materials, whether they are tangible or intangible, and make something new, you are being creative. Any time you solve a problem in a new way, you are being creative. Any time you plan an event and see it through to completion you are being creative. Anytime you change the way you think of something or someone and you have a different response, you are being creative. Any time you chose to do something you have not done before, you are being creative. Any time you take a risk, or choose to learn something new, you are being creative. And of course any time you create something of beauty such as a work of art, a piece of prose or poetry, a room you've rearranged, a delicious meal, a craft, a home or building you design and build, a graden you plant, or any number things you might create in the traditional sense of art, you are being creative.

Being creative is in our DNA but living life as art is about focusing on being creative. So, if you would like to be more creative – to access the creative aspect of your soul in a more conscious, more nurturing and direct way then here are some tips to get you started.

As I wrote last week take yourself on an Artist Date - a specific time once a week where you go alone to see and experience something you consider beautiful and has the potential to ignite your creative soul

Ask yourself before you begin a project, even housework or some task in your job - how could I do this in a more creative way? How could I bring beauty to this endeavor?

Begin to use creativity when dealing with your relationships – whether children, spouses, friend or co-workers – ask yourself – how could I use creativity to make this situation come out better and in a more positive way for everyone?

If you long to paint, sculpt, write, do crafts or build something – begin a process of allowing time for this in your life. Find others of like mind and connect with them. Make a plan to create and work your plan.

Make note of your creative endeavors and creative solutions to problems in a creativity journal. Have a time at dinner every night to ask your family – How were you creative today?
Begin a creativity journal where you write about your desire to be more creative. Pay attention to your dreams and record them in your journal. If you feel hampered in being creative begin a process through journaling to rid yourself ot limiting beliefs or ideas.

Get help from a coach or creativity group to support you in your creative efforts. People who seek out others are in the act of creating simply by the act of asking for help.

Remember, we are all creative by nature and simply need to listen and pay attention to our soul urges – once we do, all kinds of glorious and creative things begin to happen.

Blessing, Lorraine