(cc) amiefedora on flickr
I’ve always been fascinated by creative people and the creative process. Maybe it’s because of the new year and I’m thinking about what I want to accomplish, or maybe it’s because of my friend Karen’s commitment to do One New Thing a week, but I’ve been pondering it even more lately. This article on Creative Something about the link between creativity and intelligence (you don’t have to be a genius to be creative) really resonated with me.
In a nutshell, to nurture creativity, we must:
1. Have more experiences (thus my love for One New Thing)
2. Think on our experiences more often (for me, this means running outside because that’s when I can really think)
3. Build on our ideas (rather than ditching them) and learn to silence our inner critics
What do you do to spark creativity in your life? Do you have any blogs, Facebook pages/groups, or activities that inspire you?
Hi Laurie,
I learned to crochet at a very young age. I can pretty much make anything I want when it comes to crochet.
Let’s see…. I can knit… Oh and I really like cross stitching even if I have not done it in YEARS.
I try to be creative with my blog.. but sadly it is a little boring.
I try to be as crafty as I can as much as I can. But really reading is more fun 🙂
Kelly
I have a discussion group about my books that I run on Facebook, and when I’m feeling a little stagnant in the creativity department, I will post a question to my group members, and take their answers and see what sparks my imagination. But the biggest thing I do is COOK! I love learning and trying new recipes and altering them to suit my family’s tastes! I find it an endless source of creativity and inspiration!
Cooking and crocheting and books! I love all those things too. Thanks for commenting, Kelly and Brenda!
Hi Laurie,
I consider myself a very creative person. I draw, paint, sew costumes… write. It depends what i want to do creatively that determines what i do to spur the creativity. If im stuck in a rut, no matter the creative outlet i normally do stream of conciousness writing for 30 minutes to get out all the gunk thats blocking the way. I also listen to all sorts of music to get the mood for ideas. I do keep a dream journal as i have to most freakishly weird awesome movie dreams. And finally, i have been known to write questions at myself and answer with my other hand. Its really funny seeing the answers written in the script of what looks like a 5 year old.
Thanks for commenting, Jessica. You do sound like a very creative person! It’s important to nurture, don’t you think? I love the idea for dream journal! I’m a vivid dreamer too.
Hi Laurie, Thanks!
I have learned more, experienced more, met more new people who inspire me this last year since I started One New Thing.
I have been so motivated by all the creative people around me. People like you who have a love for writing and pursued your dream and have accomplished so much.
I constantly have to push myself to continue to follow through with my creative thoughts and put them to reality. The #3 is a big one for me.
I am excited this year to bring in other creative people to share on my friendsfavz and learn from them! Here is to creativity in the New Year!
Hi Karen, thanks for visiting! Yeah, #3 is a big one for me too. That article says what separates creative people from non-creative people is, in part, their ability to go beyond those one or two first ideas and not give up.
Hey, Laurie –
Your post really caught my attention because I do quite a bit of reading on creativity. For me, silencing that inner critic is key. I’ve also realized that “spreading around” my creativity helps my writing. For example, knitting or crocheting or making jewelry (something with my hands) is a nice creative foil for all the word work we do.
Kelsey
Me too, Kelsey! That inner critic is really mean sometimes. I enjoy all those creative activities too. A few of my book club friends try to get together every week for coffee and knitting. Doing creative things with my hands helps me when I need my brain to be creative later. And I’m determined to do Karen’s One New Thing each week. I think she needs to host a meme and get others on board!
What are some of your favorite books/websites that discuss creativity. I know you’re a fan of The Artist’s Way, right?