Courageously Creating: Creative Intentions Issue No. 8

Monday, August 2, 2010

Creative Intentions Issue No. 8

Welcome to the eighth issue of Creative Intentions. With this newsletter, I hope to inspire all creative types to learn about their personal creativity and how to grow from their creative work. Each week, for twelve weeks, you can look forward to a feature article with information, tips and ideas surrounding the realm of creativity.

Feature Article Topic:

Creativity and Spirituality

I used to think that creativity meant the act of engaging in a form of the arts, whether it was in theater, visual art, music, dance, writing, or storytelling. I still see these areas as avenues for being creatively expressive, but there is so much more that I notice now. For example, I now understand that one can make creative choices throughout the day. There are various ways to solve problems, interact with others, cook, clean, spend time, etc. In each of these choices lies an element of imagination. I now define creativity as a way of opening; a way of listening to that still, small voice inside. In this way, creativity and spirituality are linked. According to Natalie Rogers, the author of The Creative Connection, “creativity is a life-force energy that flows like a river through each of us” (p. 187). Although some people don’t know it’s there, or don’t believe it is there for them, I do. When we engage our creativity, we experience where the human and the “Great Spirit” connect. There is a lot of mystery in our world, and connecting to that mysterious force can be quite illuminating. It’s like feeling that you are constantly supported and loved. And when you are being creative, this kind of acceptance is exactly what is needed. Connecting to the life force inside of you is connecting to your inner wisdom and universal wisdom at the same time. It is trusting your own new ideas and working with them. Creativity and spirituality are linked in a powerful way. Give yourself a gift, and allow yourself to open to the life-force energy flowing through you. It is such an amazing experience. And isn’t life meant to feel amazing?

Suggestion:

This week, try quieting yourself before you begin a creative project. Take several relaxing breaths, and then begin your creative work. Notice if this step of “opening” impacts what you do, or how you do your work.

Resources:

The Artist Inside: A Spiritual Guide to Cultivating Your Creative Self

http://www.amazon.com/Artist-Inside-Spiritual-Cultivating-Creative/dp/0767903943/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1280750968&sr=1-1

A Big New Free Happy Unusual Life: Self Expression and Spiritual Practice for Those Who Have Time for Neither

http://www.amazon.com/Big-Free-Happy-Unusual-Life/dp/0767910079/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1280751114&sr=1-1

The Creative Connection: Expressive Arts As Healing

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Connection-Expressive-Arts-Healing/dp/0831400803/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1280750596&sr=8-1

Drawing as a Sacred Activity: Simple Steps to Explore Your Feelings and Heal Your Consciousness

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_14?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=drawing+as+a+sacred+activity&x=0&y=0&sprefix=drawing+as+a+s&ih=11_1_1_0_0_0_1_0_0_1.68_169&fsc=13

How To Be an Explorer of the World: Portable Life Museum

http://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Explorer-World-Portable/dp/0399534601/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1280751296&sr=1-1

Inspiring Creativity: An Anthology of Powerful Insights and Practical Ideas to Guide You to Successful Creating

http://www.amazon.com/Inspiring-Creativity-Anthology-Practical-Successful/dp/0976737108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1280751366&sr=1-1

(Note: I have an article in this book called “Creativity and Your Inner Guide: Connecting to Your Power Within”. The contact info in my bio statement is out of date in the book, however. If you are interested in purchasing this book, I have a few copies for sale for $10.00 plus s&h).