Purge yourself . . . whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it. Because you’ll find that when you’re free, your true creativity, your true self comes out.
– Tina Turner
Why are so many people afraid of the idea of creativity? Perhaps it’s the idea that to be creative is to relinquish control.
Matisse famously says: Creativity takes courage.
To allow oneself to put aside that part of us that is in control, that is logical and rational is a scary thought. For those of us who have worked so hard to keep everything ordered and in control, the thought of relinquishing this control is scary. Lady Gaga describes letting go to access one’s creative spark:
When you make music or write or create, it’s really your job to have mind-blowing, irresponsible, condom-less sex with whatever idea it is you’re writing about at the time.
A lot of research is also pointing to curiosity being an important key to unlocking creativity:
In order to spark new levels creativity as adults, we need to get back in touch with our childlike curiosity. We need to observe, explore, ask questions, and again venture into the unknown — Andrew Merle
In a wonderful article on Greater Good Website, Ten Things Creative People Know, Peggy Taylor and Charlie Murphy explain that:
Creative expression opens the door to the inner world of our imaginations. It is here that we make meaning of our lives. It is here that motivation takes root. The more creative we are, the more capacity we have to imagine what’s possible and make those visions real.
Creative People know that:
1. Our lives have meaning.
All life is interconnected and full of purpose. Discovering our unique purpose is one of the great adventures of life.
2. We are all creative.
Creativity is not found just in the chosen few who exhibit artistic talent. It is a force that flows through every single one of us, allowing us to dream things up and make them happen.
3. Creative expression empowers us.
Making art supercharges our creativity, makes us happy, and heals our wounds.
4. We are good at heart.
At the core of each person is compassion and love for the world. Creative expression gives voice to our goodness.
5. Life is an adventure to be lived, not a problem to be solved.
Something quite different—and more creative—happens when we live life from the vantage point of possibility rather than pathology.
6. Change is an inside job.
We each have a life on the inside that is as real and vast as life on the outside. Coming to know who we are on the inside empowers us to make our lives count.
7. Diversity is a resource.
Nature thrives on complexity and diversity, and the same is true for the human community. Our differences in age, gender, race, culture, and backgrounds provide a rich source of learning.
8. We thrive when we feel supported.
When we identify our strengths and celebrate our successes, we become more powerful.
9. We each have the power to make change.
Regardless of our age or life situation, each of us has something to bring to the table.
10. The challenges of our time require intergenerational collaboration.
When adults take the creativity and vitality of young people seriously, whole new possibilities emerge.
So purge yourself, free yourself, have the courage and the curiosity to explore your creativity. The world needs the creative you.