On the Path to Living Creatively
More thoughts on the class I am designing. This is not a lecture class, though there is explaining involved. It is an exploration of ways each person’s innate creativity can help deal with the increasing complexities of our world.
Leisure is becoming a luxury for all but the very young and the retired. Most artists have day jobs, or they teach (also a day job). They must use every leftover minute to do their art. But I am not talking about creativity, here, in terms of doing “art,” whatever that creative work may look like.
I am talking about the creativity that comes up with a way of responding to toddlers that actually reduces conflict between them. Or that finds ways to approach a team project at one’s job that clears away unnecessary hassle and stress for everyone. I’m talking about ways of enhancing the ability of each of us to live creatively.
There are tools to use, skills to develop that can help us learn how to do that. Some time is necessary to acquire those skills. But how much, when, and what to do with that time is, itself, open to a creative approach. The most basic skill to being open to your own creativity is presence, the art of being fully with whatever is happening.
This is not easy in a world filled with distractions, but ways can be found. I use the time on my exercise bike to pay attention to my breathing and to what my body is feeling. A red light at an intersection can be a reminder to come into the present and breathe. I’ve seen trees, birds, sunsets, other people that way.
My daughter often uses her two year old’s nap time to stop and spend some time being fully present the four year old. (And when he is at preschool, the little one gets a turn.) Life has all the material in it for a full practice. It just takes awareness, and reminders.
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