Creativity is a religion.~ Eric Maisel
I love the idea of creativity as a religion and all that it implies: belief in that which you cannot see, faith that it exists, devotion to its tenets, a practice of observing its principles. What if we truly treated creativity as a religion in our own lives? What would that look like?
Finding a sacred space. Every religion has sacred spaces where, once you enter, you know that your sole purpose is to immerse yourself in your faith. The religion of creativity is no different. You need to set aside a space where, once you enter it, you know that your focus, your purpose, will be to summon your creativity. Do you have a space that is yours alone in which to create? A room? A corner of the garage or the dining table? If you do not, perhaps this should be the first place you start.
Observing rituals. Rituals have the power to inspire creativity. At first, this may seem counterintuitive – doing the same things over and over again hardly seems creative. However, a ritual has the ability to bring your mind to a place where it knows the sacred work of creativity is about to begin. What rituals do you observe? Do you put on music? Light a candle? Brew an exceptional cup of coffee? Organize your paper and pens just so?
Setting a rhythm. If you have ever attended a religious service, you know there is a regular pattern of activity. A follows B follows C. It is soothing and comfortable. You do not have to think too hard or worry about what comes next. As a result, it frees the mind to be present in the moment – where the real work of creativity can be done. Do you have a rhythm that you follow when you create? Do you set aside a specific time of day – before breakfast or after you exercise? Do you give yourself a set amount of time – say one hour a day to work on your book or build your new ebusiness? Do you “work” for 15 minutes and do a physical activity for five minutes? It doesn’t matter what the rhythm is. It is just important that you establish one. In doing so, you will prime the pump for creativity.
Taking time for reverence. No doubt about it, creativity is a gift. Fortunately, one we all have access to. Do you take a few moments each day to appreciate the great gift that creativity is? The amazing ability of your brain to solve problems and come up with solutions? Do you appreciate your imagination? Give thanks? It is only through appreciation and gratitude that we can hope to be rewarded again and again with flashes of insight and stunning brilliance.
Amen to that.
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I feel like I’m creating all the time…but not in this context. Certainly not with ritual, other than feeling pressed for time and with more to do than I can possibly get done. Grateful for what you’ve “invoked” here, Andrea. As always, brilliant and rich.
Ronna recently posted..Why have we made this whole “God” thing so complex
I’m guessing you have rituals that you aren’t even aware of (like stacking your books or whatever). It’s interesting to think about, isn’t it? How we go about our work?
This is really lovely, Andrea. I’ve thought about creativity as a form of prayer (although I’d hate to see my normal ambivalence about religion start to infiltrate my experience of creativity…)
Judy Stone-Goldman recently posted..FAQs about Reflective Writing Learn More and Get Writing Now!
Thank you, Judy!
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