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Dreamscape Jewelry Design

June 7, 2020: Creativity in Times of Challenge

The challenging times of a pandemic have continued to impact our daily lives, economically, personally and socially.  Our country is in a state of turmoil with protests  against racism, reminiscent of the Civil Rights movements during the sixties.  There seems to be an onslaught of never ending, negative news fueling a sense of anxiety and uncertainty about our futures with unanswered questions about what will happen next.

What does one do when the whole world seems to have turned upside down?  Along with the tried and true ways to manage stress: being in nature, exercise, healthy eating, meditate, talk with friends, (https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management) one way to improve our mental health is through creative pursuits.

Research has shown that when we are engaging in a creative act, there is a calming effect on the brain and body.  Creativity can reduce feelings of anxiety, alleviate depression and minimize stress.  Being in a flow of creation can increase dopamine into our brain, a chemical that boosts feelings of wellbeing.

We don’t need to be professional artists to tap into our own reservoirs of creativity.  It’s finding something that allows you to be completely absorbed, evolving into a flow state, where for a period of time, you lose the sense of self and time.  Hobbies that involve repetitive actions like gardening, knitting, sewing  and writing have also have shown to increase senses of calm and positivity.

When we head out for our daily hikes, I bring my camera.  The single acts of looking for blooming wildflowers and birds removes the worry chatter from my brain.  This past week brought discouraging news both nationally and professionally with the cancellation of the last of our summer shows. I found myself, once again finding solace in searching for inspirational quotes and pairing them with my nature photographs.  Simple activities, but ones which brought forth a much needed return of positive energy.

These buttercups were the first ones we’ve seen this year.
Happy signs of Spring!

Creativity, a biological trait, doesn’t have to lead to a masterpiece.  Its very definition involves using our imagination for new ideas and to bring something new out of the process.  Whether it’s a recipe, planting a garden, writing a poem, or even coloring, the important part is that the activity is one you enjoy.

We can turn this time of uncertainty, into a journey of self-discovery. As Howard Gardner says: “Creativity begins with an affinity for something. It’s like falling in love.”

What are activities that you enjoy, where you can dive into a flow, and swim in the  currents of well-being?  Bring your curiosity, the willingness to explore, the understanding of how a journey always begins with a single step (Indira Ghandi) , and a sense of playfulness.   The resulting destination is not as important as the sense of well-being that accompanies you along the way.

Inspirational Quotes that celebrate the power of creativity

 “Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people”

– Leo Burnett

“Creativity is a combinatorial force: it’s our ability to tap into our ‘inner’ pool of resources – knowledge, insight, information, inspiration and all the fragments populating our minds – that we’ve accumulated over the years just by being present and alive and awake to the world and to combine them in extraordinary new ways.”

— Maria Popova, Brainpickings

“Creativity is the process of bringing something new into being. Creativity requires passion and commitment. It brings to our awareness what was previously hidden and points to new life. The experience is one of heightened consciousness: ecstasy.”

– Rollo May, The Courage to Create 

“Creativity doesn’t wait for that perfect moment. It fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones.” 

— Bruce Garrabrandt

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use the more you have.” —

Maya Angelou

 “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” 

— Mary Lou Cook
Photographing nature is one of my ways of being in a creative flow


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