“A loaded word and an invitation.” Lisa of Being Breath on Creativity

“Creativity”.

Such a loaded word.

Often seen as something we are not, something that is a luxurious pursuit, something that is “other” than daily living.

I remember I once taught a class where I invited everyone to take a few crayons and just color a picture. We were going for free form expression – just a fun release. One woman chose not to take part. Her reason? ”Oh, I’m not creative.”

I think there is a gigantic part of ourselves that is lost when we take on the belief that we are not a creative being. Anyone can take a piece of sidewalk chalk and just start drawing. There is beauty, fun, and expression in that. That is of course a creative act, but creative expression does not stop there.

I choose to view creativity as expressing one’s true self. A creative moment, day, or life, then, is one in which we are expressing our Self! To me, that seems far more exciting and possible than trying to be creative. It feels like the difference between sitting in a board room where a boss just demanded 5 creative ideas for the growth of the company – now! – and sitting on a canvas surrounded by clay and paints and crayons and papers of all colors, sizes, and shapes.

We always have the capability to express ourselves. This ability is increased as we impress ourselves (sounds fun, no?). As we take IN the world around us (sans judgment and labels), we have more tools, more awareness with which to work.

Through our senses we play with the outer world and what it feels like in our inner world. The inner world (our thoughts, our emotions) becomes awakened and starts to naturally express itself (through our words, our actions, our being and doing).

In this way, we always have the opportunity to open to creativity and to be creative!

I will readily admit to forgetting this every now and then. Ok, most of the time. When I’m opening up the washing machine and being hit in the face with the stench of a forgotten load that has since dried on its own, I’m not thinking about how I can creatively handle the situation.

But in my more centered times, even laundry becomes an exploration. I’ve invited music in while I’m folding clothes, allowed the water to tickle my fingers as the washer fills, moved into yoga poses in order to get the clothes out of the drier. Laundry becomes no longer a chore, but a creative play.

Today – yes, today – I invite you to play with either allowing creativity in or expressing yourself. (I double dog dare those brave enough to do both!) Take a bit to awaken your senses and make note of what it does to your thoughts, that grip in your tummy, your breath. Or grab that apple and see how creatively you can play with it – shaping it, eating it slowly over an hour, pretending your tongue is the worm that lives inside. (Yes, I’m giving you permission to play with your food.)

Life itself is a creative journey. The more we take part in it, the more joyous our moments become.

….Namaste.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Lisa Renee Wilson

I am honored to be your host for this journey! I am an Awareness Artist who shares her world work through Being Breath (www.BeingBreath.com). As a parent, artist, contemplative, meditator, yoga practitioner, introvert, runner, blogger, photographer, and iced-chai addict, I practice the art of mindful awareness throughout all of my daily activities. From playing with perspectives to playing in paint, no moments are off limits for exploration.

You can learn more about me over at BeingBreath.com, connect over on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter, or just stay tuned to hear insightfully honest stories right here at Bliss Habits!