3 SIMPLE WAYS TO SPARK YOUR CREATIVITY
Article by Jeannine Chanin Penn
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #26
“Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.”— Pablo Picasso
When you watch a child approaching a creative project it’s a great reminder of how NOT to overthink something. As adults, professionals, people with responsibility, it is so easy to meticulously plan, over think and get very stuck in the process. Below, I’m going to share 3 seemingly simple things that you can do at least once a day to inspire creative thinking. Why do I say “seemingly simple?” Because, the majority of adults have a list of why they can’t. There really aren’t any good excuses. There are just excuses. I know. I’ve often made those excuses. “I don’t have the time” is the number one excuse. “I’m not creative” is another common excuse people share with me.
I believe that Creativity is a Birthright. I say it, I practice it, I teach it and I believe it.
And here’s the thing, creativity and creative play increases productivity at work, stimulates your mind, reduces stress, deepens self-awareness, increases problem-solving skills and brings greater joy. All good reasons to justify the time you take for a little creative play.
3 Simple Ways To Act More Like A Child And Spark Your Creativity!
1. Play. Really play. From playing a game like Twister to inviting friends over for a home facial party with temporary tattoos and candy apples to taking out paint and painting with your fingers. Besides the fun factor, you will de-stress and feel connected to others which will absolutely re-energize you when you go back to the more serious business of life.
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” -George Bernard Shaw
2. Get outside! When asked about a happy memory as a child, everyone, and I mean everyone, in the Creative Playpenn workshops I lead mentioned being with Nature! Walking, going to the beach, riding your bicycle, gardening… literally, stopping to smell the flowers can clear your mind and benefit your mental and physical health.
“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”- Frank Lloyd Wright
3. Make something. Whether you sit down and paint, sew a pillow, draw a picture or cook a new recipe… create something fresh and new at least once a week. It will lead to self-discovery, expand your sense of freedom and self- expression. It may not be the thing that makes you rich or famous but it will absolutely bring joy to your life.
"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." - Maya Angelou
