How Creative Rediscovery Can Improve Your Whole Life

Boosting Creativity

January is International Creativity Month, which means we’re looking at all the ways boosting your creativity works wonders for work and play. Here are some links you can use now to bolster your creative side.

This article from Inc. is a well-researched list to help you use creative thinking in all aspects of your life. From introducing techniques such as the six hats or the suggestion of going for a walk, it’s full of useful tips. https://tinyurl.com/uplift0124

TED is well known for being a respected source of encouraging out-of-the-box thinking, and this article on science-based tips to boost creativity is no exception. https://tinyurl.com/uplift01242

Creativity doesn’t just fly out fully formed. It needs to be developed and tended to. This article from Grand Canyon University suggests ways to keep working on your artistic side. https://tinyurl.com/uplift01243

Creativity doesn’t need to stay with the artists of the world. This article from Harvard’s blog details the best ways to let creative thinking drive professional success. https://tinyurl.com/uplift01244

Fun fungi pics. Using a 90mm lens, photographer Barry Webb captures the ethereal beauty of slime molds and fungi in South Buckinghamshire, UK, in these stunning macro pictures of the mushroom world. Exploring deep into woodlands, he documents their diverse features, from what look like fuzzy hairdos to strange planet-like orbs that you’d rarely notice with your naked eye. Webb's recent accolades include the awards for Close-Up Photographer of the Year. Be sure to check out these amazing photos. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift0124a

Drawing strangers. January is International Creativity Month and what better way to open your own mind to creativity than by checking out this wonderful “graphic journal” by Wendy MacNaughton in the New York Times. Beautifully documenting an impromptu drawing club she set up for strangers one day, the piece speaks to the power of creativity in uniting and engaging with people you’ve never met. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift0124c

Explore Oslo’s street art. The ever-wonderful CreativeMornings offers a stunning video exploration of the excellent Oslo Street Art Tour. With this full look into the diverse array of art and graffiti scattered throughout Oslo’s streets, you can see remarkable murals, pint-sized sculptures in secret places and many other forms of artistic expression. Delve into the artists' perspectives as you venture on an engaging journey from Tøyen in the east district to the lively core of alternative Oslo, Grünerløkka. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift124b

Amid the challenges of pandemic-induced stress, an excessive workload and strained relationships with her family, writer and yoga teacher Alyssa Lauren Stone was undergoing a tumultuous period in her life. Succumbing to workaholism as a coping mechanism, she noticed how she was neglecting her personal well-being, resulting in severe health issues and strained familial relationships.

According to Stone, the moment that changed it all was discovering The Artists’ Way , a 1992 novel outlining a 12-week “artistic creative recovery” program devised by the writer, filmmaker and composer Julia Cameron. Emphasizing self-care and engagement in creative pursuits, the book outlines various practices such as “Morning Pages” (writing an aimless stream of consciousness first thing each morning) and “Artist Dates” (taking yourself out for a solo trip to enrich yourself each week, whether that’s to a gallery, out in nature or to watch a movie).

Committing to Cameron’s program, Stone found herself suddenly inspired to start some of her own artistic ventures, from relearning the piano to writing stories, sewing clothes and attending writing workshops. Without even realizing it, her stress levels were falling and her relationships were beginning to improve; her previously rocky marriage was beginning to feel full of love again, and her relationship with her daughter dramatically improved through small acts of creativity together.

Eventually finding every facet of her personal life improved, Stone ultimately took the huge step of leaving her job to pursue her creative pursuits. Within months, she was working professionally as a writer while at the same time going on to complete her training to become a yoga teacher.

Despite being written three decades ago, The Artists’ Way still appears to have a profound effect on those discovering or rediscovering their creativity, so it’s no wonder it’s still used by huge figures in the creative industries, such as The Who songwriter Pete Townshend, singer-songwriter Alicia Keys and writer Patricia Cornwell. Simple techniques like “Morning Pages” can really unlock the dormant creativity within, so this International Creativity Month, why not give it a go for yourself?

Curiosity is the driving force behind discovery, innovation, and personal growth. It's the spark that ignites our desire to explore, learn and understand the world around us. Cultivating curiosity isn't just about satisfying a passing interest; it's a mindset that fosters continuous learning and opens doors to new possibilities.

In today's fast-paced world, where routines and familiarity often dominate our lives, embracing curiosity can be transformative. It encourages us to question the status quo, seek new experiences, and approach challenges with a sense of wonder.

One of the fundamental aspects of nurturing curiosity is remaining open-minded. Being receptive to diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences allows us to break free from the confines of our own beliefs and biases. It enables us to explore uncharted territories and embrace the unknown.

Moreover, curiosity serves as a catalyst for innovation. By asking "What if?" and "Why not?" we can push the boundaries of conventional thinking, leading to groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in various fields. Think of the numerous inventions and scientific breakthroughs that originated from a curious mind unwilling to accept things as they are.

Cultivating curiosity isn't restricted to a specific age or profession. It's a lifelong journey, and anyone can embark on it at any point in their lives. Encouraging curiosity in children fosters a natural inclination towards learning and exploration, setting the stage for a lifetime of intellectual growth.

Practicing curiosity also has personal benefits. It enhances problem-solving skills, boosts creativity and fosters adaptability in the face of change. Additionally, it enriches our lives by adding depth and meaning through the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

In conclusion, embracing curiosity is a powerful tool for personal development and societal progress. It prompts us to view the world with fresh eyes, encouraging continuous learning and fostering innovation. So let's keep our curiosity alive, for it is the key to unlocking a world of endless possibilities.

Remember, curiosity isn't just the quest for answers; it's the journey itself that shapes who we are and what we can become.