“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have” Maya Angelou
There are a lot of people who do not consider themselves to be creative. It saddens me to hear people talk like that about themselves. The truth is, we are ALL creative beings.
I’m not talking about having a career as a painter, dancer, musician, chef etc. I’m talking about the innate abilities, and desire, to create that we ALL have.
A lot of people say “I can’t paint” or “I can’t sing” when we know this is absolutely false. If you have a voice, you can sing- maybe you don’t have a voice that is capable of capturing everyone’s attention, but you CAN sing. And if you have hands, you can paint. Again, maybe you can’t paint pictures others will deem as masterpieces but you CAN paint.
We are so trained to believe that other’s opinion of the resulting image/ piece of music etc. is what makes our creations valid or not, when in Truth, EVERY creation is valid.
“Dance above the surface of the world. Let your thoughts lift you into creativity that is not hampered by opinion.”
Red Haircrow
When I run retreats and workshops, I always set aside time where I get people to paint. It is incredible how quickly it becomes a meditation for even the most fearful of people- and the artwork is always beautiful, perhaps not to art critics but it IS beautiful. It’s beautiful because it comes from the place of allowing self-expression to flow through to the page. It is not from a place of trying but a place of being.
“The object isn’t to make art, it’s to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable.”
Robert Henri
It’s so wonderful to see how open, peaceful and child-like everyone becomes. Their whole being is enriched from the experience of tapping into their creativity.
“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”
Sophia Loren
It is so important for our well-being to utilise our creativity. It truly nourishes our soul. So, in August, I suggest that you make creative projects a focus in your life.
Perhaps you have always wanted to write a book, or love to cook, sing, dance, draw, paint…and for whatever reason, have not put aside the time in your daily life to make that a priority. This is the time to do it!
If it’s writing a book you always wanted to do, then set aside an hour a day to write. Write anything. Don’t get caught up in right and wrong, good and bad. Just write!
If you have always wanted to do music, do it in whatever form appeals. Set aside an hour a day to sing along to songs you love, to record yourself, to play an instrument, to write. Again, don’t get caught up in right and wrong, good and bad- just play! (And do you see how the word ‘play’ is what we use?! It is meant to be FUN!)
If you like to cook, set aside an hour a day to cook. Or, if like me you find that difficult, set aside a day on the weekend and cook lots of dishes you can freeze for the week. I LOVE to do that. So nourishing on many levels!
Whatever it is you like to do/ want to do, do it. Paint, draw, write, cook, dance, sing, take photos… Just DO. the more you do creative things, the more your imagination is sparked and you will want to do more creative things.
Remember to keep your inner judge at bay. This is about engaging with your own creativity. If you feel someone may critique your work, don’t show it to them. That’s not to say don’t show it ever. But for this month, keep your work for yourself or show it only to people you know will see the Truth in it and be supportive. This is for you and you alone. This is your inner most being expressing itself in whatever way you choose. This is sacred. Protect and honour yourself.
I will be in Iceland next week so know I will be doing one of my favourite creative activities, taking photos, every day which I am very excited about! And for now, I am off to sing some songs- enjoy doing whatever creative works you get up to!!
With love and light,
Laura.x
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Pic taken by Eddie Kilty
5 comments on ““You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have” Maya Angelou”
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Resounding Power 
Creative output, solely aimed at tapping into one’s inner spirit, unhampered by outside opinion, is a benevolent concept, as corroborated by Red Haircrow, Robert Henri, and Sophia Lauren, and earnestly advocated by you, Laura. Indeed, the greatest reward in a creative effort is the innate joy and fulfilment that accompanies the process, the enrichment of spirit that automatically follows, and not the acclaim or lack of it from the public. The purity of your spirit rings through this post of yours, and I am deeply touched reading it. Do take good care of yourself in Iceland, and return with renewed vigour.,.xxbest wishes… Raj.
Oh, many thanks for that Raj! I am so excited for my trip- I will be surrounded by beautiful nature and offline for ten days: pure joy and true nourishment for the soul! I hope you have a wonderful and nourishing week too 🙂 Hugs, Laura.
I definitely think that art is nourishing, both in creating and appreciating. And I think it doesn’t have to be great art as long as it’s coming from a pure place. I had a great art teacher who understood this, and always praised me for my use of colour and imagination, and ignored the fact that I couldn’t actually draw. “We all need to look beyond what we think we know about the creative process, and let it teach us.
Beautiful quote Jay! And really wonderful to hear you had such an encouraging and wise art teacher who praised your creativity. You come across as very creative- and hilarious- in your posts. Looking forward to catching up on your movie reviews when I get back from my trip!
What a profoundly beautiful point of view. I love how you’ve so eloquently described the true meaning of art, using the Robert Henri quote, “The object isn’t to make art, it’s to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable” as the basis. I personally believe that cause of judgement and self-doubt is societies need to glorify and make money off of “being the best” and turning creativity into money-making contests.