On Being Creative

Because identifying as a “Creative” feels liberating for others and daunting to some, I have often generally rejected the label (or title, if you will) until recently.

And because creativity has historically been structured into specific categories, I have consistently had and still remind myself that creativity is much broader than traditional art forms. I take on the perspective that creativity is more of a mindset—a way of thinking and seeing the world.

I also often think about how creativity (which I equate to a state of play) doesn’t always come packaged with a clear label or direction.

So, on a curious quest to learn more on the topic of creativity…

I found The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin to be a surprisingly affirmative book (if you have read it, I’d love to know how it landed for you) as someone who struggles with labelling myself, tapping into my creativity in certain moments and consistently feeling inspired.

While reading it, I thought it would be neat to share some excerpts from the book that stood out to me as I think, in some way, they inform how we move through the world as the unique humans we each are.

First and foremost:

“Everyone is a Creator…[because] creativity is a fundamental aspect of being human.” (p. 17)

On the goal of being in tune with our creativity:

“The goal of art [being creative] isn’t to attain perfection. The goal is to share who we are. And how we see the world.” (p. 162)

On worrying about what you create:

“What you make doesn’t have to be witnessed, recorded, sold or encased in a glass for it to be a work of art. Through the ordinary state of being, we’re already creators in the most profound way, creating our experience of reality and composing the world we perceive.” (p. 18)

On whether the title “Creative” fits or not:

“…by the mere fact of being alive, we are active participants in the ongoing process of creation” (p. 18)

“The goal is not to fit in. If anything, it’s to amplify the differences, what doesn’t fit, the special characteristics unique to how you see the world.” (p. 69)

On creating and time:

“There’s a time for certain ideas to arrive, and they find a way to express themselves through us.” (p. 25)

On our imagination:

“The imagination has no limits. The physical world does. The work exists in both.” (p. 30)

On setting the environment to create:

“Create an environment where you’re free to express what you’re afraid to express.” (p. 132)

“We’re affected by our surroundings, and finding the best environment to create a clear channel is personal and to be tested. It also depends on your intention.” (p. 66)

On getting inspired [latin - inspirare, meaning to breathe in or blow into]:

“To create a space for inspiration, we might consider practices of quieting the mind: meditation, awareness, silences, contemplation, prayer, any ritual that helps us fend off distraction and papancha.” (p. 122)

“What defines inspiration is the quality and quantity of the download.” (p. 121)

“Inspiration is the rocket fuel powering our work. It is a universal conversation we yearn to be a part of.” (p. 121)

“Often art arrives in movements.” (p. 23)

On art and energy:

“Art [process involved in creativity] is a circulation of energetic ideas.” (p. 29)

On perception and awareness:

“The universe is only as large as our perception of it. When we cultivate our awareness, we are expanding the universe.” (p. 32)

On looking deeply:

The ability to look deeply is the root of creativity. To see past the ordinary and mundane and get to what might otherwise be invisible.” (p. 33)

On the importance of you when being creative:

“No matter what tools you use to create, the true instrument is you. And through you, the universe that surrounds us all comes into focus.” (p. 38)

On what talent is:

“Talent is the ability to let ideas manifest themselves through you.” (p. 88)

On the way you work (applied generally speaking in both creating and in life):

“Beware of the assumption that the way you work is the best way simply because its the way you’ve done it before.” (p. 74)

On doubting self:

“Self-doubt lives in all of us…It is there to serve us…Flaws are human…We’re all different, and we’re all imperfect.” (p. 68)

For more pondering:

In what ways are you tapping into your creativity recently?

What is a barrier to your creativity, and how can you move it out of the way?

Who do you need to collaborate with to facilitate more of your creative expressions?

(Blog entry photo credit: me tapping into my creativity by practicing hand-building with clay)