Category Archives: serene

Dec26

The “Big C” Creative

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The “Big C” Creative

I recently had a well-meaning person suggest to me that I use words other than “creative” when describing my ideal clients and how I can help them. I usually call myself a “Creative Entrepreneur Coach” when talking with other folks about my practice and I often explain how I am a passionate believer in the innate creativity in each of us. But I am coming to realize that for some people, the very word “creative” generates a negative connotation which I do not intend.

So, I thought I would take this opportunity to clarify my meaning when I use the word “creative”. First let me begin with some definitions, courtesy of www.dictionary.com.

Creative

–adjective

1. having the quality or power of creating.

2. resulting from originality of thought, expression, etc.; imaginative.

3. originative; productive.

Notice how there is no mention in this definition of being “artistic” or a “genius”. I think some people have come to believe that creativity is relegated to the purview of the artist or genius, not to regular, everyday people. However, whenever you find yourself imagining what tomorrow might bring or throwing a new spice into your favorite dish, you are being creative. It doesn’t have to be grandiose or monumental. It can be a simple shift in perspective or experience which leads you to try something new.

Now, I also want to take a moment to tease out the meanings of two other words which are often used instead of the word “creative”. These next two words you will likely hear in your corporate office or on TV. But I think these words are being used too often when what is really called for is “creative”.

Inventive

–adjective

1. apt at inventing, devising, or contriving.

2. apt at creating with the imagination.

3. having the function of inventing.

4. pertaining to, involving, or showing invention.

Innovative

— adj

using or showing new methods, ideas, etc

While it could be argued that “inventive” and “creative” are synonymous based on the above definitions, I feel that “innovative” is somewhat different in that it usually pertains to the adoption of some new method or idea, which is sometimes the creation or invention of someone else.

Now that we have our definitions, it is time for “creative” to come out of the shadows. I want to use this beautiful word fearlessly. I encourage you to do the same.

Let us be clear: “creative” does not mean weird, oddball, unreliable, flaky, unstable or uncontrolled. (It doesn’t even mean artistic.) Those words don’t show up in the definition. Creativity is not something to fear or shy away from, especially when it comes from within ourselves. It simply means having the power of creating, having originality of thought. Every person possesses this power, this originality. Yes, even you.

I like to refer to my ideal clients as “Creatives” with a capital “C”. By this, I mean those people who desire to embrace their creativity, to step more fully into it and let it shine in the world. Yes, this, too, could be you. How seriously are you willing to take the power of creating that you possess, your original thoughts? What is it that you wish to create in the world?

Are you ready to be a “Big C” Creative?

Nov29

Sanctuary

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Sanctuary

This past weekend, I helped a friend rearrange some furniture in her house so that she could have a more “Zen” environment to inspire her and keep her in relationship with her creativity. I have a space like that in my house: a place I call my ‘sanctuary’ that is open enough and free of clutter enough that I’m not distracted while I express myself creatively. I use that room for everything from meditation and yoga, to dancing, drawing, writing and collage.

What could become possible if we all gave ourselves the gift of creative space? Even if you don’t have an extra room for a sanctuary in your home, where could you set aside even a corner for your creativity? In the last house I lived in, all I had was a special chair beside a bookshelf with some of my favorite & most inspirational books. I read, wrote and drew in that chair. It was not a huge space, but it was intentionally set aside for my creativity.

I often find myself talking with artists who believe that creativity must be hard: hard-fought, hard-won. Painful, torturous. While there are absolutely times in the creative process when we face our inner demons and have to push through blocks, Creativity in and of itself is not hard. It simply requires intention and attention.

When I put that armchair in the corner of the living room and announced to my partner (and my self!) that this was my space for creativity, I set an intention. I staked out a place in my life for my creativity. There sat the chair, waiting for me, inviting me to sit and pick up my journal and write. Even when I wasn’t sitting there, just knowing that I had such a sacred space for creating was invigorating. Having that chair to come home to, to embrace me in my creative process was thrilling.

I began writing more. I started drawing and painting watercolors. I read books I had been meaning to get to for quite a while. I spent less time on the computer. I let the dishes sit in the sink. I put my Creativity first, thereby putting my Self first.

It was a simple gesture, putting that chair in the corner of the living room. It wasn’t hard. And it started me on a path to a life where my Creativity takes center stage, where it is a part of my daily existence. Where it nourishes me and makes my life easier, not harder.

What would happen if you let yourself have the creative space you truly desire? If you already have a space for your creativity, what would make it even better? Do you need to move the table over to the window? Do you want to clear the clutter, or does the clutter support your creativity (it’s OK if it does!)? What about the others you live with? Would it be possible for you to ask them to respect your sacred creative space?

Even a chair, a special bookshelf, a lamp could be enough to inspire your creativity and open up a whole new way of being in the world.