I heard an inspiring report on my local NPR station (KUOW) the other night which highlighted the importance of encouraging creativity in the classroom. In the report, neuroscience research was cited which posits that actively partaking in creative pursuits (art, music, dance, writing, etc.) can actually improve brain functioning because doing so helps grow new neural pathways.
Imagine that. Creativity improves the brain.
Take THAT, all you gremlins and old myths that have told us for so long that art is not important or that creativity has no real value.
Take THAT, my high school Algebra teacher who criticized the fact that I was studying poetry, saying “What’s that gonna getcha?” all those years ago.
“A BETTER FUNCTIONING BRAIN!” I can now say!
Recently, I attended a marketing workshop where, for the first time in public, I confessed that it is my BIG DREAM to be a part of the paradigm shift towards valuing creativity in all its forms, towards the belief that YOU can, I can, WE ALL can do what we love in the world, do what we are passionate about, what matters to us AND be valued for it. No more, “you can’t make a living doing that”. No more, “if you’re an artist you’ll have to starve.” No more of that. I reject it.
And, apparently, neuroscience does, too.
Our ancestors knew that art and creativity had value. Why else would they have ensured that future leaders were trained not only in diplomacy, war, science and math but ALSO in dance, art, languages, poetry? They knew: the more creative you are, the better you will function. The better leader you will make.
In this emerging New Economy, in our 21st Century “Brave New World,” those of us who value the capacity for creativity will lead the way.
What will enable you to step up and take the lead?