Creativity simply means the capacity to create. Everyone can be creative. You don’t need to think of yourself as an artist, writer, poet, actor, dancer, musician, inventor, etc. to use your creative power. And there is no doubt, creativity is a human superpower.

Creativity allows you to turn new and imaginative ideas you have into reality. With creativity, you can perceive the world in new ways, to find hidden patterns, make connections and generate solutions. (What is Creativity? – Creativity at Work).

Tapping into your creativity is yet another way you can mindfully explore your life stressors, build resiliency and take care of yourself. Some examples:

• Some people find journaling or writing poetry a way to help deal with anxious feelings and thoughts–it allows them to investigate rather than react to them. Sometimes, journaling or poetry writing might lead to insights they otherwise would not have.
• Going out into nature with a camera and capturing the images around you is a way to disengage from negative thoughts and feelings. You need to focus–literally with the camera lens–on what is happening in the moment, right in front of you. Looking at the images you’ve created is another chance for a pop of joy, and for reflection on how the creative experience changed you.
• Capturing thoughts, feelings and experiencing via visual art–painting, drawing, ceramics, metal working, etc.–can be an emotional safe vehicle for some people. It lets them separate themselves from the thoughts, feelings and experiences, and dig deep within their artistic selves to explore their impacts. It can be cleansing, transformative.
• Listening to music, making music, dancing to music and writing lyrics is a source for some of comfort and inspiration, as well as a conduit for self-expression.

The creative process itself may help you to generate a meditative state and appreciation in the moment. It may give you relief from negative and overwhelming thoughts and feelings. It may evoke excitement about creating something unique to you. It can assist you in expressing and exploring your thoughts and feelings, and then finding new and different ways of thinking about your past, present and future. Some people find being creative a welcomed fun and peaceful release. For others, creating is a more laborious process, yet one that can yield valuable rewards.

Creativity activities can be an aid to therapeutic goals (and are, of course, key tools in art therapy), and more generally in actualizing fulfillment in life. Check out our ideas below. Check back periodically for new listings.

Contact the Mindful Counseling Center to explore ways to incorporate creativity into your healing process and self-care.