For some people (you seem to be one of them), creativity is, in and of itself, a meditative art. I know people who enjoy jogging, too. For me, I’d rather be boiled in oil. Any kind of oil, actually.

Most of the time, I have no problem “being creative,” personally. I am described by friends and co-workers as “very creative,” etc. I am asked to share my “creative juices,” which makes me vaguely uncomfortable, in a “let’s all be safe” kinda way.

But lots of people don’t feel like this about creativity. They feel stifled. They feel like they aren’t creative at all. Or they feel like the things that they do that you and I might call creative, are, in fact “just crafty.” Which is bunkum.

I don’t in any way hope to make creativity sound dreadfully boring by examining it in detail. I mean to help myself understand it better, so that I can be more creative myself, teach it better, and maybe help others get over any barriers they might have and go forward in creative joy in the ways that you do naturally.

And if anyone knows how to make me enjoy jogging, please write.

To me, creativity is about epiphanies while taking a shower, digging my hands in the garden dirt, eating dark chocolate, painting my bedroom walls in bright red and caramel orange, figuring out the best Halloween costume to wear next year, going for a long hike in the autumn colors… These are the things that awaken inspiration and creativity.

And even within the craft and the discipline, within this there is relaxation. The very act of form and repetition is like a meditation that can give rise to a bubble of creativity.

Keep the thoughts coming!

Best, Wendy