What is Creativity

This article expands on the definition of creativity.

How would you define creativity? Creativity is a word that I previously reserved for those in the visual arts. I would always say that people who liked to do “crafty” things were creative. I never put creativity into a state of beingness - I never thought of it as what Eric Maisel calls “the fruit of deciding to matter;” I always viewed it as something that people either have or don’t. Left brained people such as myself are not people that I would usually view as creative types or those who actually create anything.

I never considered myself to be creative – I always thought I was WAY too left-brained. I remember as a child enjoying art class until I compared my work to the work of the other students. That is when the fun of art was taken away and replaced by the jaded skepticism toward anything “artsy” that would be my trademark for years to come. I always enjoyed writing as a child and did quite well with it through school; however, for some reason, I never considered writing to be a creative venture. I suppose I viewed it as more of an intellectual pursuit. One of my fundamental spiritual beliefs is centered on the fact that we are the creators of our own experience. I realize that all human beings have the ability to create – be it a successful business, a new house, a hobby of drawing, writing, or painting, a novel, a life, or a path to their Highest Self. The real distinction for me now comes, I believe, from those who have a passion, a compulsion almost, to create vs. those who are not interested in creating as a way of life, but rather a part of life.

I have only very recently begun to explore the concept that I may be a creative person after all and the concept both thrills and terrifies me. I initially began writing and posting essays on the Internet to draw clients to my coaching practice. What I discovered, however, is that when I am really engrossed in an essay, time stops for me. I am in what is termed as “flow.” I really feel that Spirit is moving through me and expressing the words onto the page.

Once the essays began to be used by other ezines, I started to believe that I might have a knack for this sort of thing; however, I still did not term myself as a creative. I still had it in my head that creatives were people who did not overanalyze like I did, were even a little "dippy", who always had that certain way of putting together an outfit or making a spectacular wreath or some fantastic piece of jewelry.

I often find myself scattered, drawn to several things all at once ad then becoming paralyzed and doing nothing. This is certainly not a behavior that is exhibited in my job, for that would never work, nor in my home life, for I am very organized and run two houses with great ease. This scattered, non-focused behavior around my writing and coaching surprised me. I have so many ideas bouncing around in my head that I tend to do nothing at all with any of them. I have come to learn through my coursework that this state of scattered non-focus is common among creatives.

I am still working with my definition of creativity but it has certainly evolved of late. I know now that my choice to become a coach was certainly "the fruit of deciding to matter," and that each essay I prepare comes from that desire as well. Hmm....I guess I really am creative!

Why don't you explore your creative side this and see where it takes you?

About the Author

Mary Jo is a spiritually-based career and personal coach whose specialties include career redesign, creativity, practical spirituality and life balance. She received certification as a Comprehensive Career Coach from Comprehensive Coaching U. She is passionate about assisting people in uncovering their true passion and helping them to achieve their dreams! Contact her for a 30-minute complimentary coaching session at 610.446.3704 or maryjo@coachmaryjo.com">maryjo@coachmaryjo.com to see if the coaching relationship is a fit for you. Visit her website at http://www.coachmaryjo.com" target="_blank">http://www.coachmaryjo.com and subscribe to her FREE monthly ezine, Extraordinary Living. Get on the path to true joy today!

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