The Creative Nudge by Brenda Johima (Copyright 1999 – it’s an “oldie” but goodie now)
“Every single person, without exception, is creative.”-brenda johima-
We all have talents and gifts beyond our wildest dreams. Creativity is an outpouring of the soul, an inherent gift in our humanness. When we are connected to our creative self, this results in a greater sense of well-being and purpose in our lives. Everyone has the power, courage, talent and guts within, to create a life they love, full of love, passion, prosperity and all good things we desire. The very core of our being shines with every creative venture.
“Creativity brings to life what nothing else can.” -brenda johima-
All of this may be done with tears, with laughter or anger. Creating happens alone and in solitude, in the company of strangers or with a rich, close and intimate community of friends and co-workers. All of this energy can be used to make our world a kinder, more peaceful, more fun, interesting happier and more prosperous place.
Creativity requires a going within and truly being in the moment with oneself. Creativity may require long periods of time alone as a recluse and during other times it may require the energy and smarts of many people coming together for a common purpose. Living the creative life brings so much good to everyone.
However, if we have never been supported in this place, all of our vulnerabilities and fears may also be exposed. We must seek out and build support systems people and friends who understand the challenges, struggles and rewards of trying to live life as an artist, singer, musician, dancer, or whatever ones chosen medium is.
We all need encouragement, praise, compliments and the willingness to believe in each other. We need people who will consistently say “good for you” no matter what the outcome of a venture. Why? The purpose of creating is to bring ourselves joy, happiness and serenity by be being more of who we are. Our purpose is not to please others who may not yet understand, and who may judge our efforts.
Society in the past, has not supported the creative and “non-traditional” employment choices of expressive and creative people, although it has been the artists, poets and composers who have lead the way with arts and culture, making a tremendous impact on politics, environmental issues and bringing about positive societal change.
** Have our medical and educational systems missed the boat by diagnosing brilliant artistic and creative children as ADHD or disabled or “special needs” because they act out? Is it possible that they are simply trying to express themselves in a way that does not fit the academic molds that they are “supposed” to fit into? **
If employers would allow more individual expression of creative energies at work and encourage it as a way of life, employees would be happier, more productive, and effective on the job. By choosing to commit daily, to live a creative life, we are choosing to be happy. For many people, being happy and joyous is the most terrifying place to be.
The creative process can teach people to be content alone, comfortable with silence and solitude. Creativity requires feelings and emotions, which is why the creative and expressive arts are so valuable as a therapeutic tool. Creativity can unthaw the numbness that has been learned, and can warm a cold and broken heart.
Creativity requires people to be loving and kind because overall, in the moments of creation, people are in love with what they are doing. Creative people tend to be more “alive” and have more energy. Even their moments of darkness, pain, depression, sorrow and grief are explored and turned into gifts. Taking singing lessons or art lessons or “whatever” lessons does not necessarily make one more creative.
Creativity comes from within, from spirit, from soul, from a place other than technique. Creativity does not come from being taught how to do something properly. Skills and learned techniques are of value as extra tools and tricks, however, to truly create, one must let to of control, and totally surrender to whatever is to come forth on its own.
The greatest gift and support we can offer to another human being is to invest in our own creativity and healing through a daily commitment to recovery of the self, who we really are, beneath all the layers.
“We are all creative, without exception. Let us believe in each other, encourage and inspire each other and lead the way to a world where everyone is living their dreams in a big way, as a way of life.” -brenda johima-
Brenda Johima is owner/operator of Creative Nudge Coaching and Consulting Services, and combines her multi-talents in music, singing, art, design, consulting, coaching and teaching, to make a difference in the lives of others, and may be reached by phone at 1 (250) 335 – 1195 or via email at brenda [at] creativenudge [dot] com
** This article was written in 1999 (now an “oldie” in my present world of daily blogging) but still has many valuable bits of information, still current today. For the issue of ADD/ADHD, I may not have been written in this same way, now that we know more, and have so much more information about it. However, I may have written it exactly the same, without changing a thing. **
