Simple Techniques
Powerful Results Lifelong Journey
Powerful Results Lifelong Journey Copyright Zan Z. Packard 2008
ZanPackard.com
The Adventurous Introvert ™ Founder of Women Alive! ™
Zan Z. Packard, M.A.
The Adventurous Introvert ™
Monthly Newsletter:
"A Journey Within"
Newsletter
Creative Living
by Zan Z. Packard
What does it mean to live creatively? The obvious answer is the artist - be that painter, photographer, actor, musician or writer, to name only a few that come to mind... it's easy to think of an artist as someone who has created a product; some thing - but the creative thinker is just as valid, and often overlooked or undervalued.
So the question I want you to consider is "What does it mean to you to live creatively?" How would your days be different or the same with more creativity? Living creatively means having a willingness to think in your own terms, not in what status quo has determined to be the right way to think or do things.
I've met so many people who never consider themselves an artist because they can't draw. Well I can't draw either, but I live in creative thought every day-and I feel wonderfully creative - most of the time. In fact, give me a problem and I'm three steps ahead of you with possible solutions. I just can't resist creatively coming up with solutions. Most of the time I have no product (a once-a-year book is a long time in between tangible outcomes), but I am never far away from creating thoughts and solutions.
And I'm sure many of you have discounted writing as a way to express yourself and go deeper into your inner world because you 'don't know how to write'. You'd be amazed at how simple Guided Writing can open up the flood gates of creativity. You don't have to understand what you write...you don't even have to reread what you write. You just need to release your thoughts from out of your brain onto the paper. You might feel a bit clumsy at first...you might feel like nothing is happening because you have nothing to write about. Well, here's a simple exercise to get you closer to feeling creative...a bit closer to your flow.
Have a conversation with your creativity. Write it out in screenplay format (he said, she said). You play both parts. First, pretend you are your creativity...let it speak to you however it wants to. Just shift a bit and pretend it has a voice and can carry on a conversation. You, in turn will respond however you are inspired to...let this conversation come from deep within; from your subconscious if you can. You don't have to be nice or supportive...you just need to get an honest conversation going with your creativity. What would it say to you if it truly had a voice? Would it ask you for something, or tell you something or demand something? And how do you feel about what your creativity is saying...respond with gut honesty. Just take a moment to breathe deeply, relax, and ask your subconscious for guidance with this conversation, and let the words flow.
When you both have said all that there is to say, sit back and let the interaction sink in. Then begin to journal each day around the three courageous questions below. This is the fastest way to get in touch with your creativity, and a great technique to really say what needs to be said. It works to help clear the air and to clear out the blocks.
Recap:
Breathe and relax
Invite your subconscious to join you on this activity
Dialog with your creativity...see where it goes - no judgment, just
honesty
Continue to answer the Courageous Questions throughout the
week or month.
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