Creativity is not borne out of being and thinking like everyone else. Besides, that would be a very boring world we would live in, would it not?
Can you imagine: a world where we all looked the same, sounded the same, thought the same, felt the same...? Rather mundane, boring, lifeless, and the like it would be, would it not?
If we did, we would be like automatons (robots) going through the motions or like sheep - think ‘herd mentality' – would we not? Or how about a number like a prisoner or factory machine worker?
By the way, my reference to "A Dream, A Vision in my Heart" (my previous post) about the inspiration of 'my' alternative children's choir began originally with the thoughts I mentioned above...more about that another time perhaps?
Gerald G. Jampolsky states, "A truly creative person rids him or herself of all self-imposed limitations." Isn't that the truth?
One needs to step out of the box, draw out of the lines, go outside boundaries and limitations in order to be creative. This brings to mind a popular quote by Einstein, "We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them."
We all have a spark of creativity within us. Is it possible to go beyond our own limitations? Expand them and thus our creativity? Or does it work the other way around? Or does it work both ways?
Sometimes it requires courage, perhaps more often than not to express our creativity, to go beyond the norm, sometimes against what is socially acceptable or deemed 'normal' or 'appropriate' at the time. I'm not speaking of unethical behaviour here. Let me give you an example:
Christopher Columbus didn't wait for the common man to agree that the world was round before he decided to sail it. Creativity isn't only artistic, through painting and other forms of creative expression, ...
...it can be in our way of thinking and seeing the world as Columbus did.
Columbus is a great example of the following quote by Bertrand Russell, "Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric." The public did generally come to accept that the world was indeed round, not flat as originally agreed to. The worldview changed as a result of his thinking!
Do you think a person's natural essence is creativity, i.e., is born creative or do they develop creativity? I'd be curious to 'hear' your thoughts.
I believe that we all have a creative ability within ourselves, but many do not know how to tap into it and develop it. Many people place limitations upon themselves, and that is really a shame.
ReplyDeleteI believe that also, that we all have creativity within us and that it can certainly be developed. Limitations for sure dampen the creative spark!
DeleteI believe we all are born creative in varying degrees. Some of us are more inclined to recognize and tune in to our creativity, thereby working towards honing it further. I relate to both the quotes here.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, that could definitely be regarding varying degrees. That might make sense as some people are more inclined to develop them as you say. Glad you like and relate to both the quotes! ;) <3
DeleteWe all certainly have creativity in us in some way. Some people share that with the world, while others like to keep it to themselves. I'm not sure whether they're develop it though. I'm sure it's born within us, but we develop our flare for it through our own mediums.
ReplyDeleteGood point Lexi: is creativity always meant to be shared with the general public or is it ok to keep to oneself? I agree that we are all born with a creative spark, and that it can be developed and expressed through different mediums. Thanks for sharing! :) <3
DeleteElly, this is a very interesting post. Actually as a child every one is creative in her/ his own way.As we grow this creativity assumes a different perspective.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you think so Usha! ;) Yes, for sure, we are all creative, especially as children! :) <3
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ReplyDeleteYou got me thinking here, Elly, with what you say about achieving our creative best by breaking all self-imposed and social barriers. It's easier said than done, dear...but then again when has accomplishing dreams been easy? :) i say, unless you are out on your own, aim strive for a rational balance.
I'm glad I got you thinking dear Asma, and I too agree with you that it's not always as easy as we would imagine or like it to be. ;) <3
DeleteNow I understand what you meant when you visited my post on the same prompt...it take courage to take that extra step to be creative and follow the untrodden path it sure is worth it
ReplyDeleteYes it sure does Nabanita. (And my apologies for my late response to your comment!) Thanks for your feedback. :) <3
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