Creativity Is Unique to Us All

Something I think we can all see, is that creativity is a deeply personal experience, unique to every individual. I think it flows through all aspects of life—whether it’s in the way we garden, cook, dance, practice yoga, play, interact with others, or even in how we perceive and interpret the world around us. And we know that creativity is not confined to the arts or music, it can be found in every act of imagination, in how we problem-solve, and express ourselves.

It's true to say that our dreams, perceptions, and lived experiences offer us rich imagery and insights into creativity. They reflect back deeper meaning and help us understand the world, and consequently provide a wellspring of inspiration to draw from. Perhaps for some, creativity might be a means of self-expression, a way to validate and acknowledge their emotions. And for others, it may serve as a tool for regulation and support, helping them navigate life’s challenges. Whatever the motivation, every creative act—whether it’s painting, writing, or simply planting a seed—holds transformative power. For me, bringing something into existence is inherently satisfying, much like the wonder of childbirth or watching a seed germinate and grow into a thriving plant.

I have found there is often a moment of surprise and delight when we create something new: “Wow, I did that! I didn’t think I could.” This sense of achievement is satisfying, something to feel pride and joy in. It reminds me of the incredible potential within each of us to innovate, transform, and bring beauty into the world.

The Creative Space
The mental and emotional space required for creativity is fundamentally different from the forward-thinking, task-oriented mindset of daily life. I love to enter this space letting go of linear thought processes and instead I try to embrace intuition, sensation, and presence. In this creative space, time feels irrelevant. It is not about productivity or deadlines but about being fully immersed in the moment. We know this space is deeply connected to the right brain—the realm of imagination, vision, and sensory experience.

I have personally experienced the stark contrast between these modes of being. While working on my art exhibition, The Breast (view here - images below), I had to transition between the roles of mother and caregiver in one part of the house and artist in another. This shift wasn’t always easy; there was often resistance. Yet, once I made the transition, I became completely immersed in the creative flow—focused, present, and consumed by the process. Although caregiving can be creative in its own way, at that time, it felt like it required a different part of me, a different reality.

Creativity and Emotional Health
These two elements are intuitively entwined, and consequently creativity is not just about making something tangible; it is a vital outlet for my emotions and impulses. We know for sure that without an avenue for expression, our emotions—whether they be love, anger, passion, or desire—can stagnate. This stagnation, much like an ingrown hair or a blocked pore, can lead to discomfort and even harm. From my observations, when we suppress the natural impulse to create, we risk becoming stuck, disconnected, or unwell.

Can you imagine allowing yourself to follow through on a creative impulse instead of suppressing it? What would that look like for you? Perhaps it’s picking up a brush to paint, dancing to music in your living room, or jotting down a story that’s been brewing in your mind. Creativity doesn’t have to be grand or perfect. It simply needs to move—to flow outward and take shape, however small or experimental.

Finding Your Creative Expression
Where does creativity reside in your life? What aspects of your experience does it imbue? I suggest we should all reflect on the moments when we’ve felt most alive, most connected to ourselves and the world around us. These moments often hold the key to our unique creative expression.

And it’s by embracing and nurturing our creativity, that we honour an essential part of ourselves. We further open the door to self-discovery, healing, and joy. Whether through art, movement, writing, or any other form of expression, creativity offers us the chance to bring something new into existence and to reconnect with the infinite possibilities within us. It’s a beautiful thing!

So, I leave you with this question: What would it mean for you to allow your creative impulses to guide you? What might you discover about yourself in the process?

Happy exploring!

Tania