The True Essence of Creativity: Beyond the Dictionary Definition

Creativity - What is it?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary: The ability to produce original and unusual ideas, or to make something new or imaginative.

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/creativity

But we all know it’s more than that…Creativity stands as not just a treasured skill in our personal and professional worlds, it’s also as a pivotal component of our mental and physical wellness. I think we all know that delving into creative pursuits can provide a substantial uplift to our overall happiness and health. The joy derived from creating, whether it’s through crafting a piece of art, cooking, gardening, sport, or something else is just deeply satisfying, I love it.

For me, one merit of nurturing creativity is its profound impact on my mental health and with October being Mental Health Month, it is a timely reminder to acknowledge how important creativity can be.

There are more and more studies showing that engaging in both personal and collective creative pursuits can alleviate depression and anxiety, heighten our sense of self-worth, our belonging, and instil a broader perspective of optimism. These benefits are drawn from creativity’s ability to facilitate deep and personal expression and forge empathetic connections with others, encouraging a heightened sense of understanding and unity.

I personally know how creativity can serve as a sanctuary for our minds, mitigating my stress and cultivating a serene mental state, I’ve felt that again and again when I engage creatively. When I’m submerged in creative endeavours, I anchor myself in the present, thereby moderating my stress and any anxiety, enhancing my mood, and elevating my overall sense of well-being – a true gift.

I actually think engaging with creativity is synonymous with practicing mindfulness, I believe it’s just another form of that practice. When you immerse yourself in creative tasks, it tunes your senses to the present moment, fostering awareness and connection to your thoughts, feelings, and environment— perhaps we could call these unique states of mind “Flow,” a topic we’ll delve into in future posts.

Research also underscores the role of creativity in nurturing self-compassion and cultivating a sense of gratitude. This is very true for me. I find that by allowing myself to embrace creativity, I end up adopting a gentler existence and start acknowledging and appreciating the subtleties of life, enhancing my sense of thankfulness for the seemingly trivial yet essential elements of my existence. It’s so precious to find this joy in the everyday and not need some external event or success to validate my life.

With that said, unlocking our creative potentials can sometimes be challenging, especially when you have not been engaging this way for some time. When I have time away from ‘being’ creative, I find a deliberate intention can often be the key, helping me to overcome phases of stagnation, lack of inspiration, or just plain old disconnection. When I consciously allocate time for activities like painting, drawing, writing, dancing, or just listing—anything that resonates joy—and surrounding myself with imaginative elements, I can begin to rekindle my creative spark. It’s not too hard when you give yourself permission and time.

In essence, creativity is not merely an invaluable intellectual ‘resource’, it’s more than that, it’s a fundamental aspect of holistic well-being and innate to all of us. Embracing creativity can usher in a spectrum of benefits like reduced anxiety, augmented self-worth, optimism, mindfulness, self-compassion, and a heightened sense of gratitude. The potency of creativity is pivotal—it empowers us to surmount challenges, attain aspirations, and to lead more enriched lives.

Let's not underestimate the power of creativity, it can help us to overcome obstacles, live a more fulfilling life and with a little bit of humour and self-compassion, we can make the journey fun and enjoyable too.

So, don't be afraid to let your inner creative out to play, you never know, you might just surprise yourself.

Thanks for reading dear community and best wishes on your journey,
~ Tania and The Creative C team