Fall has a focus for getting "back to school" especially for youth and young adults returning to grade school or college. Fall is also a wonderful time for us as creatives to explore how we can learn a new creative skill, launch a new creative endeavor or refresh our current creative practice. When was the last time you took a studio art class in your area of expertise, explored a new creative practice or learn something totally new? Here's some benefits of taking some workshops or courses for creativity:
What workshops, classes or courses are available in your community that you always wanted to try or explore? Are you interested in honing your writing skills, exploring movement through a dance class, or want to try your hand at learning how to play the piano? Take time to make a list of activites and creative interests that you would like to try and explore what is available in your area. Just about every community offers these educational and professional development opportunities either online or in person at a variety of price points that make it affordable for anyone to participate. Make a plan to sign up for a class, workshop or course for the Fall and watch how your creativity thrives as a result.
0 Comments
Creativity is a powerful force that fuels innovation, ignites passion, and brings forth new ideas and perspectives. Whether you're an artist, writer, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to tap into their creative potential, books can serve as a wellspring of inspiration and guidance. In this article, I share a carefully curated list of 8 recommended books that will help you unleash your creative spirit and enhance your imaginative thinking. From practical exercises to philosophical insights, these books offer a treasure trove of wisdom to ignite your creativity and nurture your artistic journey.
12 Notes: On Life and Creativity by Quincy Jones: Drawing from his own life, and those of his many creative collaborators past and present, Quincy Jones presents readers with lessons that are hardworking and accessible, yet speak to the passion of self-expression. He includes sections as deep as how to transform grief into power, and as practical as how to set goals and articulate intentions through daily affirmations. Weaving his story throughout, Jones lets readers in on his own creative process, as well as the importance of letting honesty, hard work, and good relationships drive your career. "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life" by Anne Lamott: Anne Lamott's witty and insightful book offers guidance for aspiring writers but is equally valuable for anyone seeking to nurture their creativity. She shares personal anecdotes, writing exercises, and invaluable wisdom on the craft of writing, encouraging readers to embrace imperfection and find joy in the creative process. "Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration" by Ed Catmull: Ed Catmull, the co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, delves into the world of creative leadership and building a culture of innovation. This book offers practical insights and lessons from the successes and failures of Pixar, emphasizing the importance of fostering an environment that nurtures creativity and allows it to flourish. "Creative Quest" by Questlove: Questlove—musician, bandleader, designer, producer, culinary entrepreneur, professor, and all-around cultural omnivore—shares his wisdom on the topics of inspiration and originality in a one-of-a-kind guide to living your best creative life. He addresses many topics—what it means to be creative, how to find a mentor and serve as an apprentice, the wisdom of maintaining a creative network, coping with critics and the foibles of success, and the specific pitfalls of contemporary culture—all in the service of guiding admirers who have followed his career and newcomers not yet acquainted with his story. "The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life" by Twyla Tharp: Twyla Tharp, a renowned choreographer, shares her insights on cultivating a disciplined creative routine and harnessing inspiration. This book offers practical exercises and techniques to develop creative habits and overcome creative blocks, making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their creative process. "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser On Writing Well is a book for everybody who wants to learn how to write or who needs to do some writing to get through the day, as almost everybody does in the age of e-mail and the Internet. Whether you want to write about people or places, science and technology, business, sports, the arts or about yourself in the increasingly popular memoir genre, On Writing Well offers you fundamental priciples as well as the insights of a distinguished writer and teacher. With more than a million copies sold, this volume has stood the test of time and remains a valuable resource for writers and would-be writers. "The Creative Curve: How to Develop the Right Idea at the Right Time" by Allen Gannett: Allen Gannett explores the myth of creative genius and presents a data-driven approach to understanding what makes ideas successful. By examining the creative processes of renowned artists, entrepreneurs, and inventors, this book offers practical strategies to increase your creative output and develop breakthrough ideas. "Imagine: How Creativity Works" by Jonah Lehrer: Jonah Lehrer delves into the science behind creativity, exploring how the brain generates new ideas and insights. Drawing from a range of disciplines, including neuroscience and psychology, this book sheds light on the mysteries of creativity and provides a deeper understanding of how to tap into your creative potential. Creativity knows no bounds, and these 10 recommended books offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to fuel your imaginative journey. From practical exercises and motivational anecdotes to scientific insights and philosophical musings, each book provides a unique perspective on creativity. So, grab a cup of tea, find a cozy corner, and dive into these pages that will help unlock your creative potential and unleash the artist within you. As adults, we don’t always allow ourselves time to reflect on life and the thoughts and feelings that go along with it. Unfortunately, this lack of self-care can have a negative impact on your mental health which also impacts creativity. Much like the diary you kept under your bed as a teen, your journal or morning pages can be a safe haven, a place where you can gain clarity and control of your daily emotions instead of letting them rule your life. Once you allow journaling to become a habit, it can have a profound effect on your mental health and can help unblock your creative fllow. Here are 4 unexpected ways that journaling can transform your mental health and improve your creative life. Sleep Better: Getting a more restful night’s sleep is just one way that journaling can benefit your mental health. It’s common to carry a load of worry and stress to bed without even realizing you’re doing it. As your head hits the pillow, every problem and concern from the previous day comes to light making it impossible to sleep. When you start journaling or begin a morning pages practice and brain dump your problems, thoughts and feelings onto paper, it takes the weight off your shoulders and your mind, even if it’s only for the night. Pushing pause on those troublesome thoughts racing through your head can greatly improve how fast (and how well) you sleep each night. Self-Expression: Each and every person has a unique inner voice that sometimes gets lost in this crazy chaos called life. By hiding your feelings, not speaking your mind and consistently meetings other’s expectations over your own, you put yourself at risk of forgetting who and what you really are. Journaling can get you back on track by helping you dig deep and awaken a part of yourself that you’d long forgotten – feelings, emotions, likes, dislikes, dreams, goals and so much more. However, it’s not going to happen overnight - the key is to keep writing. Don’t censor yourself and don’t hold back from any thoughts or feelings that keep coming to the surface. Be transparent about your experiences and let your journal be a safe haven for your deepest desires and biggest dreams. Have some patience and you’ll find your way back to YOU in no time. Reduce Anxiety: If you’ve struggled with anxiety in the past, you know it can be debilitating when it comes to everyday life. Picking up the habit of journaling can be a great way to manage stress and relieve any anxious thoughts and feelings that come your way. Anxious feeling are often fueled by the uncertainly of what will happen, not so much by what is happening in the present moment. By writing down your worries, stressors, and fears you can delve into them at a deeper level and examine what is really going on beneath the surface. This will help you challenge your thoughts, explore your true options and finally begin to flip the switch on your thinking so you can have a different outlook. Instead of letting anxiety rule you, get it off your chest, out of your head and onto paper. This is the perfect way to take back control and start living life on your own terms. Increase your Optimism: We live in a world where it’s easy to fall victim to the gloom and doom mentality without even realizing it. We take little things for granted and don’t give nearly enough credit to how beautiful our lives really are. Journaling can help you do just that. Putting pen to paper is a powerful way to shift your perspective and remind you to focus on the good in your life rather than the bad. Take time each day to write about a positive experience or simply take note of a couple things you’re grateful for. By doing this consistently, your journal will become a source of positive energy, a place where you can visit even on the worst of days to bring a smile to your face. Journaling can benefit you in more ways than one, especially when it comes to maintaining strong mental health and opening to your creative self expression. Putting pen to paper can set in motion a mindset shift that will positively impact your life for years to come. |
Archives
April 2024
Categories
All
|