What We Need to Live More Creatively

Want to live more creatively? Consider simplifying your life.

From time to time I go through bouts of paring down, de-cluttering, getting rid of things I don’t really need—which because of their existence, require me to see and consider them, think what to do with them—and that works to complicate my life. And lessen the time I have for what really matters.

We all want full lives, lives rich with meaning, but not necessarily full of things. Instead, we want around us that which energizes and enlivens and helps us to think in new and exciting ways.

Which brings us to creativity. Elizabeth Gilbert said that “a creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life.” And with it, as Martha Graham believes, we experience “a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening.” Which is a pretty good reason to get up in the morning.

What We Need:

So…how can we go about living more creatively? What do we really need? Let’s talk about physical needs first–the supplies or equipment requiring a certain outlay of money. The answer to that depends upon what form our creativity may take. I’m a writer, so my basic needs are for pen and paper, and access to a computer. From time to time, I need to replenish my supply of ink cartridges and printer paper, and if I am putting together a manuscript, I like to have a three ring binder. Pretty simple needs, fairly easy to lay my hands on.

Musicians need mandolins, harps or clarinets, guitar picks and music stands. Visual artists require canvases and paint, brushes and brush cleaning chemicals. We’re talking basic needs here, what essential items we absolutely must possess in order to pursue our writing or painting or music.

But besides these physical needs for equipment and supplies, the things we can see and put our hands around, we have intangible needs which are even more essential—which will encourage and delight us and keep us going. And which we must cultivate.

These include:

• A link with the Source from which all creativity comes—for we do not work alone.
• Connection with nature and the physical world—in it, we find continuous enchantment and inspiration.
• People in our lives—to love and to cheer us on.
• Books, music, and art—for they tug at our hearts and lead our thoughts in new directions.
• A sense of fun—because it makes everything easier.
• Steadfastness of spirit—to stick to the project at hand.
• Flexibility—to let go and allow what wants to be created to arrive in its own time.
• Time and Energy—to accomplish all the potential that exists within.
• Inspiration—it’s all around us, when we have the time to notice, and when we allow it in.

What else would you include on this list? A writing partner? A retreat? Confidence to exhibit your photography?

Parents provide their children with the essentials–food for their bodies, shelter, and safety. But they also provide love and encouragement, comfort and the direction children need to lead complete and fulfilling lives. Let’s do the same for the creative child that lives within.

Exercise for Living More Creatively:

1. Make a list of three things you can eliminate from your life which do not add value and meaning. And which might work to complicate your days. Maybe it’s that stuffed closet you need to clean out. Perhaps those committee meetings which drain you..
2. Now, think about what you’d like to concentrate on to be able to live more creatively. Perhaps you’d like to spend time meditating or taking walks outdoors. Maybe you need to clear an hour each day to play with your paints. Make another list of three things.
3. Now pick an item from each of your lists. Eliminate one barrier to your creativity, and add one which will enhance and meaning to your life.

Wishing you a beautiful and creative week.—Lucy Adkins

For more inspiration, check out our website www.thewritingandcreativelife.com.

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