It’s well past time for another Creative Play Newsletter, but I have been having motivational challenges lately. I’ve struggled to even sew and haven’t wanted to do much more than crawl in bed with a book. Because of that, I have been giving a lot of thought to how to foster creativity even when I am really not feeling it.
I have also been taking a course this semester on creativity research with Dr. Shelley Carson and it was in her book Your Creative Brain that I found six terrific tips for designing an environment that promotes creativity. Dr. Carson writes, “The first step in enhancing your creativity is to ensure that you’re living and working in an environment that facilitates creativity and inspiration — or at least one that does not actively discourage it.”(p.282).
How do you do that? Here are her recommendations:
- Surround yourself with creative work. Art, books, music, color — anything that sparks curiosity or beauty primes your mind for new ideas. Expose yourself to the creative work of others.
- Value experimentation over perfection. As she puts it, “Give yourself — and everyone around you — the freedom to experiment and fail without ridicule.” Creativity needs breathing room.
- Hold off on judging your ideas. Early ideas are delicate. Carson warns against “premature evaluation” because it can shut down possibilities before they have a chance to grow.
- Protect moments of solitude. Even five quiet minutes can help you process, connect dots, and hear your own thoughts. Insight often lives in the pauses.
- Seek out nature, even briefly. Natural beauty boosts mood and loosens the mind. Nature “releases endorphins in the brain that contribute to the upswing in mood that generates creativity.”
- Spend time with other creative people. Conversations with curious, imaginative folks can “cross-fertilize” ideas and spark something entirely new.
Which of these practices feels most needed in your life right now? Where could you make just a little more room for your creativity to breathe? I hope these ideas from Dr. Carson offer you some inspiration to shape an environment where your creativity can flourish.
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