Can Creativity be Developed?

Creativity is often depicted as a mysterious energy that a person is either blessed with or not. While I definitely agree that there is a magical mystery to creative energy, I definitely don't believe that it is a limited resource gifted only to a chosen few. I believe, and have experienced, many ways to increase one's creativity and for me, it starts by understanding the two polarities of this universal force.

The first aspect is receptive creativity.

  This is the energy at play when we allow ourselves to relax, to wonder and to wander, preferably in an aimless fashion. We are in this glorious state of receiving when we take a few moments to appreciate a radiant sunset, when we find ourselves standing in awe of a towering old Oak tree, or simply soaking in a deliciously hot bath listening to our favourite album. (My bath time album is Every Kingdom by Ben Howard without question!)

Receptive creativity is a huge yes to life exactly as it is; a deep and reverent acknowledgment of the beauty in all things. And, it is an absolutely essential practice if we want to share our own expressions with the world. If we do not allow ourselves time to ponder, contemplate, and appreciate then we will have nothing of substance to offer back in return.

How often do you make space to receive?

Then comes the second aspect; expressive creativity.

Having allowed ourselves time to receive, we are now able to transform what we have absorbed into an innovative declaration of who we truly are. This is the energy at play when we belt out our favourite song in the shower and truly enjoy the acoustics that bathrooms have to offer, when we dance vigorously at a music festival with our best friend sweating profusely from the effort exerted, and also when we bravely speak our truth, even simple truths like how we really feel.

Expressive creativity is a huge here I am, exactly as I am; a bold choice to show up and share your absolutely unique perspective of the human experience from your very precise standpoint. From this decision to celebrate who you are comes a multitude of wonderful expressions.

It can be a piece of art, music, theatre, but, it can also be the outfit you chose this morning, the way you write an email, and even how you organise your bedside table. Getting in touch with this magical mystery allows you to express who you are through every avenue available.

What does Creativity mean to you?

Now comes the mission to find balance between our two creative polarities. Just as a woman's incredible body is able to receive life force energy, transform and birth a new human life, we must open ourselves to receiving the wonders all around us if we hope to birth our own marvellous creations.

Further still, if like me you are passionate about birthing a new world into existence, then you must make space to connect with your creativity. This is so much more than being good at sketching or perfecting your singing voice, this is a pivotal point of real change in the history of humanity.

So, in answer to the title of this blog post, yes creativity can absolutely be developed.

However, I believe that this is achieved more through a process of being than it is of doing. This may seem a counter intuitive approach considering our aim here is to develop a skill and to grow. But just like that towering old Oak tree, once our seed is planted, we need to allow ourselves space to receive the sunlight and water needed for true greatness.

It is my wish that each and everyone of you will be compelled to dive deep into the dance between your own receptive and expressive possibilities because inspiration without execution is hallucination and execution without inspiration is meaningless.

So much love, genuinely.

Ciara Nicole X