10/12/2017
What role does creativity play in your life?
Last week I asked myself this question and tried to find a satisfying answer.
Here’s what I wrote:
Creativity is not a luxury.
It is a necessity.
In fact, it is probably more needed now than ever.
It is the soil in my garden, the salt in my soup.
It is not just a hobby or something that is “put away for the artists”.
Creativity can be used and should be used in all aspects of our lives: At work, in school - oh my, in schools! -, in our relationships.
Creativity to me is not just the motivation and ability to create something new. It is also the very ability to see. To look at things from more than one point of view. To find more than one solution to a problem.
Making use of our creativity can even enable us to not see a problem in the first place. Rather a challenge. A challenge that can be approached and that can help us grow beyond our comfort zone.
Curiosity is creativity’s companion. Together, they can't necessarily teach us everything.
But they can enable us to learn everything. With pleasure, even. Can you imagine how different the world would look like, if this was actually a believe that was practiced in schools?
And here's where another companion of creativity comes to play: Courage. Miraculous things can happen when we put our creativity into action and use our courage!
Creativity, curiosity and courage - bring the three together with (self-) care and there's not much that can’t evolve from there.
As a dance therapist and creative workshop leader it is my honor and pleasure to help people find access to their own, innate creativity. And support them in finding the courage to express it.
That said, it doesn’t mean that I am always mastering these four skills. I am, after all, a human being.
It simply means that I practice what I preach.
That is why the art education that I teach is also always art exploration. Because it is my believe that art needs to be practiced.
That is why I hold monthly Mini Retreats for women. Because we need to have regular check-ins with ourselves, time to pause, quiet down and listen.
Because we need rituals that mark and spark new circles in our lives.
That is why I aim to dance everyday. If not in a dance class, then in my own kitchen, on the trampoline with my son, or even in my mind, with my eyes closed.
Because dancing enables me to use my own body and space in a more genuine way- both physically and mentally.
That is why I do my own stretching and breathing exercises every morning.
Because nuances are felt and refinery is created in repetition.
That is why most of the nights I go to sleep when I need to - and not when all the work is done.
Because rest is crucial to my creativity.
And ultimately that is why I can look at the so-called little things in my life with a sense of gratitude and a knowing that they are actually the things that matter most.
Creativity, Curiosity, Courage and (self-) Care are my cornerstones.
They mark the field on which inspiration and exploration play an ongoing game with one another.
And now I am asking you: What role does creativity play in YOUR life?
I am curios to hear your answers!
Whatever your answer - may creativity be with you!
(I know… go ahead and picture me with green skin and pointy ears)
movementum offers creative services. Visualization, dance, visual artwork and sharing between human beings is all part of it.
