There are numerous definitions of creativity but all of them refer in one way or another to the ability of the human brain to process raw information in new ways. This is commonly referred to as being imaginative or having a vivid imagination. A more specific summary of this process is: "A creative individual intuitively sees possibilities for transforming ordinary data into a new creation…". This simple statement encompasses various mental processes that are incredibly complex and as yet far from understood, even by the best minds in the scientific/medical community.

One of the most significant characteristics of all human beings, and the one that has contributed most to our development as a race compared to other animals, is this ability to think creatively and to solve problems in unique ways. Throughout the ages it is creative thinking that has been responsible for all the scientific discoveries, the wonders of architecture, the magnificent art and music, and the inventiveness of millions of people in simply surviving in our world. Wherever groups of humans exist, whether it be the tribes folk in the deepest jungles of Borneo or the millions of city dwellers around the globe, there is significant evidence of creative thinking being used on a daily basis to enhance peoples lives.

With all the evidence that humans are creative individuals, why is it then that so many people do not believe they possess even basic creative ability?

What creativity means to people

Most people think of creativity in terms of artistic ability. Artists, at least those that can draw, paint or sculpt properly (I’ll ignore those psuedo-artists that need to explain their so-called `art´ in words), have always been revered by non-artists as being somehow special or `gifted´. In fact most people believe that creativity is a talent that a lucky few are born with and that they themselves could never be creative (although most people harbour a strong, but usually unspoken, desire to be more creative).

The fact is we are all born creative! That’s right. You, me and the person sat opposite you, were all born to be creative. Think back to when you were a child or think about your own young children. Remember how you loved to scribble, draw and paint as a child? It was natural and fun, even when you painted on the new wallpaper! Children universally love to express themselves creatively. Children are incredibly inventive both in drawings and in life. Remember inventing new games to play, using ordinary objects to represent exciting things necessary for the imaginative world you and your friends were creating. What happened to all that creative thinking, that inventiveness? Think deeply about that for a moment.

That’s right, your creative child is right there inside of you. Can you feel it calling to you? Let me out! I want to have fun; I want to paint on the wallpaper again! The creative child is inside all of us just waiting to be released. I’ll bet you can feel yours right now, can’t you? Feel that powerful urge to create, hear the voice telling you to do something. Be creative!

Because creativity is such a natural part of being human, in part two of this series we will discuss why the creativity of the majority of people is often so repressed.

How creativity helps in life

The ability to think creatively helps many people lead a fuller and more contented life. On the other hand, repressed creativity can lead to depression and discontent combined with feelings of intense restlessness. Those people who are creatively ‘blocked’ may have difficulty solving the many problems of daily life which can result in feelings of inadequacy, insecurity and low self-esteem. If we rewrite the earlier summary of creativity to read "Creative thinking is a way of looking at all the possibilities available when solving the problems of daily life", you can appreciate that being creative isn’t confined to the world of Art. In fact, creativity is Life! Since we are all born creative, creative thinking should be an automatic basic skill, like breathing. It should be something we all use everyday in our efforts to be a whole person living in a complex world. In actual fact, most people do use creative thinking regularly but probably don’t appreciate that they are being creative. Creativity manifests itself in a multitude of ways.

Being able to think creatively gives you a method of dealing positively with the things that occur in your life; things that normally may cause you anxiety or a variety of other negative emotions.

Even big business has at last realised the benefits of creative thinking. Many corporations now routinely have their staff attend creativity workshops to help them think more creatively. The business world has realised that creative thinking helps employees solve work-related problems, contribute more to the company with fresh ideas, and ultimately be happier in their work. Creative work environments have been shown to produce a more active, vibrant and contented work force which helps the companies succeed commercially.

It follows that being more creative can help entire families to have a happier, stimulating, satisfying, and thus more secure home environment: a place where many people experience difficulties and stress. Learning to regain the creative potential you were born with can have a dramatic impact on your entire life and on those around you. Remember, everyone enjoys the company of a vibrant, interesting friend and this is exactly what unlocking your creativity can transform you back into.

Living a creative life

Many people believe that being a creative person somehow means they will have to lead a sad, depressed, and financially poor existence because this is how `artists´ are usually portrayed in stories and movies. The romantic notion of the poor artist living in a Parisian garret is a misconception that could not be farther from the truth. Normally, when a person regains their creative abilities their entire life takes on new meaning. Their life becomes richer not poorer, opportunities seem to spring into existence where none seemed to exist before (a phenomenon known as `synchronicity´). The world around them becomes far more beautiful because they are seeing it in a new and unique way. People and friends also become more interesting and beautiful to behold.

An open creative mind allows you to experience the truth of your feelings about the world you live in. Your awareness of the value of everything Nature has to offer will suddenly be seen in a new light. New visual discoveries of your world will abound. Your perception of the people you know will change: false friends will be seen for what they are whereas real friends will be delighted in and appreciated more.

Living a creative life is what you were born for. It is your birthright, your duty to Nature (or God, if you so wish) and to yourself, to listen to the little voice we all have inside us that tells us we want to create something. Anything! Listen to your heart and seek to open the gateway to your inner creative child that is yearning to be reborn into the world.

How to become more creative is the subject of the third part of this series, at which point we will look at a simple but 100% effective way in which everyone (yes, even you!) can open the door to their creativity and experience first hand the joy of living a creative life.

About the Author

Les Meehan is an internationally known writer with several creative books to his credit. Les, a professional image maker for over 25 years and also a qualified and experienced teacher, now operates ‘Creative Insight Workshops’ which is devoted to creativity, drawing and photography workshops.

Les can be contacted on 952 717 621.