Creative Expression - A Source of Vitality
JYOTI GILL, MA, RCC, VITALITY COLLECTIVE
SURRY THERAPIST & REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR
Often when we think of creativity, we think of art, music, or literature. We may often think to ourselves or tell others, “I’m not really creative” because we are thinking of the forms of creative expression that are popularized, and shown in the media. People are often surprised to learn that simple things such as cooking, solving abstract problems, gardening, or journaling can be forms of creative expression as well. Research has shown that creativity enhances subjective well-being (Tan, Chuah, Lee, and Tan, 2021). Creativity is the use of one’s imagination, typically using original ideas to create something that is meaningful. So it follows that when people find themselves being creative, they feel a sense of well-being and vitality, as they are immersed in an activity that is meaningful while also allowing them to assert their individuality or unique attributes.
A lot of people encounter barriers that have been placed in their paths as children. They may have been told to colour within the lines, or that an elephant can’t be red, or perhaps discouraged in other ways as children when they were expressing themselves creatively. These messages can sometimes become entrenched, and thus become blocks to creativity in the future. And most adults come to believe they are not creative because they don’t express their creativity in commercialized forms, the belief often is that “if I can’t sell this, it’s not good enough”. This belief is situated in the economic culture of productivity and revenue, in which one’s productivity is tied to financial gain. Furthermore, the story we tell ourselves of not being creative itself can be a strong block in our creative expression. And this may be a story that has been reinforced for years or your entire life.
A shift occurs when we give ourselves permission to express our originality without needing it to be ‘perfect’. You take the dance class, even though you believe you are a terrible dancer. You experiment with new recipes in the kitchen, even though you believe you’re not a great cook. You start learning piano, even though you believe you don’t have a musical bone in your body. You buy a basketball, even though you don’t think you’re very coordinated. And so on. When we immerse ourselves in a task that allows us to try something novel, or to be original, we feel a sense of wonder, curiosity, and vitality. As we start to improve (albeit slowly), our confidence rises because we are learning that we are capable of growing, and learning, and resultantly we get more in touch with our strengths. And even if it turns out that the task is not a good fit for you, you will have expanded your experience of life. Creative expression can allow you to see the importance of flow and presence in your tasks, and you may bring that energy into future tasks as well.
Journaling, another form of creative expression, has been associated with improved well-being. Research has shown that journaling, through writing, uses different parts of the brain that are responsible for creativity and innovation, and can be used as an effective strategy for stress management (Flinchbaugh, Moore, and May 2011). Many writers, artists, and musicians, when experiencing creative blocks, have been encouraged to do journaling as a technique to overcome these blocks. In fact, author Julia Cameron, an international bestseller, wrote a book in 1992 called ‘The Artist’s Way’ for all audiences (not just professional artists) and prescribed three pages of mandatory journaling every morning called ‘morning pages’. The feedback from the individuals she worked with was that they were having major breakthroughs, allowing them to get reconnected with their creativity. Homemakers reported having an enhanced lifestyle as they found creative expression in household activities such as gardening and cooking. Artists of all kinds reported producing some of their best work after using the techniques suggested by Cameron.
Perhaps the next time you experience a block and are feeling stuck, it may be helpful to tap into your creative self, and you may find resources and information there that could help. And perhaps you will start by challenging the story you or society has reinforced around not being creative. And then engage in tasks that pique your interest regardless of whether or not you have previous experience in them, or whether or not you believe you will be good at them. Remember to have compassion for yourself during the process as the goal is not to produce great work, but to be present for the joy that a task that utilizes your originality brings. Allow yourself to paint, draw, dance, sing, cook, rock climb, or do anything that will help you get out of your logic, and into a space of emotion, flow, and creativity; and perhaps you will notice how this way of improving your mood, your self-esteem, and your general experience of life.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8305859.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1052562911430062