Do you think of yourself as a creative person? Many people who are very creative don’t think of themselves as creative at all, some would actually deny that they have any creative ability. The challenge comes from how we define creativity. If we simply understand creativity as having artistic ability, such as that of a professional singer, musician or poet; then maybe, just maybe, we can say we don’t have creative talent. Creativity, however, has a much broader meaning. According to the dictionary, creativity is:

“the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination. We are born in societies with rules and regulations that tell us what to believe how to behave and how to think. For some of us, new ideas are never explored. Even down to the simplest thing such as how we earn a living. If you really think about it, was your present career of your own choosing or were you persuaded by society, your friends or your family. Are you following your passion?

If you desire to be more creative there are a few simple steps that you can follow to get you started. Actually, this may be all you need.

The first step is to believe that you have creative ability. Nothing happens without belief

When you have faith that you can spark your creativity, spend fifteen minutes twice a day in a state of relaxation. Creativity needs quiet to bloom. When life is spent in a constant struggle to beat the clock or the mind never gets a second without a thought, there is no room left for creativity.

The process is simple. Find a quiet place where you can sit (even if it’s your car) and concentrate only on your breathing and what is happening in that moment. Notice what is happening around you and where you are. If a thought crosses your mind, simply notice it as a thought and let it go – watch it. When you first do this it will be difficult but the more you practice the easier it becomes.

When your mind becomes quiet on a regular basis, ideas will pop up at the oddest times. It could be while you’re driving or in the shower. If you have a particular challenge you’d like help with, use your creativity. For example, before you go to bed state in your mind the problem you’d like help with and then let it go, don’t try to solve it. It might take several nights but eventually, if you quiet your mind, the answer will come. It will ‘pop’ into your mind.

©Copyright 2010 Sheila Dicks