On Creativity

Much of this last year has been spent reading, writing, running, and juggling several different schedules while maintaining the focus needed to excel at both school and work. I can comfortably say, without bragging, that I am very good at what I do, and people rely on me to continue to put forth high quality work while maintaining warm and nurturing relationships with those I engage.

In order to succeed at this, though, the insatiable urge to write, to put words on paper and release the emotion, creativity and thoughts that occupy the ever increasing corners of my mind is put on hold. Without tending to these 'creative juices', I've found myself becoming increasingly tense and resentful towards those around me who assume that I will take up any slack that arises. Outside of school and work, "I'll take care of it." is a phrase that I've uttered too often these last several weeks leaving me with fewer and fewer stretches of time to commit to the creativity within.

I've asked for advice and guidance from those I know who are creative on the manner in which they have been able to overcome the distractions, the 'To Do' lists and countless demands that render me too tired to spin words together in cohesive thought.

Most of the sentiments, well intended but lacking in detail were of the nature that 'If you want to, you will.'

Charles, though, sent me a presentation he'd seen at work by John Cleese of Monty Python fame, in which he talked at length in a humorous manner on how one unlocks their creativity. It took more than a month to force myself to set aside the ever expanding 'To Do' lists: no internet searches or emails, no multi-tasking of any kind. Watching this 35 minute presentation was amongst the hardest things I've had to do in a long while. But the information Mr Cleese shared was exactly what I'd been looking for and needed (as well as the laughter that went alongside it).

As a planner by nature, I seek information. Without the answers to 'How to' or 'Why' I am left grasping for a plan of action. His advice was simple, obvious and yet profound. If you are looking for ways in which to unlock your own creativity, I recommend that you cut out a few precious moments from your day and take a look at what he has to share.

To summarize his wisdom on getting into the 'Open' or creative mode you need:

• Space - a reliably available location in which you can get away from all of the pressing demands in your life.
• Time - a specific space of time with a definite beginning or end that allows you the 'permission' needed to release the responsibilities of your real world so that your mind is free to create, to ponder and play.
• Time - once your boundaries on creative time have been established, recognize that you need a period of an hour and a half in which your mind is allowed to relax and become free to wander, to delve into the impossible and explore the absurd. Less than that and you do not allow yourself to fully engage.
• Confidence - allow yourself to believe that whatever happens in your creative mode (within reason of course), it's ok. Make sure that your 'play' friends are those you like and trust and that you give yourself as much time as you need (or is possible) to explore all of your ideas before you pick one to follow. And when you do pick one, don't turn back. Be committed.
• Humor - there is a difference between being serious, and being solemn. Even the most serious of topics are made easier to embrace with humor.

It is a certainly that life is not going to become any easier. As Min and BW grow older, their schedules are becoming increasingly complex as are the demands on mine and Charles. My work and school will continue to occupy most of my day as does the needs of my little family. 

But with the tangible advice provided by Mr. Cleese, I am now able to identify and carve out time in the week to make mine and replenish the 'creative juices' within. And at last, that nervous energy that has been such a distraction has started to ease up a bit.

Finally.