In this hectic, work-a-day world, it is easy to put our passions on the back burner. But that’s exactly what we shouldn't do! Living a creative life is essential to cultivating our passions, and it’s something we can practice every day and, importantly, model for our children. And here’s the thing—creativity doesn’t have to be defined the way you might think…
Creativity isn’t confined to the exceptionally talented or even to the geniuses—the Beethovens, the Michelangelos, the Stephen Hawkings…you get the drift. And creative thinking and problem solving aren’t just abilities nurtured in the educational environment. Yes, a remarkable education is invaluable, but it doesn’t stop here.
The December 2009 edition of Psychology Today has an excellent article addressing how all of us can foster our creative abilities every day. The article, appropriately entitled, “Everyday Creativity” by Carlin Fiora, challenges all of us to “…nurture our inner innovator”. Fiora says, “The real question isn’t ‘How creative are you?’ but rather ‘How are you creative?’ Innovation is rarely a one step deal; the trick is figuring out how you solve problems.” (p.68)
So teachers and parents, let’s cultivate creative problem solving with our children in some significant way, every day. Let’s challenge our thinking about the ordinary and look through a different lens to find a different picture and solution. Let’s embrace the “what ifs?” and explore the process. I encourage you to read this article, and some blogs you might wish to visit are noted as follows from the same article, “Bloggers on a roll: Check out the regular musings of these creativity experts at blogs.psychologytoday.com: Art Markman ‘Ulterior Motives’; Robert and Michele Root-Bernstein ‘ Imagine That!’; Tina Seelig ‘Creativity Rulz’; Gretchen Rubin ‘The Happiness Project’; and Scott Barry Kaufman ‘Beautiful Minds’."
Until next week—
Creative Motion!
Sarah
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