Creativity as fertility

 As the year wakes up and we enter into spring and nature goes into full on fertile mode, we may find ourselves more inspired than usual.  Whatever our thoughts on physical procreation, we can embrace this creative energy and harness our own creative impulses.  

I absolutely believe everyone is creative, in their own way.  Sometimes we limit ourselves by thinking that creativity is limited to art (and to being 'good' at something), but if we take a step back, creativity is the act of creating something.  And that thing we create could be artistic, but it could also be practical.

There is so much we do in our lives that fall under the category of 'acts of creation,' from making food to building things, and yes this includes making art (though there is absolutely no requirement that it meet any standard whatsoever).  In fact, I think when it comes to creation, it's the act of creating that is more important than the product you end up with.

There is something really satisfying with working with our hands.  And even if you are a very cerebral creator (like a writer), at some point in the creation process, you are using your body to get the thought out into the world...you are birthing your idea into being.

I'd like to make a quick note here as well that the things we create don't always have to be unique or new.  I get a great sense of creation by making tried and true recipes that have been in my family for years.  In fact, this style of creation, by creating things we have seen others create, helps us cultivate a sense of connection.  When we create something that other people have also created, we are connected to everyone who has created the same thing.

The great thing about creation is that the sky's the limit.  Just because something has always been done a certain way, doesn't stop you from experimenting, from trying other ways or twists on the established method.  We can make things our own, if that is our desire.

One thing to remember, when you create, is that the more risks you take, the more possible rewards, but also the greater the chance of failure.  By staying to more safe methods, you have more reliable results, but you won't ever get the wow factor of something truly groundbreaking (though the counter point to this is that you don't have to be groundbreaking at all).

And of course, the more effort you put into your creation, the higher quality the results will be.  If I am wanting to turn a branch into a wand, and I am sanding it down, I might have a perfectly serviceable wand after a single pass with a medium sandpaper.  But if I take a few grades of sandpaper, and spend enough time working with each, I will end up with a much smoother final product.  Quality is one of those things that takes time to both achieve and to appreciate...a simple glance at something won't show you how well it's made, but as you spend time with it, quality will show through.

I love the fact that anyone can be creative, and this is a perfect way for everyone to embrace the energy of spring and this fertile time of the year.  Start paying attention to what peaks your interest, to the ideas that pop up in your head, you know the ones, where you think, 'I could do that...'  Find something that looks interesting and give it a go.

There are so many wonderful creative pursuits that we can explore, and each will bring something into our live that wasn't there before we engaged in the creation process.  You might find that the act of creating opens up your mind, sparking more thoughts and ideas.  Or, you might find the exact opposite, that when you create, your mind calms and you aren't consumed by the thoughts that normally crowd your mind.  I almost always find that I feel refreshed after creating, no matter the part of the project I am on.