Unlock Your Creativity

I hear so many people say “I’m not creative” or “I’m not artistic” as I watch them unravel some mini minor masterpiece with little thought or woe. Many of us don’t see the many creative practices that we embark on day in day out, like cooking a meal, or gardening, arranging flowers in a vase or tidying up our home or office spaces to feel better about where we live and work.

The key to creative practice is to simply show up, take that class, pick up that pencil and paper, start shaping that piece of clay, follow what interests you. Get those creative juices flowing. Try not to waste time or energy on what you want to create, or whether or not you are capable of making “that” thing, you are at the beginning, so set yourself free and make without pressure on your outcomes. Enjoy the sense of timelessness that comes from engaging in a creative practice, regardless of the end result, it really doesn’t matter.

When else do you get to just be with such freedom? Creativity is about exploring a medium (such as clay, or paper or wood) and seeing where it goes. Basically, letting go of the outcomes, right from the start. Be open to surprising yourself, every time.

I guess it’s really about putting yourself out there for the sake of the process, embracing the fact that you don’t know where you’re going with this. Holding this attitude opens up your possibilities and allows you to access the creative channels to the creative pathways in your brain, to take you down a path that you’ve never been down before in the safest possible set of circumstances.

This safe place practice is why so many people find that working and playing with clay can be so therapeutic. Memories often arise while working with clay, feelings, even resolutions. I watch many people come into wheel throwing classes carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders, and leave with a sense of joy and presence and a little spring in their step. As if they have just engaged a childish whim, there is nothing truly greater for the soul!

Next time you think about that thing you’ve always wanted to try, book it in, go along, have that experience. Let your inner child have its moment and show up with plenty of willingness, but no expectations. You are worth it, and the benefits it can bring to your life are endless. Remember, creative thinkers are great problem solvers. Many other areas of your life can benefit from this creative journey; you will be grateful you did. Wheel throwing classes run in 5 week blocks during school terms on Thursday nights. Classes are suitable for beginners through to intermediate skill levels and everything is supplied. Just bring a positive attitude and a willingness to try something new.

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