Humans are creative beings. Most people limit themselves in countless ways. They may say “I’m not artistic” or “I’m not very creative.” However, everyone has creative powers that can be tapped into with dedicated time and effort. The world around us exudes creativity; an open mind will find time and energy for important creative efforts even in the most unconventional outlets.
Muses are all around. Something as simple as taking a walk around the block can inspire one person but make another even more bored or uninspired. Creative influence is obviously subjective, however most individuals are too busy looking for something extraordinary. Creativity is all around especially in the realities of day-to-day life.
School and Creativity
Traditional schooling often diminishes creativity for numerous reasons. First, the American public school system overemphasizes the importance of traditional education. Unconventional styles of learning are usually discovered by students who feel unsatisfied with their often outdated curriculum.
Also, the public school system doesn’t place much importance on art, music, and other creative endeavors. Anything that can be considered creative and nontraditional is typically viewed as ‘extracurricular.’ Schools all across America continuously cut art, music, and theater programs year in and year out. Students are told what’s important and what’s not based on which departments receive the most (and least) funding.
Lastly, the American school system doesn’t tend to highlight the most creative students. The students who usually receive the most school wide and public recognition are those who obtain the school/district’s top grade point averages (GPA). An individual who has a high GPA might be able to think well analytically but might not have much experience or exposure to creative endeavors.
The American public school system must place more emphasis on untraditional teaching/learning methods, place more importance towards the arts, and recognize more creative students. When changes are made in favor of creative learning, then America will see more free-flowing creativity in society. Less people will place limits on themselves because they will already know what they are capable of.
Creative Efforts in Adult Life
The average American adult doesn’t think of themselves as creative. Wake up, go to work, spend time with family, eat, and sleep. This routine doesn’t seem very creative at all to many. However, people often devalue the importance of things they spend time on when they aren’t working, eating, or sleeping. Every (normal) adult has at least one hobby. Most hobbies require some level of creativity. Working out can be creative depending on how it’s viewed. At the same time, reading can be considered one of many creative efforts in an adult’s daily routine.
Creative efforts in adult life usually take a backseat to other priorities. Most adults say to themselves “only if I had the time.” Countless people go their whole lives telling themselves this same lie. We all have the same twenty four hours per day. There will always be time for what we want to do. Time is real but is also an illusion. People make time for what they want. No excuses.
Young adults are often so caught up with working that they forget to make time for themselves. Creativity will not be an active part of someone’s life unless they actively look to do something creative. An active effort must be made willingly and routinely.
Numerous adults around the world wake up everyday wishing they could spend their time differently. Sure, everyone won’t always have their dream job. However, even before/after work, there will always be time when time is made for important creative efforts. Some individuals neglect any sort of creativity all together; the people who actively look to become better as creative beings consciously put in the required time and energy.
Creativity and Nature
The physical world around us displays countless forms of creativity. The roots on a tree, clouds in the sky, animals moving throughout the forest, and leaves rustling on a cool day all are part of Earth’s creative powers. Nature is often seen as one of the most influential muses for countless creatives all around the world. What better place to look for inspiration than the natural world in our own backyards?
Nature often provides an essential influence towards countless creative efforts throughout the world. The natural world is free-flowing and typically undisturbed by external forces. Humans can look to nature to understand more about creativity and life as a whole.
Natural influence brings about more natural and adaptable thoughts, ideas, and creations. Anyone can be in nature but few take the time to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
Creative Efforts: A Dawn of the Unknown
Any type of creative work starts from one common place. That place usually doesn’t have a name, direction, or clear sense of purpose. Influences along the way help artists, creatives, and designers around the world understand more about what they are trying to accomplish and/or work towards.
Anyone can start something creatively, but everyone doesn’t finish or even come close to finishing a project or creative effort. Creativity is all about exploring the unknown to get to a point that feels more comfortable, understandable, or better explained than before.