Creativity: Your Hidden Superpower
Creativity is not something you either have or you don’t. Before you learned there was such a thing as a “real artist” or a “real musician,” you knew “real creativity.” You made up songs in the bathtub. You told stories to your stuffed animals. You banged on pots and pans. You made cards for everyone you knew. If you are human, you are creative.
“Children” of any age can learn to use creativity to express themselves. When you feel lost for words, you may be able to use art, music or other creative forms to explore what you are feeling. Starting with creative expression can help to dial down the intensity of what you are feeling. By taking a look at what you have produced, you may learn something new about yourself or your situation.
Here are some practical tips to nurture creativity as a tool for self-expression:
- Choose an art form that feels comfortable. Try revisiting a creative form you enjoyed as a child, such as finger-painting or sidewalk chalk. If you are a trained artist, try exploring an unfamiliar art form to let go of rules and expectations.
- Ask yourself a question or pick a theme or feeling to explore.
- Make it a routine, just like exercise. Like all skills, using creativity becomes easier with practice.
- If you need a little more structure to get started, try learning a new instrument, joining a choir or a drumming group, or taking an art class.
- Consider sharing your creation. Some may prefer to share with close friends and family, while others may prefer an open mic or poetry slam.
If you would like to use creative art forms as part of a healing process, you may wish to contact a creative arts therapist:
Ainslie Martin is a Music Therapist at Carizon Family and Community Services.
