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The Gift of Creativity: Being Open to the Flow

Creativity is the totality of existence. It is the essence of the universe and the innate nature of who you are. Every living organism from a single cell to an individual is connected to the whole through creativity.

Yes, we are all creative, yet I know I denied my creativity for years. In-fact many people believe they are missing the creative gene -- especially if they are not artistic. But it is simply not true. Our lives are a work of art and we are creating with each new breath we take. And as you probably know, our personal reality is formed through our thoughts, feelings and beliefs.

No matter what your religion, culture, heritage or skin color is -- you are interconnected with the energy and force of creativity. Regardless of your profession, your beliefs and opinions, you are a part of the creative energy that is running this universe in perfect order and harmony.

Howard Ikemoto, an artist and college teacher, told his seven-year-old daughter that he taught people how to draw. She stared at him, incredulous, and said, "You mean they forget?" Yes, we do.

Comparing Ourselves to Others

We become the judge and jury of what our drawing should look like. We compare ourselves to others and when our friend's drawing looks better than ours we feel less than. When we fail a test and our friend passes, we feel less than. When our marriage crumbles and our friend celebrates a wedding anniversary, we feel less than.

When you compare yourself to others and measure your inner self-worth by their accomplishments, bank accounts and general outer appearance -- you're headed for trouble. It leads either to falsely believing you are inferior or superior depending on the temporary situation. Life is fluid. Circumstances change. What you have in the material world one day can be taken away the next.

When our identification is based upon appearances and comparisons we forget how to enjoy our drawing. We forget how to enjoy life no matter what our circumstances are.

Repressing Creative Response to Life?

And in that forgetfulness the tragedy occurs -- sometimes quickly or sometimes slowly. We begin to repress our creative response to life because we have repressed memories of our inner spirit. Joyous spontaneity diminishes.

The dance of life becomes burdensome and our profound connection to life becomes buried. We experience sadness, depression, loneliness, and a host of other negative feelings and wonder why. Often we can't even identify the cause of such feelings.

Innocence and Trust

For a brief moment become a small child again. Picture yourself in a memorable moment from your childhood. One that was uplifting, exhilarating or full of laughter. Or perhaps one that was tender, loving or compassionate. Relive the feelings once again. Allow those feelings of the past to take over your present.

Feel the spontaneity of the moment. Feel the joy, innocence and trust. This is who you are. You are not facts and statistics, you are not your intellect, and the true essence of life is not composed of wrenching drama. The true essence is light, love and laughter.

Open to the Flow

When you are connected to your inner source and a higher power, your spirit soars and creativity flows through you. It is what is referred to as "waking the sleeping giant." Living consciously through the higher laws of the universe you rise above obstacles and find a true sense of peace.

Creativity is then no longer an art form to be desired, but a natural and harmonious energy that flows through you to celebrate the gift of life. Open yourself to the flow. Trust it. I guarantee you will be pleased with where it takes you.

This article was written by the author of:

The Power of Constructive Love
by Susan Ann Darley.

Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Wisteria Productions.

Click here for more info and/or to order this book.

About the Author

Susan Ann Darley is the author of The Art of Becoming Visible, which offers practical marketing tools to artists and is a direct result of The Art of Becoming Visible classes she taught for five years. She is also the author of The Power of Constructive Love. She specializes in helping people use and market their talents through creativity coaching and writing and she also coaches businesses. She offers a complimentary coaching session by phone. For more information about Susan's services, visit www.susananndarley.com or phone 805-845-3036. Susan also writes a blog at http://creatingabetterworld.wordpress.com/

Read more articles by this author.

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