“Engagement”… Harvard Creativity Component #1
Most of us are more inspired by things we like. That’s a creativity clue 🙂
Engagement is one of the 3 components (the other two are creative thinking and motivation which we’ll talk about next).
What does that even mean “engagement”?
Simply put (according to the dictionary), it means to participate or become involved in something. In this case we are talking about your creative expression. We’re talking about the very pathway or avenue to activate your wholeness, to heal what’s not working and to expand what is working in your body, heart and mind. Kind of a big deal, at least that’s the way I see it.
It’s kind of a no-brainer, if we don’t participate, nothing happens. On the other hand regular participation activates the creative brain and good stuff happens. This is the ‘routine’ or ‘habit’ part that research show as the benefits of a creative practice.
Did you know that a LinkedIn analysis ranked “creativity” as the most in-demand soft skill. Sure, that’s from a business perspective, but that’s also where the research is being done, it most definitely applies to our life as well.
We generally can inspire ourselves to form a habit if it’s something we like. I don’t know many people who stick with a regular practice if it’s something they can’t stand. Even if it starts out rocky, it only sticks because one grows to like it. Usually because the benefits become ever so worth it.
What do you like? I make lists of things I like for a couple of reasons:
- It’s a good reminder that I have plenty of goodness in my life (otherwise, I’d be inclined to focus on what’s not going good)
- On that list is always something to start with, or a combination of things that point to something in particular that I can explore
Some years back I had these things on my list: color, tea, nature, growth
I had no idea at the time but all those “likes” are nourished through my creative journal practice (yes, I always have a cup of tea when I create). Over the years I’ve notice that whatever is one a person’s list, a good chunk of them are nourished by taking up a sketchbook or visual journal practice.
Starting a creative journal is such an inexpensive and easy exploration.
I invite you to make a list of what you like. Better yet, make that list in your creative journal because what we like changes and expands over time. Having a place for it to live makes it more likely you’ll get more of what you like 🙂
In Creative Love & Wholeness,
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