Creativity Everywhere – Nate Turner

 

As humans, we have stifling imaginations. We can conjure up amazing creations out of thin air. Our creativity can run free through fields of endless possibilities. But, sometimes even our imaginations get stifled. Sometimes we run into a mental brick wall, standing between where we are and where our creativity longs to run. Sometimes it seems as though the powerful faucet of potential is dropless. (I definitely just made that word up. Like it?)

So what do we do when the well is dry?

One thing that has worked for me is the concept of Creativity Everywhere. It is the art of seeing the creativity contained in the world around me as an inspiration for regaining my creative spark. The world around us is teeming with creative elements begging to be explored, and that exploration is pivotal for me in refueling my creative tanks.

What do you see in the world around you? Is it simply a hodgepodge of forest and fields or an intricate canvas of pollination? Are creeks and rivers markers of territory or fully alive ecosystems? Is your neighborhood a pleasantly finished planned community or an explosion of endless exploration? Training your eye to see the world in a different fashion can help keep you from creative burnout.

Here are three simple experiments for exploring creativity everywhere:

Take A Walk

Whether you take a walk along the sidewalks of your neighborhood or the rugged terrain of a state park, your path will be a full of opportunities for creativity. Why is this plant here? Why is it surviving well? What wildlife thrives in this environment? What creative ways are the things I see adapted to living right here and right now?

Open your eyes to ways you’ve never seen before. Watch the sky, watch the weather, and watch the way the wind affects your world. There are so many possibilities for sensing something new on a simple walk. Make the time to take a walk and take in your world. You’ll be surprised how refreshing 20 minutes of movement and observation can be for your creative potential.

Creativity Everywhere thinking lets open space open your viewpoint for new ideas.

Think In Basics

One great thing to do in terms of creativity everywhere is to think about the basics of what you see. Find an element of what you see and ask one simple question:

Where did this come from?

Plants came from seeds. But, from what other plant? And where did that plant come from? Allow your mind to trace the idea through nature.

The other day, I was driving across town, and a bee latched onto the window of my car. He hung on for dear life as I zipped around curves, slowed, stopped, and sped up again. The poor little insect had to be exhausted by the time I finally pulled the car to a stop. I looked at him and wondered what possibilities his ride across town had for nature? How his presence might impact his new environment? I enjoy letting my mind run those creative paths.

Creativity Everywhere thinking helps you expand your global thinking.

Be In Awe

Lastly, make time to see something that will amaze you. You know best what amazes you. Maybe there is a waterfall within driving distance. Maybe there is stunning architecture in your city that makes your jaw drop. Maybe you need to get on a plane and experience the Grand Canyon first hand. Whatever it takes, go be in awe of something.

The world around you is often more amazing than your imagination. The best part is that even the most awe-inspiring scenes are usually still in process. Just like you.

Creativity Everywhere thinking overwhelms the ordinary of your life with the extraordinary of your world.

Where else do you find Creativity Everywhere?