Angeles Arrien

Creativity: Humankind’s Greatest Gift

by Angeles Arrien

More than any time in history, we are being called to bring our gifts and talents into the world, to creatively solve, generate new possibilities and solutions for the collective problems we currently face. If each individual would bring at least three creative solutions to whatever problems concern them the most, we could harness enough creative energy to change the world for the better. Personally, we would also benefit in our own journeys as well––master potter and teacher, M. C. Richards reminds us, "All the arts we practice are apprenticeship. The big art is our life."

Howard Gardner who has research in his book, The Creating Minds: An Anatomy of Creativity, found that very creative people historically and in modern times, tend to exhibit the following three things which they all have in common.

1. Some type of daily reflection.
2. The ability to leverage their strengths and skills.
3. A way to reframe failures.

There are equally many health benefits that result from creative expression as well, which Dr. Gene Cohen MD has found: that creative people stay healthier longer, live longer, and are less depressed, happier, and more engaged in family and community endeavors. The one gift that human beings have it the gift of creativity, which many fairy tales of the world refer to as "the fire that takes no wood", a force that is inextinguishable and persistent beyond any circumstance or obstacles. Every human being carries an original gift or talent. Please use the month of September to honor your creative expression and the ways your gifts and talents are being used to make the world a better place.

Practices

• During this month, track the issues that you find yourself currently and frequently complaining about...bring forward at least three creative solutions or possibilities that would resolve these issues for you, and take action on them daily.

• Where in your life is your creativity passionately engaged? What projects, ideas, people, have seized your imagination or fueled "the creative fire that takes no wood"?

• Review Howard Gardner's three things that highly creative people have in common. Which of these are the most developed in you at this time? Use the month of September to become proficient in all three.

• Abraham Lincoln said, "The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time." Creativity is available every single day, and the choices that we make each day create our future. What are the new possibilities and choices that you are considering at this time in your work, relationships, health and finances?

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