Creativity is a trait that is highly valued in many areas of life. Whether it is through a career in the arts, work related tasks, problem solving, or thinking outside the box, creativity offers us an insight into our own ideas and our true potential. It is often seen as the sign of a vibrant, innovative mind, one that is constantly seeking ways to bring ideas to life.
But what is it that really drives us to be creative? Is it a simple desire to create without any specifics or is there an underlying psychological factor that drives us to express ourselves artistically?
One of the major reasons for being creative is the need for self-expression. Self-expression is defined as the ability to express your thoughts, feelings, and motivations openly and honestly, without fear of judgment. When we are able to express ourselves, our motivations and our values, it allows us to better understand ourselves and take control of our own lives. It is a way of exploring our true feelings and thoughts and it can often lead to creative openings and the unveiling of ideas previously unexplored.
Creativity is not just about coming up with ideas, it is also related to the act of creation. To create something is to make something that is tangible, something that not only expresses a concept but also has a lasting physical or emotional effect. For instance, many people find painting to be an incredibly therapeutic and creative endeavour. It allows them to express emotions that they may not be able to verbalise and also provides a tangible result of that expression.
As well as self-expression, creativity can also be seen as an outlet for inner conflict and stress. In particular, the act of writing can be extremely powerful in terms of releasing tension and anxiety. Many people have found that writing down their innermost fears and anxieties, be it a diary or a poem, provides an emotional outlet that can be incredibly beneficial. Writing is seen as an incredibly cathartic and healing experience and it has been argued that writing can be even more beneficial than speaking, as it allows for a more intricate examination of the inner workings of our mind.
“Writing can be a cathartic experience. It is a way of dealing with anxieties, fears and frustrations and is especially beneficial for those who feel they may not be able to adequately express themselves verbally.” – Harvard Health
The creative process also allows us to reflect on our personal values and beliefs. We live in a world where we are continually presented with different beliefs, opinions and perspectives. Creativity provides us with an opportunity to explore our own values in depth, to push our boundaries and overcome fear. Through our creativity, we can explore different facets of ourselves, often discovering new aspects that we never knew existed.
Creativity also has an important role to play in self-discovery. It can be an essential part of healing and personal growth, helping us to understand our individual purpose and the motivation behind our decisions. It is not just about the external result of creativity; it is also about the internal exploration that it sparks. By exploring our creativity, we can gain insight into our own minds and what makes us tick.
Finally, creativity can be a powerful way of connecting with others. By sharing our creative endeavours, we can create meaningful connections with those around us. This is especially true of art, which allows us to share our view of the world through a tangible form. Through exploration and shared experience, we can bond with friends and family and form strong relationships.
Conclusion
Creativity is an important part of life and can be a powerful tool for self-expression, self-discovery, healing, and connection. It allows us to explore our emotions and thoughts in a safe, non-judgmental way. By exploring our creativity, we can learn more about ourselves, discover our passions and motivations, and make meaningful connections with those around us.
Sources:
- Harvard Health, ‘The healing power of writing’, www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/the_healing_power_of_writing.
- Sparrow, M. (2018), ‘How Creativity Helps in Personal Development’, Lifehack, www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/how-creativity-helps-in-personal-development.html.
Tags: Cognitive processes, Emotional processes
