This fall I will be announcing an exploration of each one of the personal ways we can be courageous and creative. I hope you will join me.
I hope you enjoy this and find inspiration in his work! I encourage you to look for his book “The Courage to Create” I found it hugely inspiring. I especially enjoy working with the “Glimpse” . I will be exploring that moment in future blogs.
Rollo May explored the deep connection between creativity and courage, recognizing that to create is to face the unknown, an act requiring immense bravery. For May, creativity isn’t just about making art—it’s about confronting the challenges that come with existence itself. It takes courage to explore uncharted territories, where there’s no guarantee of success, only the promise of growth.
Courage, as May sees it, is essential for creativity. The creative process is anything but safe or controlled. It’s about facing the fears and doubts that naturally arise when we attempt to bring something new into the world. Whether it’s writing a novel, painting a canvas, or crafting a new idea, we must be willing to step into the void and risk failure. The moment a painter takes that first stroke on a blank canvas is a profound one, filled with potential and the promise of something that didn’t exist before. This act is not just a demonstration of skill, but a deeply existential experience—a reflection of the artist’s ability to imagine and shape what’s to come.
May believed that artists have a unique ability to glimpse into the future, sensing possibilities and trends that others might miss. This insight doesn’t come from being prophetic but from their deep engagement with the creative process. Through their work, artists often reveal truths about society, human nature, and the direction of culture. This foresight is intertwined with courage—the courage to envision and bring forth new ideas, even when they challenge the status quo.
In light of May’s insights, here are ten ways to use creativity for personal growth:
1. **Embrace Uncertainty:** Creativity involves navigating the unknown. Accepting this can open up new ideas and lead to meaningful personal development.
2. **Practice Mindfulness:** Stay present with your thoughts and feelings. This awareness can deepen your creative process and help you access inspiration more easily.
3. **Cultivate Curiosity:** Keep asking questions, exploring new interests, and challenging what you know. Curiosity is a key driver of creativity.
4. **Take Risks:** Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if you might fail. Risk-taking is essential for creative breakthroughs and personal growth.
5. **Create a Routine:** Dedicate regular time to creative activities. A consistent routine can help you develop and refine your creative abilities.
6. **Engage in Play:** Allow yourself to experiment without pressure. Playfulness often leads to unexpected and valuable discoveries.
7. **Collaborate:** Work with others who offer different perspectives. Collaboration can spark new ideas and enhance your creative output.
8. **Reflect:** Take time to think about your creative process and outcomes. Reflection helps you learn from your experiences and grow creatively.
9. **Embrace Failure:** See failure as an opportunity to learn, not a setback. By embracing it, you build resilience and find paths to success.
10. **Seek Inspiration:** Surround yourself with people, places, and experiences that inspire you. Inspiration is fuel for creativity and personal growth.
Rollo May’s exploration of creativity and courage offers a profound understanding of what it means to create. It’s a reminder that every creative act requires bravery, and through that bravery, we not only shape our future but also deepen our understanding of ourselves.
SOMETHING WONDERFUL WILL HAPPEN TO YOU TODAY !