Creativity+

Dictionaries provide useful definitions of creativity. Wiser souls offer their own wonderful interpretations – e.g., Ken Robinson describes creativity as “…the process of having original ideas which have value.” Mulling over how I play with and apply creativity, in my life, I’d like to share my version.

Recently, I’ve been in reflection/musing mode. Mostly through personal and professional guided conversations. Motif’s that have bubbled to the surface are daydreaming (think ‘What if…?’ Or ‘I wonder…?’ type questions). It feels that I have a hardwired curiosity! Looking for connections between things, and desire to see and understand the patterns.

Creativity+Connections

I have an exploratory mindset that fuels my creativity. I want to learn, and I want to discover. I want to make sense of a narrative that is emerging for me at a particular time. There’s sensation of a curiosity hunger! A pull to follow a thread and see what is discovered.

Creativity also comes from connecting to something with passion, something that connects to desire and resonates my heart. It’s not simply to absolve my curiosity hunger, I want my curiosity taste buds to sing!

Daydreaming is wonderful, it’s a gateway to wandering the oceans of my mind. There’s no conscious focus other than to see what happens. What will I notice…? That’s when a useful creative spark happens.

Tabula rasa

“a mind not yet affected by experiences, impressions…” dictionary.com

It’s important for me minimise expectations and assumptions – to cultivate and hold an open stance. I take the (dog) lead off my mind, and let it go wander, to see what it finds.

Often the spark comes because I see something interesting, and there is a spontaneous response in where my train of thought goes and the linkages I make. Which leads to an urge to write about what is emerging for me.

Here’s one example. A few years ago, I was inspired to write a series of articles about self-directed learning. It came about from sitting on the couch one Saturday afternoon, watching Jiro Dreams of Sushi documentary on TV. I started watching just out of curiosity – I hadn’t intended to create anything. My reaction was: “OMG, there’s so much good stuff here!” I jotted some ideas down, finished watching the documentary, and immediately started writing. I was in a state of flow!

Creativity+Culinary Creations

A favourite creativity expression is cooking. I’ll run a mental check of ‘what’s in the fridge and cupboards’. Then play around with these ingredients to clarify one or two meals, then hit the web or cookbooks for a couple of recipes. As part of the meal prep I’ll play with how to add my own twist to the recipe. I really enjoy the creative process of creating something that is good and delicious.

I’m removing some novelty from the situation, so I can focus my energies elsewhere in the cooking process to generate novelty. I like to create variations on what is known! I want to learn how to use a set of ingredients to produce something different – even if only for my family for whom the desired results are delight in the eating experience.

Creativity+Lifelong Learning

I love to learn. I recall a very creative time a few years ago, when I was learning about a new field of knowledge (Knowledge Management). I was going on courses, reading a lot, meeting people and having conversations. I was thinking about what I was learning and how to connect it to what I’ve done, what I’m doing and what I want to do.

I’ve always had a curiosity to understand “Why?” and “What if?” Not always with the best results! For me, I think: What other reason is there to go through life, than to learn, be curious and discover new things?

Reflect. Analyse. Synthesise. Learn.

This collection of concepts reflects my creativity+learning infinity loop. There two intrinsically intertwined. My curious creativity leads to new insights, which leads to new ways of thinking and doing things which leads to … well, I’m sure you can see where this goes!

Author
Brad Adriaanse is a curious explorer, lifelong learner and strategic thinker constantly on the lookout for patterns and fresh perspectives. This inquisitiveness helps him learn from rich and diverse fields including, organisation learning, systems thinking, knowledge management, human-centered thinking, spirituality, quantum mechanics, military history and walks on the beach. He has 20 years’ experience in learning and development, knowledge management and project delivery.

Photo credit Glenda Stovall