Sunday, October 10, 2010

Develop Your Creativity

I was reading the Sunday paper this morning, and I came across an article in the USA Weekend magazine section.  There was an article written by Laura Hoxworth about developing creativity that I found interesting. Here's the article:

Develop Your Creativity
Are you the creative type? Shelley Carson, Ph.D., thinks you are.  "We are  all creative," says the author of Your Creative Brain. Creative thinking and problem-solving play a big part in all areas of life - so artists, scientists, athletes, parents and business leaders can all benefit from enhancing their innate creative potential.  The first step: developing an environment that encourages creativity.  Here's how:

Increase your exposure. Surround yourself with creative people and creative work to inspire and challenge your inner creativity.  Attend concerts, visit art galleries, volunteer at a museum or join a book club or writers group. 

Be open. "Don't let premature judgments poison your creative environment," Carson cautions.  Recognize your judgmental thoughts and the negative comments of others - and challenge both.

Find time to be alone. Creativity flourishes when you make time to relax and contemplate the events in your life. Try a reflective exercise such as journaling.  "Connect the pieces of your daily life into a meaningful mosaic," Carson suggests.

Appreciate nature. "The effect of natural beauty on the mind inspires creativity," Carson says.  Mountains, forests and beaches aren't the only options - escape to nature in city parks or even your own backyard. 

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