the importance of creativity

Before we get to today's regularly scheduled post, a little update from yours truly. I've been working on a book for nearly a year now and I finally got to a draft I felt confident sending off to a few beta readers. That felt good, real good. I've titled it The Endless Creative and it's about the creative journey. It parallels the three-act story structure and has fictional narrative woven through. It still needs work, without a doubt, but I'm pumped it's gotten this far and I look forward to sharing it with the public at large some day in the mere future (you read that right).

Now, back to the program! 

I've previously written about why “beyond” is part of Creative & Beyond but it’s time to circle back again to the Creative bit.

What’s so special about being creative? Why is it important? What’s the big deal?

Ok, ok, enough with the questions already, sheesh. Creativity is a very big deal. Heck, I never plan to stop talking about what a big deal it is (so get used to it people). Of the many, many reasons why it’s important, here is one I’ve given much thought to lately:

Creativity brings us together

There’s an SNL skit that came out over Thanksgiving about a family who is prone to continual argument about various hot-button topics. But, without fail, their heated arguments cease abruptly and they join together in song every time Adele’s popular song Hello is played. The laughs come as each family member begins to look and act more and more like Adele from the song’s music video.

Jokes aside, there’s a hidden gem in that skit, one that puts the importance of creativity on brilliant display. It unites us like few other things can.

Yes, there’s just something about beautiful art that can bring people from every disposition together in harmonious accord. It’s amazing really. Well, guess what beautiful art is a product of. If you said creativity (and I hope you did), you’re right. Also, the person next to you is probably wondering why you just said, “creativity” out of the blue, but don’t worry about it.

Besides just appreciating art, there is the unity that comes from simply being creative (which I believe we all our). When we invest in creative activities and join with others who do the same, a real and deep connection is form, the bond of being a fellow maker.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock or The Rock (aka Dwayne Johnson) you know we live in a time ripe with division. We’re divided on so many different things these days: politics, religious stances, economic policies, even favorite ice creams (yes mint n’ chip, you still have a special place in my heart, I don’t care what the others say about you). Franky, it’s disappointing how quickly we let our differences put space between us.

But the wonderful thing about creativity is its appreciated by all. It’s a common ground, no matter who you are or where you come from.

Now, can we be creatively divisive? Sure. It’s possible. But I believe the potential for creativity to unite is so much stronger because it is based on something intrinsic to all of us. Creativity (and the potential for it) is hidden within us all.

Are there times to take a stand, to draw lines, to go against rather than with the flow? Indeed, and such practices can be just as important as they are creative. But I hope with every creative undertaking you begin, you seek first to draw others in rather than push them away.

Hey Creatives, when was the last time you connected with someone through a share appreciation for something creative? Let us know in the comments below.