Creating the conditions for creativity
Written by Marianna Jaross
I am a seasonal creature when it comes to my creativity.
My writing, creativity, and ‘downloads’ come in waves.
For me personally, there are usually certain conditions for my creativity to flourish.
Here is what has helped me.
1. Supportive people.
Creative people are in the business — officially or not — of bringing to life what does not yet exist. We exist in the realm between the physical and the imaginative when we are in our ‘flow’ states.
Surrounding ourselves with people who encourage our dreams, creativity, and understand when we shut out from the world for a few sacred hours of writing, painting, or creating time are to be cherished.
The artist’s way and creative path is a windy and unique one, and having community around us is an important part of this journey.
2. A level of stability.
For my creativity to flourish, I usually need to have some form of grounding presence in my life.
This has sometimes manifested in the form of a practical partner or housemate who reminds me to eat, sleep, and take breaks.
It also arrives in a solid income coming in that may not be my wildest creative dreams; but sets the foundation and soil from which I can nurture my creative ideas.
3. Patience and appreciating the process.
Whatever your goal is with your creativity, the seeds can take time to manifest.
It can be helpful to love the process and the mess of creativity, and expand your view of timelines you had in mind: Didn’t get into that art exhibition you wanted to? At least you applied. Rejected by several publishers? At least you are submitting.
Keep going.
So many people are afraid to even try their hand at their creative dreams, and face years (and sometimes decades) of ‘what ifs?’ As such, your rejections, frustrations, and anger are a sign that you are on the path and actually in the creative arena.
Even though this can be challenging and has its own particular frustrations, it is more engaged than watching and wishing from the sidelines.
4. Routines that nurture your soul and have no outcome attached to them.
There is life outside of what you create!
Remember that nourishing connections, sleep, good food, and engaging with the day-to-day magic of your life is also a necessary part of your existence.
Having time away from outcome-based creativity, and engaging with activities just for the fun of them will help sustain you on your creative journey.
5. An inspiring environment.
Creating in environments where we feel relaxed, interested and curious can support the conditions for our creativity to flow.
For me personally, I like to write with windows open and fresh air, the smell of coffee, or in the corner of café where I can people watch if I need a break to collect my thoughts.
An inspiring environment can create the conditions for our creativity to manifest.
Overall, enjoying and engaging with our creativity can be an important part of our human experience.
Whether this is a hobby or part of a larger life goal, we can set ourselves up to enjoy the journey and look after ourselves; irrespective of outcomes.
© Marianna Jaross 2024
Note: This article originally appeared on Medium in 2024 and is independent of my professional associations and workplaces. It also appears on mariannajaross.com.au.
Image credit: Marianna Jaross
