The Creative Spirit

“When you seek the presence of your creative Spirit and are filled with passion about virtually everything you undertake, you’ll successfully remove the roadblocks from your life and enjoy the active presence of Spirit.” – Wayne Dyer

“No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.” – Ansel Adams

My nephew Liam finished coloring the Peacock picture with bright brilliant colors. He proudly handed it to me to tell me he made it for me so I could hang it on the refrigerator. I happily accepted his work of art and witnessed the pure joy that comes from acknowledgement, praise and encouragement. He understands the deep joy of dancing with his creative spirit. All children do.

People say it again and again – “I’m not creative.” Every person is creative. It is rooted in the human spirit. First signs show up when we are children. Then the opinions, judgment, rules, criticism, comparison of others who had the same thing done to them demand that we “grow up,” be realistic and get to work, leaving dreams and spirit by the side of the road.

Enough. Time to get off that ride and reclaim your creative spirit through play, adventure, trying new things, art, music, literature, nature – fuel to drive, water to nourish, sunlight to grow. There’s power in creative expression, joy and wonder, in returning to the pure child within us that remains through our life, longing to come out to partake.

Optimism is the best way to reclaim that creative spirit. It forces us to look at all sides and still choose positivity and best-case scenario thinking over cynicism and “reality.” When we move out into the world through the lens of optimism, we invite others to come out and play in the sandbox of hope, light and exploration. It’s your turn. Would you come out to play?

“Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.” – Colin Powell