The following blog is edited from Chopra Center and gives us great perspective about how to become more creative. We often think of creativity as something that only certain people are gifted with, and we have special words for such people, including brilliant, inspired, or ingenious. Creativity springs forth from our deeper being which is truly brilliant and infinitely intelligent. In turn, this deep-level intelligence then manifests to us as inspiration, changed perception, and insight.

Creativity is not the special property of gifted individuals, rather a capability within each of us. Creativity is that process through which the universe continually expresses its infinite self. Creativity is ceaseless and inexhaustible. It is an innate part of who and what we are.

In truth, each of us is actually creating all the time. If we stay focused on our ego, we create experiences of separation, conflict, pain, and limitation. We also stay stuck in the same patterns – the same ways of thinking, acting, and perceiving.

On the other hand, if we identify with our deeper self we can create experiences that reflect harmony, joy, abundance, and innovation. We do this by letting go of the ego’s limited ways of operation. This is the type of creativity we admire in others and that we strive for in ourselves.  

Here are 7 ways to cultivate creativity

1. Expand your definition of who you are. Free yourself from any restricted sense of who you are and know that you are capable of infinite potential. It’s important to accept your true nature and to work with it consciously. Inspired creativity stems from your true self. Know your values first.

2. Cultivate the wisdom of your deeper self. Release preconceived ideas, habits, and patterns. Let go of all ideas of what is possible or impossible, and make space for new thoughts and perceptions.

3. Be fully conscious of what you want to create. Affirm your intentions and be as clear as possible. Take action to fulfill your intention while releasing any attachment to the outcome.

4. Ask how to be of service, as this  taps into an expression of how your individual talents benefits others. Creativity increases as we limit out self-centered motivations and focus on the greater community.

5. Embrace your uniqueness. You are a unique center of creative activity and you have a creative role to play that no one else can fulfill. Realize that there is an appreciative audience for all your creative contributions.      

6. See failing as a gift. Do you see your failures as gifts? They are, as failure is where we produce our greatest learning opportunities. Through our failing is our greater connection to humanity. If you always have to be right, you have a learning handicap.  Touching the core of our learning gives us perspective to build value for others, as they more willingly follow our humanity. We create greater joy and wellbeing for others. That is very creative.

7. Forgive yourself, and allow your missteps and mistakes to be keys to learning and power. The more transparent you can be about yourself, the more people will be inspired. Being creative is an art-form – it is touching the emotions in others. You can persuade people with logic. and motivate them through emotion. Being creative is moving from math and science to art. Art is creative and inspires.

Be inspirational to yourself.

Jim  .