We are all creative. Some of us are more talented than others, but each of us, if called upon, can express ourselves in a creative way.
Think about the last time you were creative. You may have:
- solved a problem
- played an instrument
- written a poem, story, or essay
- drawn, painted, or crafted
- decorated your home
- landscaped your garden
- made up a recipe
- sang by yourself or with a group
When we are in the midst of being creative or totally absorbed in what we are doing, we find ourselves in the flow experience described by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in his book:
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. When experiencing the flow, whether at work, conversation, or hobby, time is suspended or speeds up. Hours seem like minutes. Feeling serene, yet invigorated, we're confident that our skills can meet the challenge. We need no reward beyond what is happening in the moment.
You may want to set the scene so that you can easily slip into a creative mode to encourage the flow. This may be the time to set up the dark room you always dreamed about, resume the piano lessons you quit in third grade, take a class at your local community college or recreation center. Or it could be the right time to learn how to throw a pot, tap a dance, build a bookcase, or write that book that you know is within you.
After experiencing the flow, we feel happy, content, and refreshed. What better way to practice self care?
