“Everyone is born creative; everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten. Then when you hit puberty they take the crayons away and replace them with dry, uninspiring books on algebra, history, etc. Being suddenly hit years later with the ‘creative bug’ is just a wee voice telling you, “I’d like my crayons back, please”.
Hugh MacLeod
It seems to me that “being hit with the creative bug” could easily be replaced with, “difficulty communicating”, or, “being stuck in a funk “, “difficulty deciding”, “feeling insecure”, etc. I think this because I’ve found that really unexpected comfort and enlightenment comes with spending time creating something, and being present with that process. It’s Especially moving to those who typically resist creative exploration in the name of “serious work to do” and because they may feel too silly during the vulnerability of that process.
An experiment: I wonder if you get emotional when you say aloud,
‘I’d like my crayons back, please”.
Or if it feels ridiculous? Or if maybe it’s the kind of assertive statement that’s more comfortable? Interesting…
Our need to create and explore the controlling of colors, shapes, textures -in non verbal, kinesthetic, sensual ways, as when we were young, doesn’t go away. In fact, I’d like to suggest that it remains a constant ability and core skill, an almost default coping and way of safely engaging with the elements. Even science says that when you color, you call on both the left and right brain hemisphere at the same time, a process that calms and promotes congruence, concentration, focus, alignment.
If you needed permission or a push, I’ll challenge you now to confront whatever “bugs” you by doodling, connecting lines and shading or patterning the spaces, with 2 or more colors on any close and disposable amount of paper you have nearest you. Just for 5 minutes. Then securely email or text me the outcome, and if/how you’re different after doing so. Your brain, bod, and younger self will thank you for it.
Be well.