thecreativeverse creativity is our human superpower.
There is one powerful tool in our human toolkit that is meant to help us thrive, create and prosper in difficult times and always, and that is our mighty human creativity.
A Historic Time of Change
There is no doubt that we are now and have been for quite some time smack dab in the middle of an extraordinary, complicated, transformative cycle of change that will impact us all – whether we want it to or not. We have discussed this transitional time period between the old and the new in our HTTE series and the incredible opportunities inherent within this tumultuous, evolutionary, revolutionary, historic moment in time.
But while these transitional times can be chaotic and turbulent as our old ways fall away, fail, fall into chaos to make space for the new, we need not be at the mercy of change as helpless bystanders. In our human toolkit, we have one mighty tool we can use, to ensure we thrive during these times, not just survive, and that mighty tool is our human creativity and humanity.
Step Outside the Box – A Demand for Creativity
Creativity takes courage. ~
The unprecedented Global Pandemic of 2020 was a world-wide crisis not many of us will soon forget. Thousands, millions, lost their lives, and many were thrown into devastating circumstances medically, economically, etc. Most of us were left scarred by the fear, anger, suffering either experienced personally or seen globally, as this event also coincided with world-wide social justice movements also needing our urgent attention. But while this time was devastating and traumatic, it also introduced a creative, unified spirit we haven’t experienced before at such a massive global scale. Spanning every country and continent, this collective, creative spirit fundamentally changed our view of each other and the world.
2020 especially in the US, saw ordinary folks, concerned citizens, companies worldwide ban together, quickly pivot and creatively step up to help those in desperate. We saw our regular folks lend their skills to make masks, hand sanitizer, lend funds to provide food, shelter for those in most in need, saving countless lives in the process. We saw our doctors and nurses, truckers, grocery store workers, hotel staff, teachers, put their lives at risk daily to provide much-needed services for the populace, creatively navigating the crisis to minimize disruptions. We saw our work, happy hours, concerts, newscasts, graduations go virtual, as we creatively found a way to stay connected, fundamentally changing our concept of work-life balance forever. We saw our talented dancers, singers, comedians, creatives worldwide, donate their time freely, to help us reconnect and keep hope alive. And so many other examples … A special shoutout to the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and their free virtual weekly open-mike sessions started during the pandemic to share in the incredible talent worldwide. Thank you for the inspiration (and hope) ♥.
The pandemic demanded, that we lead with creativity (and humanity) and we did. Despite fear, despite division and anger, many chose to band together rather than shift apart. Many understood this was a time to move closer together, to stand up for each other, to help each other, to share light and connection in a very dark time. And because most chose creativity and humanity rather than fear, we survived the pandemic near intact, and in the process, fundamentally shifted our concept of what’s truly important. We demonstrated that when we work together and step outside of the box bravely, out of our comfort zone, we have the potential to align together quickly to create the solutions we need – and that, is human creativity at its best.
Leading with Creativity and Humanity – Why, Why Not, What If
You have no power to change anything because you have no imagination. And for that reason, no one will ever know or care who you were. ~ Dickinson series, 2019.
But we don’t have to wait for a global pandemic or another crisis to reawaken our powerful human creativity. Every day, we have an opportunity to introduce creativity into our lives. Creativity encompasses the ability to discover new and original ideas, connections, and solutions to problems. It’s a part of our drive as humans—fostering resilience, sparking joy, and providing opportunities for self-actualization (Psychology Today).
Now more than ever, in these times of great turmoil, we must work on cultivating our individual and collective creativity. If you haven’t already noticed, much of what we took for granted – our systems, concepts, definitions, ways of being and living, are on the chopping block of change. We are no longer “business as usual”. Our world is becoming more diverse, more interconnected, more technologically capable. The collective consciousness is growing and maturing fast. And our society is rapidly transforming from an individualistic, egocentric, competitive society, to a globally maturing, inter-connected, technologically-advanced, collaborative society. Which means … everything, is subject to change.
Times such as these are perfect for creativity to flourish. It’s in conditions that seem difficult, challenging, unknown that creativity does its best work. Because creativity doesn’t rely on what’s been done or the status quo. It doesn’t staunchly hold on to what’s been, instead, it re-imagines a new way and is inspired by, the challenge to prosper in the difficulty. And hopefully, create something new that benefits all and stands the test of a new era.
In this great age of transition, transformation and evolution, creativity is exactly what we need, but as the french visual artist Henri Matisse rightly noted: “creativity takes courage.” Creativity will require that we push against what we’ve always known. It will require that we push beyond what is, even when we’re afraid to. Because as we know, even when we’re aware the current state of things no longer serves us or we’ve outgrown it, we still hold on to it desperately. And while it’s natural and understandable to hold on tightly to what is, for fear of the unknown, we also know there is no true purpose, prosperity, or growth in what no longer works.
In this era of collective evolution and change unavoidably upon us, creativity will ask that we step beyond our natural fear and outside of the box we’ve outgrown. It will ask that we have the courage to ask why, why not and what if. It will ask that we no longer accept “it can’t be done” or “because that’s the way we’ve always done it” so that we stretch beyond what we know to grow and evolve. It will ask that we imagine new ways to solve old problems or create new ways altogether, and be courageous enough to change – ourselves, each other and our world.
Change, evolution, forward movement is upon us and inevitable, as certain as the air we need to breathe. To thrive during these times, we must practice leading with our powerful creativity. Whether we lead creatively through our inventions, ideas, art, writings, music, expression, discoveries, leadership, etc – all creativity is welcome.
So dust off that imagination and inspiration, those ideas, that curiosity, that clever ingenuity and get your creative fire going. We don’t need another crisis to remind us what we can do. Rather, we can learn from what we’ve already done. When we lead with creativity rather than fear, we move and work smarter, faster and find opportunities and potential where others only see obstacles and fear. And when we move together for each other, with humanity and wisdom at the forefront of our decisions and creations, we will succeed.
~ Carmen ♥
