BECKONING CREATIVITY
Ever find yourself yearning for a shot of creativity when you need most it, not when it needs you?
Oh, wherefore art thou my pen, my brush, my song of songs?
C”mon creativity, where did you go? Where is the “on demand” feature?
And, despite the pleading and the begging, your creativity is apparently off to see the wizard.
OH, WE DO LOVE CREATIVITY!
There is a yummy feeling that comes with the energy of inspiration flowing through us. It is the energy of life moving through our veins, and we know it. There is nothing like it. And yes, it keeps us young and happy.
In a state of bliss, all seems to go well — effortlessly! The big blue sky of creativity opens up, shining happy streaks of sunny love color all over life and we’re sparkling with ideas.
WEST ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY CHOIR
Recently, I went to hear the West Asheville Community Choir. On that particular day, I was truly muddling along, ready to be uplifted by song. I had never heard of this choir, but I can tell you that when they sang, the cells in my mind and body woke up. In less than 30 seconds after they began to sing, I was lifted into “oh, now THAT’S better….” and within 45 seconds was transported straight to happy. After a whole minute, I was floating over the moon and the floating lasted for the rest of the hour.
Time disappeared. I was in a state of wonder. The sounds were beautiful. I found myself wanting to stand up and shout, “That’s what I’m talkin’ about!” It was also meditative. Gorgeous. Intricate. Simple. Moving to my heart.
THE FLOWER OF CREATIVITY
The 50 member choir sang traditional a cappella songs, from South Africa, the Balkans, Caucus Georgia, as well as American Shape-Note and Gospel songs. Suzannah Park and Nathan Morrison, the directors, also sang a duet together. I don’t even remember the song really, not because the song was not memorable, but because the emotional experience of hearing them sing together took center stage.
I vividly remember the feeling of the song. It was not your average listening experience, that’s for sure. I don’t even know what happened to me when they sang, but I know their expression changed me somehow. When Suzannah and Nathan sang it seemed as if the entire audience expanded to make room in their hearts for whatever it was the two were offering. The audience opened. I opened.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…………….!!! Now that’s much better!
THE JOY FACTOR
I don’t know the best way to get anyone’s creative juices flowing, but it sure helps to “get to happy.” What gives you a boatload of joy? Do more of that.
Suzannah and Nathan are downright darling. They love each other and make no bones about it, but it’s not syrupy and it’s not an act. They have known each other since they were 14 years old. Suzannah, when she is talking, but especially when she’s singing, is like a 1,000 watt light bulb. You can’t help but catch the rays of her bright love. She is unabashedly happy when she sings, directs, talks about her husband or how much she loves the choir. She includes you in her energy field, and yes, it’s HUGE, and pretty soon you are transported to wherever she is singing from if you let yourself go there.
And I did.
And I’m glad.
As of this writing, the experience was 48 hours ago and I’m still flyin’. Joy is very good medicine.
IS CREATIVITY YOUR LONG LOST FRIEND?
Missing your creativity? Find what makes you laugh. Find the young kid in you. If your pets are funny and help you into a good mood with no effort, spend a little time with them.
Play a little. Jump up and down, dive into a pile of leaves, roll down a hill. Dance. Sing. Play with your kids or grand kids. You’ll feel better when your life-giving juices begin to flow. Being able to play — being able to get into a playful mood at will — is one of the best ways to deliberately create joy. When you have joy, finding the creativity button is easy.
Or, hey — go listen to the West Asheville Community Choir. Or the music of Suzannah or Nathan. Bon Jovi. k.d. lang. The New York Philharmonic. Leonard Cohen. The Beatles. Diana Krall.
Do whatever opens the floodgates for YOU, darling, because that makes the world a better place, immediately and forever.
SING OUT, PEOPLE!
It seems to me that most of the world’s problems could be solved by singing.
It’s hard to sing and fight, sing and be angry, or sing and be in a bad mood for long.
Have you ever tried to sing an argument?
No?
OK, imagine doing it.
My point exactly… See what I mean? You can’t stay mad for long.
It could work. World peace could be closer than you think.
If you have a story about how the simple act of singing works wonders for you and your creativity, I’d LOVE to hear it.
Or when do you find yourself in your highest creative state? How do you get there? Do tell!
Note: Moonflower Photo courtesy of Lois Yeager. For more information on artist MacKenzie Joy Crosby go here.
creativity, joy, Lois Yeager, relationships, singing, Suzannah Park, Terri Crosby, West Asheville Community Choir