The new year continues to unfold and reveal itself in interesting ways. Today's post is all about creativity..

Creativity

We are unable to predict the future, but we can make commitments to ourselves that can help us to hold steady when rough times abound. Using yogic practices, we can steer a course toward the place we want to be. One way to do this is in nurturing your personal creativity.

Creativity encompasses the ability to discover new and original ideas, connections, and solutions to problems. -- Psychology Today (n.d.)

Many people over the years have said to me "I'm not creative." Most of us confuse creativity with artistic talent. No matter who you are, no matter what you do, if you are human, you have creativity within you. You were born that way.

The definition of creativity means to make something new. Something innovative. Those of us who think we are not creative, actually are. We create something everyday. Creativity is a learned skill that is found simply by experiencing life.

Creativity can be demonstrated through your daily life experiences. For example, you use a recipe in the kitchen, you create something new by putting all the ingredients together with your hand, in your way. You have just put something new into the universe (and probably your own tummy!). Maybe your recipe was not artistic or innovative, but still it is your own creation.

Another way to look at creativity is as problem-solving using new solutions to stumbling blocks. If things are going in unexpected ways for you, the first solution didn't solve the problem. Don't give up. Be creative and look for alternatives to accomplish the same goal despite that bump in the road. By examining all angles to achieve your goal, means that you do have a strong sense of creativity.

Whenever you solve a problem in daily life, or bring two or more ideas together, you are creating.

How to Identify & Enhance Your Creativity

You do not need to be a world-renowned performer, painter, or writer in order to define yourself as a creative person. You were born creative. To unspool the creativity inside you, you may just need some guidelines on how to bring your creativity out.

• Step outside your comfort zone even just for 5 minutes a day. Routines are wonderful to keep us on-track, but pushing those boundaries on occasion will help expand your horizons and enhance the neuropathways in your brain. (Jun, 2015) A simple example, is bringing your palms together and interlacing your fingers. Then open the hands and reverse the interlace by starting with the opposite thumb on the top.
• Make time to think. Perhaps, start with some breathing and a meditation to first clear the mind.
• Get out in nature. Nature inspires creative thinking. Get out and observe the world around you. The inspiration of the natural world is immeasurable. This can be combined with "thinking time." Walk or sit outside and be alone with your thoughts.
• Finally, Rest. - Is there anything more yogic than taking rest? Savasana (corpse pose) anyone? Lying on your back with eyes closed observe what you have created today. Afterwards, perhaps journal your ideas or revelations so that they sink in even more deeply.

Yoga and Creativity

Yoga helps to bring out creativity by focusing the mind on the task at hand. As we notice our inhalations and exhalations we calm body and mind. These activities trigger reduction of stress thus making room for creativity and innovation.

Yoga can be something that we live with throughout our lives. Creating yoga shapes and poses with our body is a highly creative experience. When listening to your body, you are creating new pathways for your body, mind, and spirit. When your yoga teacher says listen to your body and modify the pose as needed, you are creating a gift for yourself by exploring innovative alternatives. Doing this is particularly important as we age since our bodies, minds and spirits change as we move forward on the life continuum. Listen closely to your body and mind and create something new just for you.

Conclusion

Creativity is a condition that exists naturally within human beings. It could be expressed as artistry, but more likely than not, it is a problem-solving skill. Creativity means innovating. Listening closely to your mind, body and spirit throughout the rest of your life, helps you to continue innovations to be mindful and take care of yourself and others.

Further Readings and Resources

Jenkins, P. (2021) Is Creativity a Skill (Answered)
Jun, P. (2015). 7 Ways to Nurture Creativity
McElligott, M. (n.d.) 10 Ways to Nurture Your Creativity And Boost Your Intuitive Awareness. LifeHacks.org

Psychology Today Staff (n.d.) Creativity.

New Pricing

In these inflationary times, I've had to raise my prices by a few dollars. Monday's Yoga Nidra class continues on a sliding scale to ensure accessibility and affordability to the community. Packages have been increased to $75 for the 5-pack and $145 for the 10-pack. Still a great deal!

New to the Schedule

As of February 1, 2023, I am adding an online asana class to the schedule. Beginning Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. ET, I offer you Yoga for Strength, Flexibility & Balance. This class Register here 24 hours before class time.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Yoga Nidra

Starting with a February 2 workshop, I will again be teaching Yoga Nidra for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) of Eckerd College. All online classes start at 1:30 pm ET and will continue through to March 2. If that is more convenient time for you to do Yoga Nidra, look into OLLI. They've got tons of worthwhile enrichment programs in addition to Yoga Nidra.

Ongoing Offerings

Yoga nidra classes continue 7:30 ET Monday nights online. If you would like to participate in a yoga nidra class but can't make it on Monday nights, please contact me to let me know what day and time works best for you. I am happy to form a class based on your own schedules. Contact me via text/call 808-263-9792 or email: proftenzer@gmail.com.

Meditation & Yoga for Organizations

Using yoga and meditation techniques, I am available to support an organization's institutional mission and values tailored to the needs of employees. Meditation and yogic exercise have been shown to promote wellness that boosts employee morale, effectiveness, and productivity (Sheelu, Garg, & Rastogi, 2022). If you know someone who may be interested in setting up a meditation or yoga class for a retreat or as a regular amenity or employee benefit in their organization please forward this link to them.

Private Lessons

I continue my availability for face-to-face or online private meditation and yoga lessons. Please be in touch to set something up.