Be Creative….Think Different!


There are many types of effective coping techniques, but my favorite is creative problem solving. Creativity is very empowering… if not liberating. To take an idea and make it a reality, now that is something! Necessity, it is said, is the mother of invention. Necessity could be another word for stress. When we are pushed (or painted) with our backs against the wall, we can either pout, or be creative. Always choose the later. Creativity isn’t just an attribute for artists or musicians; it’s a birthright for everyone. You ARE creative! Creativity begins with imagination and ends with hard work (organizational skills) to make the inspiration become a reality. Creativity is a right and left-brain activity. Sadly, creativity isn’t taught in schools these days, though I wish it was. It is never too late, however, to exercise your creative muscles. Be creative.. think different!

Stress Tip for the Day:

Grab a pen and paper and make a list of your top five stressors. Then pick one and work to creatively solve the problem. To do this, follow these steps: 1) define the problem. How would a 5-year old see your problem? How would an Eskimo or alien from a distant galaxy see your problem? Once you have it defined, then come up with five (5) viable solutions (and one off-the wall, crazy, ludicrious idea). After you have a list of possibilities, pick the best one and then make it happen. When all is said and done, take time to evaluate… and if the solution is still elusive, start over again…. The creative problem solving process is never a straight line. Today (and every day) see yourself as a creative person. Don’t let fear negate your highest potential as a creative luminary. And given the state of the world today, don’t be shy with your creativity skills. We need them!

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

Although I haven’t bought it yet, I have come across a new book called Imagine. From the interviews I have heard on NPR, the author seems to explore the concepts of the creative process and to this add new information gathered from research based on functional MRI’s of what’s going on in the brain during the creative process. AND… if you have not read Steve Job’s biography, I highly recommend it. Very inspiring and it will surely give you many ideas to ponder. Think Different, Steve reminded us. Great advice!

http://whywereason.wordpress.com/tag/the-creative-process/

http://www.amazon.com/Imagine-Creativity-Works-Jonah-Lehrer/dp/0547386079

Quote for the Day:

“Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” —Thomas A. Edison

“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.” — Steve Jobs

“If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.” — Thomas A. Edison

Photo for the Day:

Today’s photograph is part of a project I am working on called the Doors of Perception. This particular door speaks to the creative process (those who attended last fall’s mountain retreat had a chance to see this project in it’s embryonic stage). I photographed this tree, door and windows in Ireland, though not all in the same place. Enjoy!

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (7e) and the forthcoming, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Brian Luke Seaward

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