Sacred Creativity

I’ve written before (12/4/08) on creativity and how it can emerge when one enters the silence. Adherents of wisdom traditions the world over have long understood that, by slowing down and placing attention to the divine void, inventive and imaginative insights come. Every creature naturally seeks and exhibits creativity. We all understand that creativity is life-affirming, that it nurtures life. Similarly, life itself is creative, in that it is continually evolving and persevering.

But creativity demands a lot from us. It’s hard work. Although we may inherently comprehend that creativity is sacred and crucial to our survival and success, we also have an innate lazy streak. It’s far easier to coast downhill than struggle uphill, thus our potential for imagination and resourcefulness can quickly turn to the vacancy of dullness and repetition. Creativity also requires us to take a risk—to step into the unknown and chance failure. Many artists who once creatively displayed great talent later opt for financial success and status; with the result that their output becomes monotonous, as they try to attain popularity by endlessly copying themselves or the latest trend.

One beautiful aspect of creativity is that it’s an equal opportunity quality. No matter our circumstances—whether rich or poor, free or imprisoned, capable or handicapped—we can be creative. Some of the most oppressed and disempowered people have achieved autonomy and freedom by exhibiting imagination and creativity. Blacks in America and South Africa finally gained some measure of civil rights by becoming nonviolently creative; facing the oppressive machinery of the state. Helen Keller—blind and deaf—overcame her adversities to become an inspiration to millions.

And that’s what is most important about creativity: when we use what we gain from it by inspiring and teaching others. We can give no greater gift than to use our skills to help others to realize what wonders await them if they pause, go inward, seek inspiration from the divine void, and touch their creative source.