Since the first caveman etched a mammoth on the wall of his cave, humans have been finding ways to express the experience of living. All over the earth every culture tells stories, paints and draws, sings songs and creates dance. Art in all of its forms is as part of the human genetic code. All of us are born with it, a creative impulse that yearns to be expressed. Some believe the creative urge is biologically linked to our need to reproduce, that our existence requires us having creative impulses. It is in the creative impulse that we want to shape and nurture our young, and bring something stunning into the world. Intricately meshed with our biological drives, the need to create is as real as the need to eat, breath, sleep and dream. Everyone on the planet has the desire to create, in one form or another. For some, the darkest challenges of life have turned this need into the desire to create chaos or harm to others. Still it is an impulse that demands the world notice they exist. It is a powerful force and should be honored as such. Art is shared byto everyone. Art Supplies, like paints, colored pencils, clay, Foam Board, and crayons, are often a big part of a child’s life. It is easy to see the artist in a child. A child readily spends energy building things, drawing, playing music, or telling and listening to stories. Why do we treat our creative urges like clothes that we grow beyond?

Most adults consider artistic activity as a spectator sport or a hidden hobby. Beyond making a living, fixing dinner and getting the kids to bed there isn’t time to indulge in any creative impulse. Sadly many adults think they can only enjoy art and creativity as consumers. So how is it possible to indulge the creative instinct in a world with out time or reward for the artistic endeavor?

A satisfying creative experience needs several things which involve the senses in the process, a vision of the thing to be created and focused attention. Ask an artist about being fully involved in a project and they can easily talk about the rewards and delight that comes from the event. A painter lost in the colors and the subject, seeing intensely, a singer taken to a different place by the song she sings, the dancer feeling an enlightened grace descend around him, are all experiences that come from surrender to the creative instinct.

If someone has a creative impulse they should chase it down, be it writing, singing, painting or dance. The benefits are immense. For those that are not sure of their passion, it is important to find all the opportunities for exploration in everyday life. For example, if a meal needs to be created, what happens when the chef puts all of their attention into the process? Indulge the senses, taste, smell, and touch the food. Slice the potatoe with complete attention. Arrange the salad with consideration of the quality and color of the tomatoes, olives and carrots. Make it beautiful and make it unique.

The benefit for the effort come from the experience of taking pleasure in putting something special together. It is always nice to receive complements and appreciation, but the experience of creating is often reward enough.

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