“If we can support the creativity of each and every individual, we’ll change the world.” – Mark A. Runco, PhD, director of creativity research and programming at Southern Oregon University

On an individual level, creativity creates joy and personal fulfillment, as well as promotes academic and professional growth. Creativity can also be therapeutic for many people. And when we take care of ourselves, we are helping to create a more sustainable world.

Also, as Jonathan Schooler, PhD, a professor of psychological and brain sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara states, “Creativity is at the core of innovation. We rely on innovation for advancing humanity, as well as for pleasure and entertainment,” he said. “Creativity underlies so much of what humans value.”

Wouldn’t we like to see more of what Unitarian Universalists value changing the world?

Neuroscientists are discovering that creativity is more than just about the end product. They are discovering more and more about how creativity works in the brain. Focus is shifting to creativity as a process:

[C]reativity often involves coordination between the cognitive control network, which is involved in executive functions such as planning and problem-solving, and the default mode network, which is most active during mind-wandering or daydreaming (Beaty, R. E., et al., Cerebral Cortex, Vol. 31, No. 10, 2021). The cooperation of those networks may be a unique feature of creativity, Adam Green, PhD, a cognitive neuroscientist at Georgetown University and founder of the Society for the Neuroscience of Creativity said. “These two systems are usually antagonistic. They rarely work together, but creativity seems to be one instance where they do.”

What’s really exciting about this research is that anyone can practice becoming, and push themselves towards, being more creative! Sure, some people tend to be “naturally” more creative than others. But what researchers have noticed is that creative individuals are more likely to be open to new experiences, to be curious and drawn towards learning new things and experiencing the world in different ways.

So, what can you do? The article (cited at the end of this piece) suggests:

1. Put in the work: People often think of creativity as a bolt of inspiration, like a lightbulb clicking on. But being creative in a particular domain—whether in the arts, in your work, or in your day-to-day life—is a skill. Carve out time to learn and practice.

2. Let your mind wander: Experts recommend “daydreaming with purpose.” Make opportunities to let your daydreams flow, while gently nudging them toward the creative challenge at hand. Some research suggests meditation may help people develop the habit of purposeful daydreaming.

3. Practice remote associations: Brainstorm ideas, jotting down whatever thoughts or notions come to you, no matter how wild. You can always edit later.

4. Go outside: Spending time in nature and wide-open spaces can expand your attention, enhance beneficial mind-wandering, and boost creativity.

5. Revisit your creative ideas: Aha moments can give you a high—but that rush might make you overestimate the merit of a creative idea. Don’t be afraid to revisit ideas to critique and tweak them later.

At UUCL, we affirm one another and are deliberate in providing an environment in which we can “experilearn”. We allow ourselves and one another to explore new things and be expressive in a safe– and brave– space. Indeed, we are like a laboratory for how our values can look in the world so that we are changing not just ourselves, but are carrying new ways out into the world. Isn’t that what we mean when we say our chalice extinguishing words each week?

May the spirit of creativity be with us as we do the work that our faith calls us to!

All citations and information was drawn from: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/04/cover-science-creativity