Here are a couple of questions for you:

• Is your creative nature yearning for fuller expression?

• Are you frustrated that things feel stuck & the old ways don't seem to work?

• Do you feel you don't have enough time or space for cultivating your creativity?

• Do you find yourself saying 'I'm not creative...'?

• Are you looking for fresh, inspired approaches for doors that seem closed?

If so, you're in good company.

I myself wandered so far away from my creative, intuitive nature that, for awhile, I couldn't even access it. At least, that's how it felt. Instead, I emphasized and excelled in the linear, analytical-thinking capacity that's so much more acknowledged and celebrated in most business cultures.

Many people don't think of themselves as being creative at all, or see themselves as having no time to express their creative nature.

Yet creativity is an expression of your very soul -- it's part of you who are at your very core. Creativity is your essence, which is why we all have an increasing yearning and need to reconnect, deepen, and express it in the world.

The Problem

The problem is that, in a culture that is so focused on productivity, rationality, urgency, and results, we think of creativity as a 'doing', and the exclusive domain of 'creative people'.

We look at our busy days, where we go from our roster full of home tasks into our workplace full of meetings, deadlines, and productivity goals, and feel that there's little to no time to be creative, or that any attempt to be creative will not be welcomed in a 'results-oriented' workplace.

Or we may err so acutely towards our well-scheduled, rational, linear, analytical nature that we feel disconnected from or devoid of our creativity.

And the big problem with all of this?

We're living in a time of great change and transformation, which absolutely requires us to tap our natural creativity.

Opening to our Creative Genius

Each person has within them a vital well of creativity that yearns to find expression in a way that is unique to each person, and each of us has the time, space, and opportunity to cultivate and weave creativity into our days.

Once cultivated, you will embody and weave your creative essence into your actions as you move through your day, at home and at work, whether in cooking, approaching a particular problem, envisioning how you'd like to 'show up' in your life, and bringing forth your own unique gifts in all areas of your life, including your work.

What Blocks Creativity -- The 'Creativity Snuffers'

One primary 'creativity snuffer' is rigidity, or over-attachment to a particular routine, a.k.a., a rut. It can feel uncomfortable to deviate from a comfortable routine, way of thinking, or approach in doing things, but creativity is the antithesis of routine and comfort.

Another 'creativity snuffer' is a habit of linear, analytical, rational thinking. Yes, even though this has its place, creativity requires a very different space -- creativity doesn't blossom from the analytical, linear mind.

One other 'creativity snuffer' is the near-manic, "busy do" pace we've come to mistakenly view as normal.

Creativity can't be rushed; it requires space, and often what appears to be 'doing nothing'.

To be creative requires that we pry loose from beliefs that being creative is 'wasting time'.

Another creativity zapper is conformity - the need to fit it, to blend in, to not stand out. Creativity has a lot of flavors and modes of expression, and standardizing and conforming snuff creativity.

And, of course, perfectionism and premature criticism -- even when it's intended to be 'constructive' -- kill creativity in the bud.

The Benefits of Cultivating Creativity

Allowing the time and space for creative expression actually creates efficiency by pointing the way to fresh insights and helping us to see the most vital actions to take.

Cultivating creativity also helps to create what I call a 'buffer' -- the space between the impulse to action and actually choosing the right action and right timing.

Poor choices and poor timing create problems and miscommunications, so, paradoxically, being busier and filling time with 'more doing' is actually less efficient than allowing the time and space in which creativity flourishes.

In a more relaxed, creativity-inviting space, our bodies as well as our minds are refreshed, allowing us greater access to higher thinking, intuition, insight, and -- you guessed it -- creative genius.

There are many benefits to letting our creative natures out to play: fresh insights, inspiration, intuition, new perspectives, and new approaches -- all things that are desperately needed not just in most workplaces but in our world.

What's most important is to invite and cultivate our creativity. The rest will take care of itself.

Tips for Cultivating Your Creative Fires

By awakening our creative Muses, creative expression will come naturally into our actions. Creativity requires space, spontaneity, and a diversion from the usual routines.

Here are a few tips for cultivating your creative fires:

• Set the intention - Set a sincere intention to allow your creativity to flourish, and you'll be inviting new opportunities. Reaffirm your intention each day, and watch what arises.

• Embody creativity. We often see creativity as something that we do, yet the most empowering thing is to find it first within us. Know that you are inherently creative, and watch how you feel compelled to express it.

• Breathe creativity - One powerful practice is to take a few moments here and there throughout the day and breathe in creativity, as if the very air you're breathing is creative elixir. It is, so why not take it in fully?

• Start right where you are - You don't have to start with painting a masterpiece or writing the next great novel. Start where you are; small steps add up to big progress. Find small ways you can alter your routine and feed your creativity.

• Cultivate space - Creativity requires space to grow, just like seeds. Take note of the things you're currently filling your time with, and prune any that don't truly speak to your heart and soul.

• Fertilize your creativity field - The media is full of creativity-sapping content that breeds creativity-snuffers! Become more picky about the things you take in, including reading, news, television shows, movies, and other time-fillers. See these as opportunities to feed creativity, heart, and soul-passion.

In other words, you're better off playing with Play-Doh than watching most television sitcoms -- if you want to stir your creativity and natural genius.

• Play with color - Adding color to our surroundings is one way to awaken the Muse. Use a variety of colored pens, folders, flowers, foods, and accessories to begin to express your creative flair.

If you're used to going neutral, start spreading your creative wings by adding color elements to clothing or your environment.

• Be inspired by Nature - Spend time in nature, as nature is a great Muse! You can also enjoy a potted garden in the house (or office), and try flower essences and essential oils that help support your creativity.

• Weave creativity into your daily practice - Anything that's truly vital to our wellbeing and soul deserves to be a high priority, since it feeds and inspires everything else.

How can you weave creativity into your daily practice and routine?

• Do nothing (or at least nothing 'productive'!). Putter, dabble, wander. Have no goal for a period of time. Just explore, be open to what new wonder might arise.

Do you need to stoke your creative fires? Consult with the Muse - schedule a session, or series of sessions, with Jamie.

Email info 'at' ivysea 'dot' com to begin ...