How to Discover Your Creative Voice

Several people I know took the "Right Brain vs Left Brain Creativity Test" and were surprised by their result. One sweet friend in particular emailed me and said the following: "I took the right and left brain test and, of course, came out 60% right and 40% left. The question I have is...every test like this I take it leads me to being very artistic, however I do not know how to express that side of me. Any suggestion on finding out how???"

Great question! I totally know you feel! There are a few things I'd like to suggest.

First, sit down (you must be seated) and rewind your memory as far back as you can. Write down the artistic tendencies you had from childhood. Maybe you filled the front of refrigerators of every living relative you had with your masterpiece finger painting or pages pulled from a favorite coloringbook nicely decorated with Crayolas. Maybe after a nice spring or summer rain, you were the first one to the garden where you make enough mud-pies for all your siblings. Or, maybe you were like my son is now, no matter where we are (grocery store, restaurant, at a stoplight with the car windows down) his head is bopping to any audible musical grooves withing ear shot. Did you make up plays then grab some neighborhood friends and put on a performance for your parents?

The way to know where to begin exploring your creativity is to listen to you history, your life. See if there are any patterns or themes. As you look back over your creative life, you may remember something that sparks an interest now. That is a good place to begin!

If you are still stumped, during your quiet time with God, honestly ask Him to show you where your creativity lies. Go before your Creator and express your hearts desire to live into your God-given creativity. No doubt, He will reveal it to you in time.

Second is to listen carefully to your creative voice today, the one that we tend to ignore or push off. It's sometimes hard to detect because we taught ourselves not to listen to that silly childish nonsense. What passion is buried in your soul? Writing a book? Playing that instrument you dream about? Taking a pottery class? Or a painting class? Creating a gorgeous landscaped yard? Learning to cook that amazing recipe with no doubts? Learning how to use all the buttons on your digital SLR camera? Deciphering your creative voice of today is another place to begin.

But that is the key here ~ to begin. Just try something. The first attempt may not be the perfect creative venture for you, but you tried it and that, you can be proud of. Then try dabbling in something else. Often, it takes a couple tries to find out what really feels right to you. Expression through the arts is a delicate discovery. But, don't be afraid. As with most new things, getting started is the biggest challenge!

If your pull is to write (and if you are a woman), join us for our writing group for women, Reflective Souls. We meet tomorrow, Thursday, 9/25. It's an inexpensive creative endeavor as well - invest in a notebook and a pen or pencil, and 90 minutes - that's it. You may be surprised by what you discover about yourself...

So, what creative endeavor are you going to jump into?

If you have an idea for an Arts Community focused around a particular skill/craft and would be nice to offer at Living Word, shoot me an email and share your idea. We won't know what the desires are unless we hear from people's hearts.

Grace & peace on the journey ~ deAnn
[more on this topic to follow...]