Creative Mortification.

In the February issue of O magazine Peggy Orenstein writes about unleashing creativity.

She was struck by the idea of creative mortification, a term "so evocative I will carry it with me to my grave." 
I found myself nodding as she described moments when a burgeoning interest and a meaningful insight in music, sports or science were struck down with a too-harsh evaluation. 

Such humbling evaluations result in shame, researchers say.  Shame that often stops us cold from doing what we loved. 

Step one to reclaim creativity?  Jettison shame.

Read the story here:   http://www.oprah.com/spirit/How-to-Unleash-Your-Creativity/1

Nurturing Creativity.

I am working on an especially challenging assignment right now.  It is challenging and draining in equal parts.

Add the hectic holiday season to the mix and my creativity--the very thing I am paid for--suffers.

Besides the occasional glass of wine to cope--okay, a stiff gin and tonic (or two)--it helps to hear how other creative types cope.  And how they reignite the flame.

I love what author Elizabeth Gilbert says in her TED lecture on creativity and clarity about having a "divine cock-eyed genius assigned to your case." 

She should know.  She had to top her massive international bestseller Eat Love Pray.

I believe my "genius" wears red shoes.  And drinks G&Ts.


http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html