by Cheryl O'Brien

Created on: May 16, 2007   Last Updated: May 18, 2007

Creativity, Aging and Wellness!

Creativity and wellness are closely linked in the human psyche. When we feel well within ourselves we take joy in creating. Creating gardens, music, writte workds, painting, jewelery and many more things can express that wellness for us. But what about when we are not well? Creating induces a feeling of well-being so as well as expressing a feeling of well-being it can create one. We need to learn to nurture our own creative selves so that as we age we can use our creativity to continue feel well!

Creativity keeps our minds alert. It gives us interests that keep us interested in life and it gives us a feeling of satisfaction and acceptance of ourselves.

You can learn to nurture your creative self. Try any of these suggestions that spark an interest in you. This is your time so feel free to rearrange, combine, or change any of these suggestions to suit you. There is no "have to". There is only "want to".

1) Play. It has been said, "Play is the work of children". It is also the best way to get in touch with what really matters to us. Playing can be anything you wish to make it. Find a friend to play checkers (draughts) with and spend a few hours playing together. Go to the local playground and swing on the swing, slide down the slippery dip. Shoot balls through the hoop, if you are right handed try it left-handed and vice versa.

Play involves doing it for the fun of it. Play to play not to win.

If you have been so busy being grown up you have forgotten how to play take a child along and let them take the lead. If you haven't any small children of your own, borrow a niece or nephew, grandchild, neighbour's child, or friend's child. If you play the game the child's way and let them make the decisions you will have more fun and so will they. Four year olds are great for this. They love taking charge!

2) Try a new art or craft. If you are a writer, paint a picture, if you are a painter, sculpt a figure, if you are a filmmaker, try drawing. If you draw try writing. The point of this is not to stress and struggle over getting it right. Just do it. Make mistakes and give yourself permission to do so. If you find the adult perfectionist stepping in trying to do it all right, then consider doing it with your less dominant hand, or do it blindfolded, or in some other way make it harder for you to get it perfect. The idea is to create using an unfamiliar medium. Try finger painting. It is messy, fun, creative, and the sensual experience is wonderful.

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