Creativity as Nutrition
During my health coaching program at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN), one of the core concepts we learned was that of primary food, or the parts of life that nourish our body, mind, and spirit off the plate (those that are on the plate are secondary foods).
When considering what nourishes you, what comes to mind? Maybe it's the satisfaction found in a hobby, or the bonds shared with cherished colleagues. It could be the tranquility of a seaside stroll or the serenity of painting in a sunlit studio. Alternatively, you might find nourishment in tending to a garden or sharing a meal with friends at a cozy dinner table.
There are twelve areas of primary food: career, creativity, finances, health, home cooking, home environment, joy, movement, new learning, relationships, social life, and spirituality. Satisfaction in each of these areas contributes to our overall multidimensional health and happiness.
This week I’d like to focus on creativity. I’ve been thinking a lot about it, since a creative project I’ve been working on through the winter is getting ready to be brought into the world, just as spring is starting to bloom. Spring is my favorite season of the year. It signals re-birth, renewal, a shedding of skin (and in some cases, identity), and a liberation from the heaviness and cold of winter. This resurgence of life symbolizes rejuvenation, transformation, and the cyclical nature of existence – a time of hope and optimism.
This first week of May, I am at long last feeling the presence of spring, which is the reality of the change of seasons here in the Northeast. Growing up in the South, spring came noticeably earlier! By late February, the dogwoods were already flowering and the daffodils were in full bloom. In my current environment, I find myself longing for a hint of color during the long months of March and April. The reward is here! Tulips of all sizes and colors have exploded in the garden. The bright yellow of forsythia, the dreamy, droopy purple wisteria, and fragrant jasmine have all made their appearances – finally!
I believe that as adults, we often forget the importance of creativity, and how love and passion for a project or artistic endeavor can serve to nourish us in a way that other things can’t. But creativity can also be linked with fear, or at least I find that this is true. Being creative can make us feel vulnerable – if we harness and express a passion from within, we face a feeling of exposure and judgment (real or perceived). However, if we hold back because of fear, the world misses something we might have to say or express.
No one addresses this better than Elizabeth Gilbert in her book “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear.” This book is a captivating exploration of creativity and the transformative power of embracing curiosity and inspiration. Gilbert shares personal anecdotes, insights, and practical advice to encourage readers to pursue their creative passions fearlessly. The book highlights the importance of nurturing creativity as an essential aspect of self-care and overall wellbeing. Gilbert argues that engaging in creative endeavors is vital for our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. By tapping into our innate creativity, we can cultivate a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and joy in our lives.
What I find particularly moving is Gilbert’s discussion of fear as an inherent aspect of the creative process. She acknowledges that fear often accompanies creativity, but she encourages embracing it as a natural companion rather than allowing it to hinder one's creative pursuits. Gilbert believes that fear should not dictate one's decisions or prevent them from expressing their creativity. Instead, she suggests acknowledging fear's presence, understanding its role, and continuing to create despite its presence. She advocates for cultivating a mindset of courage and resilience in the face of fear, allowing creativity to flourish and thrive.
I love Gilbert's exploration of the concept of "ideas as living entities." She suggests that creative ideas have a life of their own and seek out willing collaborators to bring them to fruition. This notion challenges conventional beliefs about creativity and opens up possibilities for individuals to tap into a deeper source of inspiration and imagination.
Gilbert also shares stories of everyday people who have embraced creativity in various forms, whether starting a small business, learning a new skill, or pursuing a passion project. These real-life examples serve as inspiration for readers to recognize their own creative potential and take action toward realizing their dreams.
As a health coach, incorporating the principles of "Big Magic" into my practice means encouraging clients to explore and express their creativity as a form of self-care. Whether through writing, painting, dancing, singing, making music, or any other creative pursuit, embracing creativity can enhance resilience, reduce stress, and promote holistic wellness. By fostering a supportive environment that values creativity as essential "nutrition" for the soul, I believe that individuals can be empowered to live authentically and embrace the magic of their creative potential.