Category Archives: Creativity

In the calm plateau, there comes a time when our irrepressible creative spirit makes itself known

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“In the calm plateau, there comes a time when our irrepressible creative spirit makes itself known.”

—Stephen St. Amant, author of the Savenwood Blog

Image from Unsplash by Jez Timms

In the calm plateau, something stirs.

We like to call it “peace” — that steady hum where everything feels predictable.

But deep inside, the creative spirit begins stretching its wings. It whispers, “you’ve rested long enough.”

The plateau isn’t punishment, it’s preparation. In that stillness, ideas ferment, clarity ripens, and a quiet rumbling grows.

Then, almost without warning, a spark ignites. You write, build, explore — because you must.

The plateau was never your destination; it was the launch pad.

Listen carefully when the calm grows too still — your irrepressible creative self is knocking. Open the door and step boldly through its threshold.

EXERCISE:

List five areas of life that feel flat right now (work, relationships, health, creativity, etc.)  For each, write one sentence that begins “what I’m secretly hungry for here is…..”

Exploring and practicing any creative pursuit is how we advance

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Exploring and practicing any creative pursuit is how we advance the process of becoming and help our souls grow.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Dragos Gontariu

Creativity isn’t just for hobbies — It’s a sacred act of becoming. Each brushstroke, verse, melody, or movement draws us closer to the person our soul is aching to express.

When we create, we enter a dialogue with something larger than ourselves — a whisper from the universe reminding us that growth isn’t a destination, it’s a journey.

In every imperfect attempt, in every bold experiment, we stretch the boundaries of what it means to be alive.

Creativity doesn’t just produce art, it produces evolution. Whether we cook, write, dance, or dream, each act of making reshapes us.

Our creative pursuits are the workshop of the soul, forging our endless becoming.

EXERCISE:

In what specific ways can you immerse yourself in far more creative pursuits?

How might doing so advance your process of becoming and grow your soul?

Creative output isn’t always the goal

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“Creative output isn’t always the goal; sometimes it’s a side-effect.”

—Stephen St. Amant, author of the Savenwood blog

Image from Amazon

We often chase creativity as if it is a prize to be won — brainstorming harder, pushing longer, demanding ideas to show up on schedule.

But the truth is, creative output isn’t always the goal. Sometimes it’s a side effect. It slips out the back door while you’re busy exploring, reflecting, or just simply living.

Genuine creativity emerges when curiosity takes the wheel and pressure steps aside. It thrives in relaxed minds, not clinched fists.

So, instead of forcing inspiration, engage deeply in what fascinates you. Follow questions that pull you forward. Before long, creativity will appear — uninvited yet entirely welcome — as proof you lost yourself in something real and wonderful.

EXERCISE:

Pick up a copy of Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear. This best seller offers many wonderful stories and mindset shifts to make creativity far more accessible to just about anyone.

We are all participants in creation

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“We are all participants in creation, co-authors of the universe, contributors of consequence.”

—Stephen St. Amant, Founder of the Savenwood Blog

Image from Unsplash by Ravi Pinisetti

Each of us is more than an observer of life — we are participants in creation itself. Each choice, thought, and action adds a brushstroke to the vast, unfolding of existence.

We are not isolated spectators but co-authors of the universe, shaping reality though our presence and contributions. Even the smallest gestures ripple outward, influencing others in ways unseen.

This awareness brings both humility and responsibility: what we create matters, regardless of scale.

To live with this truth is to embrace the power of consequence, to honor the gift of being able to add to the story of all.

The universe is not complete without your part in it.

EXERCISE:

Spend ten minutes in nature or a public space, silently observing interactions and changes.

Reflect on how every element, including yourself, contributes dynamically to the living ecosystem.

FRIDAY REVIEW: CREATIVITY

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FRIDAY REVIEW: CREATIVITY

What place does creativity have in your life? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

 

“Always create before you consume.”

 

 

 

 

 

“Optimism is a performance enhancing drug that’s both legal and free.”

 

 

 

 

For creativity to flourish, you need to allow yourself to break rules, defy convention, and color outside the lines.

 

 

 

 

Working with your hands nourishes your mind and your mood

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Working with your hands nourishes your mind and your mood

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Nadya Spetnitskaya

Engaging in hands-on activities — whether woodworking, gardening, baking, or even simple repairs — provides real and measurable benefits for both mind and mood.

Research shows that working with your hands can reduce anxiety and lower cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone. Manual work often creates a state of “flow” where hours can pass without notice, offering nourishing mental breaks from screens and notifications.

It also fosters a sense of accomplishment, as you see and hold what you’ve created. Moreover, the tactical experience can uplift spirits and spark creativity, offering an accessible way to unwind and reset.

EXERCISE:

What are some practical ways you can incorporates manual tasks into your daily routines?

What are some creative activities that connect your hands to your heart that you can pursue to further nourish your life?

Conversation enriches the understanding

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“Conversation enriches the understanding, but solitude is the school of genius.”

—Edward Gibbon, 18th Century British historian

Image from Unsplash by Emma Simpson

Today’s quote captures the profound truth about creativity and growth.

Conversation exposes us to new ideas, challenges our assumptions, and sharpens our thinking through dialogue and debate.

It’s through sharing and listening that we expand our understanding of the world.

True genius often requires solitude — a space free from distractions where original thoughts can flourish.

History’s greatest minds, from writers to inventors, have valued time alone to reflect, create, and pursue their unique visions.

While conversations build knowledge, solitude is where inspiration and innovation are born.

Embracing both allows us to learn from others and ultimately discover our own genius.

EXERCISE:

In what ways do conversations enrich your understanding?

How can spending more time alone unlock more of your hidden genius?

“Being in the same room with people and creating something together is a good thing.”

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“Being in the same room with people and creating something together is a good thing.”

—Robin Williams, late American actor and comedian

Image from Unsplash by Clay Banks

In today’s digital age, remote collaboration is common, but nothing quite matches the energy of being in the same room with others.

When people gather physically, ideas flow more freely, creativity sparks, and connections deepen.

Shared spaces foster spontaneous conversations, rapid problem solving, and genuine teamwork that virtual meetings often lack.

Being together allows for immediate feedback, body language cues, and a sense of camaraderie that fuels motivation.

Handshakes, knowing smiles, and embraces to celebrate successes also do much to build and keep our tribes working together.

EXERCISE:

Consider reading The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups by Daniel Coyle to enhance group collaboration and create more good things in your communities.

For creativity to flourish you need to allow yourself-to

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For creativity to flourish, you need to allow yourself to break rules, defy convention, and color outside the lines.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Glenn Diaz

In the world of creativity, rules are meant to be broken — or at least bent into a pretzel!

Think of Picasso painting with his feet, or Einstein solving math problems in his pajamas.

To be truly innovate, you need to defy convention and color outside the lines. So, ditch the coloring book and grab some crayons!

Draw on the walls, write with your non-dominant hand, or compose music with kitchen utensils. Many of the most brilliant ideas often come from the most unlikely places — and a few scribbles outside the box.

EXERCISE:

Check out Josh Linkner’s book Big Little Breakthroughs: How Small Everyday Innovations Drive Oversize Results.

 

Optimism is a performance enhancing drug

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“Optimism is a performance enhancing drug that’s both legal and free.”

—Shane Parrish, author of the Farnum Street Blog

Image from Unsplash by Ahmed Dayan

Optimism isn’t just a mindset—it’s a catalyst for breakthroughs.

Like a well-timed spark, it ignites resilience, creativity, and collaboration.

When you choose to see challenges as opportunities, you unlock potential that doubt would bury.

This “drug” costs nothing, requires no prescription, and has no side effects — except results.

EXERCISE:

Start today by identifying one small win you desire.

Amplify it mentally with your powers of positive thinking, and consider partnering with a coach or mentor to tackle even bigger wins in the future.