Want to get creative? Laugh a little bit more!

"There is no question that a playfully light attitude is characteristic of creative individuals."
-Mihalyi Csikszentmihalyi

Yes, I thought it would be funny to sit in a teeny tiny chair.

Laughter is the best medicine. 

Not only is it good for the body, but it is good for the mind as well. And our minds are pretty important. 

It's what we think with, work with, respond with, dream with, solve problems with and enjoy life with. People who are funny and use humor tactfully are often shown to be successful in their business and work life. Laughter, humor and light heartedness are qualities of those who tend to solve problems more easily and have a more positive outlook on life. According to the great creativity researcher, Csikszentmihalyi, author of Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention, this playfully light attitude is characteristic of creative individuals. 

I definitely have found that evidenced in my work. Laughter, lightness and playfulness are key elements to success as an artist, writer, teacher, whatever! Sometimes, a tense moment in the classroom just needs to be met  with a smile, a caring response and a quick moment of silliness gets the whole thing back on track. If this is what my young creative classes need, why not give that same care and concern and lighthearted approach to myself and my own creative work? After all, it would just straight up be more fun!

So, maybe this is a character quality we should really enhance and enjoy if we already possess it (instead of trying to squelch it) and cultivate it if we could stand to amp it up some more. 

If we are interested in cultivating our creativity, we may just be a couple of good laughs away from a great idea. Not only might we be a few laughs away from a good idea, but also the positive outlook needed to carry it through to finish.

When you are struggling with creative stress, loosen up and have a good laugh, it may be just the thing you need!

-Court

p.s. Art Nurture: The Simple Guide to Cultivating Your Creativity is coming down the line soon! You can get your copy on the homepage. 

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It's the little things that get you through. Find something that makes you feel more lighthearted and live it up.