Thoughts Along the Path . . .

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When you hear or read the word “creativity” what do you think of? I asked several people yesterday and got a variety of answers including “making things” and “imagination” and “talent” and “cleverness” and “resourceful” and even “not at all like me.” That last answer in particular caught my attention, as I was with someone who I think is indeed creative, even though they don’t see themselves that way. Their creativity is in problem solving, not within the arts. What about you? What do you think the word means? And do you use it to describe yourself?

One person who did consider herself creative also mentioned that she enjoys making things out of wood but hasn’t really tried much else yet. We chatted briefly about creativity being an attitude more than a skill. A few minutes later, a quotation from Pablo Picasso popped into my mind: “All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once you grow up.” Certainly creativity extends beyond the arts, but the principle is the same. We all have this quality within us though we may or may not recognize, maintain, or nurture it as we go through life.

Sometimes we measure ourselves against others; we might judge ourselves or fear others will; we think we have to meet some impossible standard; we might be nervous about trying something new; we don’t set aside the time to learn who we are and what we might be able to create; or we haven’t discovered what we might be able to create with others.

This month’s Unity Café will explore and play with creativity in several ways. Together we will find new ways to think about creativity and then have some fun with it. We will even create something together, though I don’t want to give away any secrets ahead of time.

Everyone is welcome – including people who recognize their creativity, not just those of us who are unsure about it. As with all Unity Cafes, we will share ideas, always in an open and welcoming atmosphere. Following that we can relax with refreshments and visit with each other.

This is now year #6 for Unity Cafes hosted by the Baha’is of North Dumfries at the North Dumfries Community Complex on Greenfield Road. We begin at 7:30pm and are happy to greet both returning guests and newcomers. For more information, please check our website https://northdumfries-bahais.org or email unitycafe.ayr@gmail.com.

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Submitted to Ayr News by Jaellayna Palmer, February 2024