TRY IT

When I teach classes and workshops, I inevitably hear sometone say, "I have no talent, I can't even draw a stick man..." or something to that effect.

The simple fact is, all talent must be developed. One may have a natural ability of any sort, but without desire, practice, and even a little bit of encouragement... talent does not become potential. This is particularly true of creative ability. We simply can not know what our potential is until we give it earnest effort and time to develop.

Creative people often experience cyclical development. The ebb and flow is typically related to other factors in our lives. But, most will find that the desire and the ideas return at some point, and it's fun to hear people tell of these moments of inspirational revelation.

The best thing about creating something with your own hands is the satisfaction of doing it. I know a man who ties flies for fishing... He has no desire to go fishing. He simply enjoys tying the beautiful fibers. He gives them to his friends, on occassion. He has been known to part with a few for a price. (They are in very high demand.) Many will live forever in a glass cabinet on the wall in his study. I have had the honor to visit his study, and the mosaic of brightly colored flies is a sight to behold.

Creativity serves so many human purposes! Whether we are healing, meditating, learning, growing, remembering, imagining, or documenting, in the moments that we create... we are renewed.

Stack some rocks. Cut some shapes out of paper. Throw some paint. Tie a fly. Melt some wax. Bake something. Arrange some sticks. Whatever it is that inspires you... take it in your hands... and TRY IT.