Since the first caveman etched a mammoth on the wall of his cave, humans have been creating art to express the experience of living. All over the earth every culture tells stories, paints and draws, sings songs and creates dance. Art in all of its forms is as part of the human genetic code. It is deep within us, a creative impulse that yearns to be expressed. Some believe the creative urge is biologically linked to our need to reproduce, that our survival depends on having creative impulses. It is in the creative impulse that we yearn to teach our young, and bring something beautiful into the world. Deeply tied into our biological drives, the need to create is as certain as the need to eat, breath, sleep and dream. Everyone on the planet has the desire to create, in one form or another. For some, the darkest challenges of life have turned this need into the desire to create chaos or harm to others. Still it is an impulse that demands the world notice they exist. It is a powerful force and should be honored as such. Art belongsto everyone. Art Supplies, like paints, colored pencils, clay, Foam Board, and crayons, are often a big part of a child’s life. It is easy to see the creative need in a child. A child readily spends energy building things, drawing, playing music, or telling and listening to stories. How come, as we grow older, we treat our artistic impulses like clothes that we grow beyond?

Most adults consider artistic activity as a spectator sport or a hidden hobby. Beyond making a living, doing the laundry and getting the kids to bed there isn’t time to indulge in any creative impulse. Sadly many adults think they can only experience art and creativity as consumers. So how is it possible to indulge the creative instinct in a world with out time or reward for the artistic endeavor?

A satisfying creative experience needs several things which involve the senses in the process, a vision of the thing to be created and focused attention. Anyone who has experienced the process of creative immersion can easily talk about the rewards and delight that comes from the event. A painter lost in the details and subtle shades, seeing intensely, a singer lost in the power of the music, the dancer feeling an enlightened grace descend around him, are all experiences that come from surrender to the creative instinct.

If someone has a creative impulse they should chase it down, be it writing, singing, painting or dance. The rewards are intense. For those unaware of their passion, it is important to find all the opportunities for expressing creativity in everyday life. For example, if making dinner, what happens when the chef puts all of their attention into the process? Bring the senses alive, taste, smell, and touch the food. Cut the carrot with perfect focus. Arrange the salad with attention to the texture and color of the tomatoes, olives and carrots. Make it beautiful and make it unique.

The benefit for the effort come from the experience of taking pleasure in putting something special together. It is always nice to receive complements and appreciation, but the experience of creating is often reward enough.