What is creativity? Why is it important and why is it important now? After all, we are not all artists, or movie makers, or musicians, or any other profession that is traditionally associated with creativity.

The reality of today’s world is such that you need to be creative more than any time before in history, especially in today’s job market. Creativity is also essential for human beings; it’s what makes humans, human.
The outsourcing of jobs abroad has been an issue that has gotten much traction in the media. The real job-killer though is the automation of simple tasks (think robots). The average cost of operating a robot in a wholesale store is $3.20 per hour. Robots also do not need sick days, health insurance, pension plans. They have no family situations that might affect their productivity, and they make fewer mistakes with monotonous tasks.

What jobs can they do? Today, they are used in the medical field assisting in surgeries, and they are dispensing medications. There is a whole warehouse in Connecticut, USA that uses robots to pack and ship. Brazil no longer uses accountants anymore for corporations. In three years, Brazil is planning to substitute all accounting jobs with the software. It is not just simple jobs that are disappearing, programmers are programming programs that program programs. Robots and computers are at the peak of human progress, they show how far we have come as a race.

We are living in the future. Studies show that creativity and ability to “think outside the box” are valued by employers more in 2015 than ever before. It is becoming less acceptable to just be able to do what your job description requires. Everyone needs to bring something special to the table. So are we prepared for that? Are we preparing our kids for that?
Certainly not in the U.S. school system where art programs are disappearing. Art programs, which should be creative outlets for self-expression, are taught in step by step mathematical approach. There is very limited creativity.

I remember talking to a group of sixth graders whom I asked, “Do you like Art class?” The answer was: “Yes, when it is creative. Most of the time we just need to do what the teacher tells us to do so it is boring.” Teachers, on the other hand, are stuck with a lot of regulations created by stupid and wrong ideas of people who probably should not be creating regulations in the first place.

Creativity can resolve so many issues we are currently facing in our school systems; from violence to life readiness, to helping children with learning disabilities. Violence in schools often comes from one group of students trying to fit in, and another group not allowing that. Many students have trouble finding “their place” in school social circles. Every time a shooting or a violent episode at school happens, people start saying that we need religion back in schools to educate kids about morals. Religion? Not sure about that but surely spirituality and respect to human individuality and life need to be back in schools and on the planet. Religion might create controversy, as everyone has their religious ideas and principles, but spirituality is less likely to create that controversy. If we accept our uniqueness, it is easier to accept others.
Spirituality is all about creating a connection with the world around you, therefore, the people around you. Spirituality is as simple as a group of kids coming together to collaborate on an art project and sharing their creativity. Teaching uniqueness is so easy through art!

Creativity is an energy flow of life. God is an artist, not an engineer. Look around to feel that. Every snowflake is different, every fingerprint is different, every DNA is unique.

How did it happen that we were trained not to use our creative energy? It feels that no one thought about creating a lot of leaders and visionaries. It is easier to manipulate people when they do not realize their power. Look at every royal family or any high standing in the society family, the education of their children always starts with art, music, drama, foreign languages, and debate.
The good news is that even if you were trained the “wrong” way and are now out of touch with your creative source, it is possible to restore it and enjoy it. It did not go anywhere, it is just sleeping inside of you because you are not using it to its full potential.

These are some ideas that you can apply to your life right away. Look at the profiles of some of the most highly creative people in the world, and ask yourself: “Can I increase any of these qualities in me?” Creative people can concentrate and work with enthusiasm. They can see a big picture, and they find great solutions.

These are the qualities of creative people.
– They have a lot of energy. They can work long hours with great concentration and enthusiasm.
– They are smart and a bit naive.
– They can combine playfulness and discipline.
-They can be both, extroverted and introverted. Both traits can be exhibited simultaneously.
– They are humble and proud at the same time because creativity is never rooted in ego. They are aware of what they stand for.
-They are ready to take risks, break the safety if necessary.
– They are passionate about work and are objective about it.
-They are sensitive and open.

Art is an amazing tool that is available for every single person on the planet, and you can start using it today to increase your creativity. It is a myth that you only can do art when you are young, and that you need to be trained in the art to do art. You do need to be trained in art but not necessarily in a traditional art school. The biggest secret is that every single person on the planet has the potential to be an artist. It is a huge statement, I realize that, but that is what I have seen with my students. I use the oldest tradition on the planet to open up the fountain of human creativity, Vedic Art.

Here is a quote from Curt Kallman, founder of Vedic Art Course, to show you that there is a hidden talent in you that is also in high demand in whatever occupation you are involved.
“Vedic art does not teach anyone how to paint; Vedic art is a way to remember how to paint, remember how art can be created. From the moment we remember the 17 Vedic Art principles, we remember the whole story of life. From where we come, and where we are going. Vedic Art contains a navigation map. Use the compass You have in Your brain and find the way to the chamber of peace in Your heart. Then – when You dip Your brush in light, space and bliss, eternity will be pictured. When you enter into Your work of art – in Yourself referral dialogue – You will find the code of how life can be lived and how a piece of art can open doors in heaven and on earth.” – Curt Kallman.

Starting your day with any creative action will invite the creative energy into your day. The Goddess of Art might even pay you a visit!
It is easily accessible and the more you are aware of it, the more often you will experience the joy of communicating with it. Art is life. When you are setting up a table for dinner, you are setting up a still life. When you are choosing what to wear, you are creating a moving art piece. How about your makeup?! That is your personal canvas.

Simple things to do for fun:
Get yourself a nice art book, a small one preferably. Small books are easy to carry around, and pages you create can be used as hand-made cards.
Buy a small pack of markers. Choose the colors you enjoy the most.
Play with images on that paper, with different lines and shapes. Do not try to think too much. Let them come to you instead.
Do not try to create a masterpiece with every image. Be curious and feel that you are only a witness. You are not creating, the energy is moving through you. You are on the receiving end.
Smile through the process. Feel light. Enjoy.
Tell your mind “I am listening with the pencil now. Relax. I do not want your thinking” and feel the flow.

Of course doing this is much easier for people who have attended the workshop, but even if you are just reading this, you can do this exercise successfully. Please feel free to email me for more guidance! elena.zelenina@gmail.com and I will send you our resource guide.
The most important advice is never to give up on yourself if you are not in the flow right away. Enjoy the process of opening up!