From the beginning when the first cave dweller etched a mammoth on the wall of his cave, humans have been creating art to express the experience of living. Every culture in the world tells stories, makes up plays, sings songs and creates dance. Art in its many varieties is as part of the human DNA. All of us are born with it, a creative impulse that yearns to be expressed. There are those that contend that the creative urge is biologically linked to our need to reproduce, that our existence requires us having creative impulses. It is in the creative impulse that we want to shape and nurture 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 urge to create, in one form or another. For some, the a brutal understanding of life has turned this need into the urge to create chaos or harm to others. Still it is an impulse that demands the world notice they exist. Creativity is a powerful force and should be honored as such. Creativity is shared byto everyone. Art Supplies, like paints, colored pencils, clay, Foam Board, and crayons, are often a big part of a child’s life. We all respect the artist in a child. They may like building things, drawing, playing music, or telling and listening to stories. How come, as we grow older, we treat our creative urges like clothes that we grow beyond?

Many grownups consider art as a spectator sport or a hidden hobby. After a long day at work, doing the laundry and getting the kids to bed there isn’t time to indulge in any creative impulse. Instead, most people think they can only enjoy art and creativity as consumers. So how is it possible to honor the artist in a world with out time or reward for the artistic endeavor?

A gratifying creative experience requires several things which involve the senses in the process, a vision of the thing to be created and focused attention. Ask an artist about being fully involved in a project and they can easily talk about the benefits and the joy that comes from the event. A painter lost in the details and subtle shades, seeing intensely, a singer taken to a different place by the song she sings, 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 desire they should pursue, be it writing, singing, painting or dance. The benefits are immense. 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 consideration of the quality 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 time spent fully focused on creation is often reward enough.