The Divine Right to Create
Well, maybe not divine, but how else can I get you to understand its importance?
As children, creativity seems to flow through us effortlessly. We belt out songs, paint masterpieces, and build towers and worlds out of simple toys. The urge to imagine, build, and express ourselves feels natural and irrepressible.
But over time, we absorb subtle messages implying that creativity is frivolous or requires validation to pursue. School standards and social norms tell us to colour inside the lines, follow instructions, and produce the “right” answers.
We come to see creativity as optional, separate from responsible adulthood. We wait for permission to access the fullness of our creative life force.
But the truth is, we don’t need anyone’s permission to create. That childlike impulse to sing, move, build, and design—it’s still within us. We need only let go of external standards of legitimacy and tap into our birthright imagination.
Creating for sheer joy and self-expression without needing approval returns us to our innocent beginnings. We can write silly songs, paint blobs, and dance freely. Follow inspiration wherever it leads, unhindered by self-judgment. Hokey experiments reveal new skills over time.
There are no wrong moves when we're not trying to impress.
Internalised rules suggest we require a degree, job title, or prestigious award to earn the right to create. But credentials do not determine worthiness. We need only be humans. Creative living keeps us feeling alive and connected to the present moment.
So make that sculpture from scrap metal, choreograph a dance, or write a poem that may never be published. We do not need permission to access our deepest ways of seeing and giving form to the world. The childlike creator in each of us eagerly awaits our brave steps in its direction.
Photo by Terricks Noah on Unsplash