Creativity

Several years ago there was a study done by neuroscientists on the origin of creativity in the brain.  Creative people had their brains scanned while they were active in the creative process.  For example, a jazz musician who was improvising, was monitored to see what parts of the brain were activated and where, if any particular place, creativity comes from.  What showed was that creativity is not located in one particular place, but several places activated and are utilized when the brain is active in creating.  But, an unexpected result came from the study.  People active in creating, had part of their brains go universally dormant.  These areas of the brain were part of the prefrontal cortex where self-monitoring and self-criticism are thought to take place and they were dark or seemingly suppressed. (Dr. Charles Limb at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine). 

When we think about the act of creating, it makes sense that we wouldn't want the self-critic to interrupt our process.  Ideally we would want the flow of ideas into actions to be smooth and fluid.  I think of the unconscious actor on the stage embodying the character in fluid fashion, or the athlete performing in seemingly unconscious ways.  Sometimes we call this state “flow state.”  There is much that has been written on in this area.  I imagine a This flow state is akin to being very present in the here and now.  Empathy, curiosity, thoughtfulness, creativity seem to flow freely in this state of being.  If you have ever experienced it, you know what I'm talking about.  If you haven’t it is definitely a wonder to observe in others.  I think this has something to teach us about the peace of God in the work of work.  But first let's lay the foundation for creativity.  

Creativity is in the foundations of a God who made us.  God, The Creator, made this beautiful world with all that is in it.  Consider for a moment as if the Earth were a grain of sand on a vast beach.  The beach represents our solar system.  The coastline represents our galaxy.  The entire planet, covered in beaches, represents the observable universe.  The scale is really unimaginable.  But in this vast vast world, God himself reaches into our little space and time and breathes life into us.  He considers us good.  He calls us “made in His image.”  He gives us creative work to do right from the beginning.  We are called to manage the Earth.  We are called to be gardeners.  We are called to name animals. This is not an act of a power hungry God.  This act is the opposite of condescension or narcissism.  It is empowering and life giving.  It is making us co-creators.  Taking in a beautiful mountain scene requires us to slow down from our business long enough to appreciate the grandeur.  But, gardening requires us to be involved.  It demands not just our attention, it demands our participation.  When we are in the act of gardening, we are fully involved.  There is no missing the process, we have to be in the process.  Tilling ground and watching life spring from a seed, means stepping into the wonder and mystery as a part of it.  Our choices make the difference in not only what springs forth, but where and how healthy, and in what quantity.  The result can bring wonder and can also bring with it a deep sense of satisfaction, humility, and respect for the process.  What a gift that we get to be a part.   We can’t fathom how much goes into the beginning and development of a plant from seed, or an animal or human being growing in it’s mother’s womb.  Adam and Eve were given a chance to be part of that process just as we are.  When my wife and I named our three children, we participated in a small way in identifying them for a lifetime. Adam and Eve were made co-creators by a humble loving God and so are we...