A Creative Life Is a Conscious Life (Karl Krumins)

Creativity is going into the unknown with intention. Two “wings” of creativity are passion and play. Some people have titles for their role in creating, such as painter, writer, sculptor. Art connects us to who we really are; it’s an expression of our essence. Creativity is a purpose of the universe. It isn’t a luxury; it’s a primary function of consciousness itself. The big picture is that our life is art. We can develop our own uniqueness so the divine power can express itself in an original way. Working with resistance may be the best way to open to the human impulse to be creative. When we are fully absorbed and engaged, we produce refined energies that the universe needs. Creativity is a kind of prayer. The main payoffs of creativity are our transformation and the benefit to the universe. The tangible result of creativity that is produced is icing on the cake. Art is one of the first things to be censored or banned in totalitarian regimes. Creative people draw outside the lines, and society is all about staying within the lines. Beginner’s mind sees beauty, but it’s hard for professional artists to keep beginner’s mind. Objective art or aesthetic is hard to define but easy to get across through music, theater, painting and other art forms to viewers who are able to see it. Art can objectify the shadow and help us to face ourselves and the healing needed. Ways of bringing creativity into everyday life, such as in mothering, are discussed. Various forms of art are considered including painting and graffiti, architecture and cathedrals, and land art. Framing is also a way of creating beauty in art and in life. How we use our consciousness, where we put our attention—which is all we have—is the ultimate creative act. Karl Krumins has been a spiritual practitioner for forty years. He lived in India for seven years and has a passion for considering the essential similarities of spiritual traditions.