Conclusion
(This is an excerpt from a University Of Metaphysical Sciences course at www.umsonline.org,
please feel free to visit the school website)
The whole of the works on creativity add up to interesting notions and nothing more, unless they are practiced. Even when an inspired quote or insight makes us sigh with sudden insight or appreciation, it does nothing more unless we try to adopt what it teaches us. As mentioned in almost every work, questions are critical. Why do we like a certain thing, or like to do a certain thing a certain way? “Just because…” is not an answer that will carry you very far. Such questions, even about the most mundane aspects of our life, are often oddly uncomfortable. One might not expect the odd emotional rises produced by such explorations, so be cautioned. It is a life changing process, and change is never comfortable.
My final comment on the subject of unlocking creativity is this: take risks. Small risks, big risks, it doesn’t matter. Force yourself to do different things, and to do things differently. Write with your opposite hand, wear different shoes, let the server choose your course from the menu and don’t ask what it is. Shop at a different store for a change and notice how you are suddenly alert when you don’t know exactly where everything is. Travel to a country where they don’t speak English. Try it all and keep trying. If you find yourself saying, “No” with some justification, then you’re on the wrong track and missing the point. You can’t get the best deal, keep to the comfort food, save money, get to work in the shortest amount of time, etc… if you want to experience change. You already know how to do all those things. If you want to learn to do something else, if you want to have a better relationship, more fun at work, a more vivid life, you’re going to have to adventure. Life is the ultimate creative act, so dive in!