Creativity Recovery.

A half day introductory workshop – followed by a 12 week practical programme (one hour per week).

We are all born with and have instinctive creativity (not to be confused with painting, crafts and artistic expression that some pick up as they grow) and it is this gift that contributes toward the great thinking that guides humanity forward.

Unfortunately, (for some) inhibiting circumstances have suppressed or suspended this creative characteristic, leading to disadvantages – where the individual is not able to easily or clearly, express their thoughts and feelings.

This situation can be aggravated even further in the work environment – which is where we are most likely called on to think differently. It can be exasperated further in certain industries when working on the same business over and over. With clients that just don’t get it, from poor strategic planning, bad briefing, bad personal habits and a failure to find balance in life.

When this challenge of thinking differently becomes overwhelming, we move into a defensive state of mind, choosing to close up and shut down. We play it safe rather
than expose what we perceive to be a potential weakness on our part – a vulnerability
of thinking.

Once this habit of non thinking has found its way into the working environment it is hardly surprising that it is followed by office politics, dysfunctional teams, camps or a host of other unproductive and pointless offices diseases. Leading to a downward spiral of negativity that becomes almost impossible to halt.

We all know it doesn’t have to be like this. We all know of outstanding brilliant business environments where people enjoy, love and are passionate about their work. Where getting up and going to work each day is a thrill and not a grind.

Creative recovery is not something that can be fixed overnight – it is however, something that can be corrected over time – providing there are open minds and a willingness to commit and complete.

How is this possible?

The first phase of the recovery process involves acknowledging the circumstances that led to disabling the creative intuition in the first instance. There can be many factors or just a few, and these are covered when exploring the following:

• The voice of judgement – our inner voice that inhibits our creativity.
• Frames – the artificial boundaries we live and think within.
• Fear – knowing what we deny – acceptance.
• Comfort – playing it safe – not allowing for growth.
• Attitude – being in ‘story’ – knowing when to disengage.
• Habit of – body, mind and soul

Once acknowledgment is acquired, acceptance is then sought, followed with an understanding that certain tools can be used to help recover the creative intuition –
some of these include:

• The order of power – moving from victim into creation.
• Attachments – knowing why not to cling to outcomes.
• Word – knowing the power and using it – acts of speech.
• Authenticity – knowing the self – being who you are.
• Integrity – doing what you say, by when you said you’ll do it.

With the introduction of the recovery tools and fulfilling certain weekly creative tasks a systematic recovery path is designed:

• Designing a recovery strategy.
• Setting objectives.
• Creating new habits

And by way of insuring that a permanent and lasting change is created – longer term ideas are introduced:

• Presence – being aware in the moment, and using this energy.
• Being – being a genuine human being – 8 characteristics.
• IMT – are you – inspiring, moving, touching?
• Clarity, commitment and completion.

Throughout this recovery period (12 weeks) each individual is asked to maintain a creative journal. It is this journal that acts as a listening device and as a liberating instrument, and it is through it, that courage, belief and vision are rebuilt. A combination of creative tasks, recording of thoughts and feelings and the ability to suspend judgment all contribute toward a process of recovery that works.  

Individuals, teams or entire groups can be introduced to these shifts in thinking and thinking practices, leading to higher and more meaningful creative goals – as individuals and for the business.

The process encourages individuals to ask more of themselves and stretches their creative capacity – (more so, than they would do alone) – greater focus is gained, results achieved sooner

If concepts are embraced and practiced with willingness individuals will gain:

• Refreshed levels of creativity – recovery.
• Greater self awareness.
• Greater self discovery.
• Enhanced communication skills.
• Increased levels of confidence.
• Greater focus.
• Better goal setting.
• Improve project completion.
• Improve life balance.
• Experience less stress.
• Freedom of mind.

For some, continued guidance into creative recovery may be required, in which case continued or longer term coaching is available. The coaching technique uses a process of creative inquiry and personal discovery to build on an individual’s level of awareness, self responsibility and commitment. This in turn creates higher levels of confidence and self belief, providing the platform for long term creative refreshment.

@ 2008 copyright material Graeme Butchart.