Curious and Creative

Tag: creativity

  • Curiosity Enhances the Meaning of Life

    February 27, 2025

    Many people have pondered the meaning of life. You may have yourself.

    I am not sure if I have asked what the meaning of life is. Rather, I have questioned the meaning of certain things that I have done in my life. If I have been in a negative frame of mind, I have often asked myself, why did I waste my time doing that? What did I get out of that experience? I will tell you from experience, my reply was often not very helpful. I would end spiraling into rumination. Let me share from experience, rumination is not helpful at all.

    Psychologist Julian Frazier wrote recently in a blog that many may ask what is the meaning of life, but they often fail to answer what is the meaning of life because they do not understand “meaning.”

    Meaning is something you feel, not that you use logic, rationality, or reason to deduce, wrote Frazier. Added, those who earnestly ask, “what is the meaning of life?” have expressed that they feel that their life is not.

    How does curiosity play a role in the meaning of life?  Psychologists view curiosity as a life force, vital to happiness, intellectual growth, and well-being wrote Marilyn Price-Mitchell, Ph.D. a developmental psychologist.

    Research has linked curiosity to a wide range of important adaptive behaviors, including tolerance of anxiety and uncertainty, positive emotions, humor, playfulness, out-of-box thinking, and a noncritical attitude—all attributes associated with healthy social outcomes.

    Frazier commented that our brains really like it when things make sense. The feeling of things making sense can vary from relief, security, and satiety to awe or elation. However, if we are pondering questions like what the meaning of life. our brains notice when things do not line up or do not make sense. If we are struggling to make sense of things, this stresses our brains out.

    It is up to us, wrote Frazier, to produce a solution that makes sense to our brains. It is important to become the author of your story. Find your voice, and tell your story. It does not matter what story we tell our brains, even if it is fictional, as long as it helps us our brains make sense.

    Through the many articles that I have read and videos that I have watched, I have concluded that using our curiosity is important element. We can use our curiosity  to create our own story can help us find meaning as Frazier suggested.

    Meaning is only ever found and embodied in the present, wrote Frazier.

    I may not fully agree that meaning can only be found in the present, as I have many wonderful memories and experiences that are meaningful. Perhaps, it is in the present that we attach meaning, so therefore we are able to recall them better.

    I have noticed that as humans, we can often skim across the surface of the present, seeking out meaning and happiness beyond today. We mistakenly rush through our days to find answers that may be right in front of us. I know that I can get hung up on the “not yet” or I will be happy when… or I can start when…, etc. Perhaps that is what we are missing out on. I have learned recently that if I am curious about something, I am more focused in the now, the present. I am not anxious, not worried about the future.

    Psychologist Todd Kashdan noted, if we are going to find a meaningful purpose or calling in life, chances are good we will find it in something that unleashes our curiosity. Our curiosity could lead us to meaningful interests, hobbies, and passions.

    “The greater the range and depth of our curiosity, the more opportunities we must experience things that inspire and excite us, from minute details to momentous occasions,” wrote Kashdan.

    Emily Campbell highlighted six ways that curiosity has been linked with psychological, emotional, social, and even health benefits. The second benefit is curious people are happier. Campbell noted research has shown that curiosity is associated with higher levels of positive emotions, lower levels of anxiety, more satisfaction with life, and greater psychological well being.

    Kashdan said curiosity is the entry point to many of life’s greatest sources of meaning and satisfaction.

    Below are ideas that can help you become more curious:

    • Reignite the love for play. The nature of play can build interest and curiosity in what we are doing in the present. Seek out your inner child’s wonder.
    • Search for the novel in your day. Pay attention to the minute details, such as ripples in a puddle, snowflakes on the window. Take the time to look with fresh eyes.
    • Stay in the present moment when talking with others. Ask questions and listen with care. Be interested in the other person.
    • Seek to make new friends. Meeting new people can help us discover unrecognized aspects of ourselves.
    • Try something again that you have not tried since you were a kid. Wipe your mind off expectations.

    Curiosity can enhance your life. Open up your mind, ignite your curiosity.

    Resources:

    Image retrieved on 2/21/2025 <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/mental-health-concept-illustration_382536411.htm”>Image by storyset on Freepik</a>

    Campbell, Emily. “Six Surprising Benefits of Curiosity.” 9/24/2015. Greater Good magazine. Retrieved on 2/21/2025 from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/six_surprising_benefits_of_curiosity

    Frazier, Ph.D., Julian. “A Psychologist’s Unpopular Opinion about the ‘Meaning-of-life.’ Medium.com posted on 1/26/2025. Retrieved on 2/21/2025 from https://medium.com/@julian.frazier.phd/a-psychologists-unpopular-opinion-about-the-meaning-of-life-82480297ca22

    Kashdan, Todd/ Experience Life. “5 Benefits of Curiosity. Discover how cultivating an inquiring mind can help you lead a happier, healthier life.” 12/1/2019. Retrieved on 2/21/2025 from https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/article/the-power-of-curiosity/

    Price-Mitchelle, Ph.D. Marily. “Curiosity: The Heart of Lifelong Learning. How to Nurture a child’s hungry mind.” April 13, 2015. Psychology Today. Retrieved on 2/21/2025 from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-moment-of-youth/201504/curiosity-the-heart-of-lifelong-learning

  • Embrace Uncertainty

    January 31, 2025

    (image from Freepik)

    At the end of 2024, I signed up for a craft fair to display my artwork and gain exposure as an artist. I felt anxious as the date of the event approached. I feared I would sit at my table and not sell anything. I knew these fears of mine drove my ego. The night before the event, I decided that any sales would be donated to my favorite charity in hopes that I would sell more. I sold a few things thanks to a good friend of mine who stopped by to support me.

    Yet, the results of the craft event did not meet my expectations. I have asked myself many times over if my expectations were realistic. Was the event and location not the right fit for my type of art? Since that day of the craft fair, I have been discouraged that I have not picked up a paint brush to paint since December. When I met with my counselor earlier this month, she pointed out to me that donating the sales may have undermined my intent in the eyes of the buyer because it was a perception of product quality or worth. I admit I was stunned by that statement. I am still pondering that comment. I am still uncertain about my art. I have put that pursuit on the back burner. Making it less of a priority of mine.

    I have switched gears. Earlier this month, I began writing this current blog, Curious and Creative. Most of my time and my mind has been focused on being curious. I noticed that I am less anxious. As I noted in my last blog, fear and curiosity do not often co-exist at the same time as our brains. Anxiety is closely related to fear. I have read that curiosity is also an antidote for anxiety. Although I have not done formal study, my personal experience is lining up that being curious has impacted my mind and it has been less anxious as of late.

    What does this have to do with embracing uncertainty? Curiosity is linked to the unknown and uncertainty. Neuroscientific studies have concluded that curiosity, fear, and anxiety cannot exist in the brain at the same time as they affect different regions of the brain. Fear and anxiety light up the amygdala, which is the hard-wired warning system in our brain, whereas curiosity impacts the pre-frontal cortex, releasing the reward chemical dopamine that floods our body, making us feel good and happy.

    “Life is uncertain. We never know what will happen, and many things are unknowable. This can make us feel stressed or worried, since the unknown is associated with danger,” wrote Jill Suttie.

    I was surprised when I read that there are benefits of being unsure. Up to this point, I never considered uncertainty as a positive thing. I just began listening to Maggie Jackson’s book, Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure through Audible. It was published in November 2023.

    Jackson writes that allowing us to be unsure is tied to embracing easier learning, better decision making, responding well in a crisis, improved mental health and warmer social relationships. Who knows that there are so many benefits to embracing uncertainty. I did not.

    In interview with Jill Suttie, Maggie Jackson stated that we have a very negative view of uncertainty. We largely see it as paralyzing. Yet, studies find that uncertainty is really important or helpful to us, as it is an opportunity to investigate, to open up space between question and answer.

    Business and Leadership coach Shruti Mouli wrote that most of us go through life in a very predictable fashion. We crave certainty and do whatever it takes to maintain that. However, Mouli added, do not expect greatness if we cling to certainty, expect mediocrity instead.

    Mouli suggested that we ask ourselves what would happen if you let go of the need for certainty?

    Uncertainty is a spur to better thinking, noted Jackson, adding that being unsure can be related to deeper deliberation. Uncertainty is a strength not a paralyzer.

    Harvard Business Review writer Edith Onderick-Harvey points out in her article “5 Behaviors of Leaders Who Embrace Change,” that leaders who are “change-agile” look at changes in their environments as opportunities. The “change-agile” leaders try to make change thinking contagious.

    Change can be scary as it can often mean uncertainty. I realize I need to learn to be open to uncertainty, although my anxiety could fight me on this.

    Writer Meg-John Barker stated embracing uncertainty is that it takes time. When faced with uncertainty in life we often find it incredibly painful and rush to resolve it as quickly as possible. 

    While curiosity can lead to growth, the absence of curiosity can lead to stagnation as stated by the Resilience Institute. As individuals, we can avoid the pitfalls of stagnation and keep curiosity alive. It suggests that you avoid the routine ruts, stay connected with curious people, and embrace uncertainty. Lean into the unknown.

    The unknown and the uncertainty can get messy. It can mean pain.

    Meg-John Barker, which suggests leaning into pain. This means that you must take a good hard look at the situation that you are in, if needed take a break to regain your strength.

    What I have learned from my research is that I need to embrace uncertainty, be open minded, agile, and change positive. This can lead to growth, opportunity and potential.

    For now, I will leave you with this quote.

    “Followers need to see it to believe it. Leaders believe so they create it,” Sharon Pearson, author of Disruptive Leadership.

    Resources:

    Barker, Meg-John. “Embracing uncertainty: What does it really mean?” Retrieved on 1/31/2025 from https://www.rewriting-the-rules.com/conflict-break-up/embracing-uncertainty-what-does-it-really-mean/#:~:text=Embracing%20uncertainty%20involves%20being%20prepared,look%20closely%20at%20the%20situation.

    Jackson, Maggie. Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure

    Mouli, Shruti. “Embracing Certainty.” April 21, 2021, posted on Linked-In. Retrieved on 1/31/2025 from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/embracing-uncertainty-shruti-mouli-1c/

    Onderick-Harvey, Edith. “5 Behaviors of Leaders Who Embrace Change.” May 18, 2018. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved on 1/31/2025 from https://hbr.org/2018/05/5-behaviors-of-leaders-who-embrace-change

    The Resilience Institute, Editorial Team. “Curiosity: The Catalyst for Growth and Resilience.” August 27, 2024. The Resilience Institute website. Retrieved on 1/31/2025 from https://resiliencei.com/blog/curiosity-the-catalyst-for-growth-andresilience#:~:text=What%20is%20Curiosity?,that%20drives%20learning%20and%20innovation.

    Suttie, Jill. “How Embracing Uncertainty Can Improve Your Life.” March 11, 2024. Greater Good Magazine. Retrieved on 1/31/2025 from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_embracing_uncertainty_can_improve_your_life#:~:text=It’s%20a%20kind%20of%20wakefulness,space%20between%20question%20and%20answer.

  • What is Creativity?

    1/5/2025

    That is a loaded question, indeed. The Oxford Dictionary defines creativity as the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work. Whereas, writer Dattopant Thengadi from the Indian government’s website CBWE, defined creativity as a characteristic of a person to generate new ideas, alternatives, solutions, and possibilities in a unique and different way.

    These were just some of the definitions of creativity. One of the definitions that I like and relate to the most I found on the Quora forum. Creativity is the ability to produce novel and valuable ideas, products, or solutions. It involves combining existing knowledge and experiences in new and unexpected ways to create something original and useful, wrote freelancer Rajan Varghese.

    Varghese added that the most creative thing that a human can do is subjective and depends on individual perspective and experiences. Creativity allows individuals to express themselves. Individual creativity can make a positive impact on the world.

    How would you define creativity?

    BasicArts writer Alex Smith defined creativity as the ability to shepherd something into existence, manage its growth, allow it to become vibrant, and nurture it. Whereas, imagination is the ability to picture something that doesn’t exist. More often than not, if a person says they are not creative, they actually mean, they are not imaginative. They cannot come up with something at random.

    The late Sir Ken Robinson described creativity as a process of having an original ideas that have value. Creativity is not random. Creativity is putting imagination to work, and it has produced the most extraordinary results in our human culture.

    “The human mind is profoundly and uniquely creative and it all begins with imagination,” wrote Robinson from his book, Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative.

    During Robinson’s life, he made it his mission to transform education and organizations by a richer conception of human creativity and intelligence.

    Robinson wrote, there are misconceptions about creativity. Here are a few:

    1. Only special people are creative. This is not true. People have varying levels of creativity in different fields. If you are human, you have the power of being creative; yet you may not have developed that power fully.
    2. Creativity is about special things, i.e. the arts. Often people may say that they are not creative, it may mean that they are not artistic or musical. Robinson reported that you can be creative if you are a mathematician, software developer or business leader. Human intelligence is a possible site of original thinking. Rather than, asking are you creative? Ask how are you creative?
    3. The third misconception is you are creative or you are not. That is the end of that. Robinson disagreed with this conception. There is a lot you can do to become more creative. I will touch on that in a future blog post.

    In Robinson’s TED talk, “How Schools Kill Creativity.” Robinson stated “we are educating people of out of their creative capacities…I believe this passionately, that we don’t grow into creativity, we grow out of it. Or rather, we get educated out of it.”

    Our current educational system and culture’s impact on our creativity as children and adults is a topic of its own that I’ll delve into in another blog post.

    I will end this blog by asking, What makes you creative?

    Resources:

    Robinson, Ken. Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative. 2017. Capstone

    Smith, Alex “The crucial difference between imagination and creativity”. Basic Arts website. https://basicarts.org/the-crucial-difference-between-imagination-and-creativity/ retrieved on 1/3/2025.

    Thengadi, Dattoapnt, National Board for Workers Education and Development, Government of India. https://dtnbwed.cbwe.gov.in/images/upload/Creativity-and-Innovation_YYB3.pdf (retrieved on 1/3/2025)

    Varghese, Rajan, freelancer/poster on the Quora forum https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-definition-of-creativity-What-is-the-most-creative-thing-that-a-human-can-do. Retrieved on 1/3/2025.

    “Foundation of Creativity” Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. https://dpi.wi.gov/fine-arts/foundations-creativity retrieved on 1/3/2025.

  • Curiosity is A Vital Cognitive Tool, Nurture it.

    January 1, 2025

    Curiosity is more than a mere desire to know. It is a vital cognitive tool that shapes how our brain functions, learns, and adapts, wrote Matt Murrie, “The Impact of Curiosity on Brain Function: Exploring Cognitive Benefits,” (Whatifcuriosity.com)

    Psychologists Celeste Kidd and Benjamin Y Hayden have determined that curiosity is crucial to healthy development. Additionally, despite its pervasiveness, psychologists and social scientists have not agreed upon what curiosity is. Although there have been various barriers to defining curiosity over the last century, interest in studying curiosity has grown steadily among modern neuroscientists and psychologists.

    American Philosopher and Psychologist William James called curiosity an impulse towards better cognition. James summarized curiosity as a desire to understand what is known but not yet understood. Curiosity is a tool for increasing knowledge, a powerful motivator, and an innate human behavior.

    Although curiosity is a basic element of our cognition, its biological function, mechanisms, and neural underpinning remains poorly understood.

    According to writer Jeremy Schwartz, “How Curiosity Changes Your Brain,” we are born naturally curious. He adds curiosity is a desire to know more, be aware, our sense of curiosity can lessen over time.

    According to Psychologs, an Indian mental health online magazine, not everyone experiences curiosity in the same way. Educational and early childhood experience play a crucial role in nurturing or suppressing natural curiosity. Though it is thought that children are famously curious, healthy adults can maintain high level of curiosity throughout life. The focus may shift from a broad exploration to deeper, more specific interests.

    As our brains continue to grow and change throughout our lives, it changes the structure of our brains. Learning to think differently has longstanding effects on our brains, wrote Schwartz.

    As a thought enters our brain, neurons fire. As we learn and experience emotion, new neural paths are created and portions of our brain become larger. You can indeed change your brain with one action at a time, wrote Schwartz.

    According to Psychologs magazine, per an evolutionary perspective, curiosity provided our ancestors with significant survival advantages. A desire to learn about their environments helped our ancestors to identify dangers and opportunities.

    Interestingly, modern neuroscience has revealed new insights into how curiosity operates in the brain. When we encounter novel or puzzling information, it triggers our curiosity. That then releases dopamine involved with eating, sex, and other pleasurable activities. From that point, curiosity primes our brains for learning. The hippocampus, which is crucial for memory formation, becomes more active when we are curious. Indeed, research has shown that curiosity is a vital cognitive tool for growth.

    Resources:

    https://www.whatifcuriosity.com/post/the-impact-of-curiosity-on-brain-function-exploring-cognitive-benefits

    The psychology and neuroscience of curiosity. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4635443/Retrieved on 12/29/2024.

    “How Curiosity Changes Your Brain” by Jeremy Schwartz, August 4, 2017. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4635443/ retrieved on 12/29/2024.

    “The Psychology of Neuroscience of Curiosity” by Psychologs Magazine. November 27, 2024. https://www.psychologs.com/the-psychology-and-neuroscience-of-curiosity/Retrieved on 12/29/2024. Psychologs is India’s first mental health magazine.