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Creativity Tip 33 - Creativity and Hope
In Greek mythology, when Pandora's box was opened, it unleashed a swarm of evils into the world. It was impossible to get the evils back in once opened, but the one thing that remained in the box was hope. Hope is a positive, creative force and an energy that we can actively contribute to.
Certainly, there are times when hope can lead to frustration and disappointment. But hope can also empower us to dream and create beyond what may logically seem possible. According to C R Snyder, in The Psychology of Hope, "Hope is the essential process of linking oneself to potential success." When we have real hope of a positive outcome, it can give us the impetus to take a leap of faith into the future we dream of. When we live in hope, we expect and anticipate success, and we take steps to pave the way for that success.
So, how does hope fit into a creative process?
Creation begins with a desire, some object or goal that you want. Hope is not pie-in-the sky, but needs to be grounded in reality; there has to be a chance of success that you have some control over. If your goal is pretty much impossible – or "hope-less" – then pursuing it is a fool's errand, a form of self-delusion, and not a true object of hope.
Next, take the steps that will bring you closer to your goal. Perhaps take some classes, print new business cards, change your lifestyle, change your attitude or start acting the part.
Even if the hope is for something as big and intangible as world peace, there are numerous options for actively contributing. Donate money to or volunteer in an organisation, write articles, travel to distant locations and experience cultures that are different, or even make efforts to bring peace more locally - to your own family or community.
The last step is an internal one, but equally important. It's to have a receptive willingness for your hope to come true. In Fire in the Soul, Joan Borysenko, says that "to hope is to create a sacred space, a space of possibility, in which the goodness of the Universe can express itself. The stance we adopt in that sacred space is one of readiness, openness and non-attachment to a particular outcome."
Sometimes we envision something we want and then, with our self-talk and our talk with others, convince ourselves that we can't have it, we're not worthy of it, the statistics are against us, and so on. Our hope turns into anxiety and doubt.
Occasionally, you'll set a goal and it will seem to happen magically. More often than not, you'll hit problems and detours along the way, so the trick is to keep your eye on the goal and not let what's happening deter you. You can treat these problems as checkpoints to re-evaluate your goal and the way you intend to achieve it.
If your level of realistic expectation has diminished significantly, perhaps due to changed circumstances, you may choose to relinquish your goal. If it continues to be valid for you, keep going, allowing hope to be your driving force.
If you find your hope flagging, listen to what you're saying to yourself, and turn the negative to positive. It may not be a reality yet, but it can, and perhaps will be, because of your commitment to it.
Hope is a state of mind supported by action. It is an optimistic stance, a sense that what you hope for is possible, grounded in reality, and not just positive thinking or a repetition of affirmations with no real substance. It is a powerful force that has been the impetus for many achievements, great and small.
So keep hope held high, make it a beacon to lead us into a better world, individually and collectively.
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