#1 Creativity and connection as catalysts for change

Making the most of this 'moment that matters'. Creativity. Connection. Fractals

Hello, I’m Emma. This little letter is for people who believe we’re ‘alive in a moment that matters’ and are keen to, well, matter.

I believe how we show up in the world does matter, and creates change at different levels (hello fractals). I’m experimenting with creativity as a way to deepen connections, and connections as a way to build care and commitment to change. 

This is where I’ll share some of my reflections along the way, and try and distil some small things to try. I’d love to know what you think, and welcome suggestions!

Here is where I’m starting!

---

“What an extraordinary thing, to be alive in a moment that matters as much as this one. It’s going to take all of us” (Dr Katharine Wilkinson)

I believe deeply that our time is now.  And I love the phrase ‘it’s going to take all of us’.  

Like a prism, I turn it over in my mind, different angles bring new perspectives and insights.

It’s going to take ALL of us: 

• Each of us, yes

• Also, ALL the parts of us, especially, I believe, a part that’s often ignored or overlooked - our creativity

I’m not alone in believing creativity is important. Or that there’s a creativity gap. 

Apparently 80% of us feel that creativity is critical for creating change in complex times. But, in spite of this,  75% prioritise productivity over creativity (Adobe, h/t Falay Transition Design).

And, when we’re prioritising productivity or efficiency, often creativity doesn’t fall down the priority list. 

It falls off it.

Sometimes we don’t know how to put it back on. 

Sometimes we simply don’t feel equipped to.

Since the days of school plays and short stories, my creativity muscles have atrophied. I was ‘academic’ not ‘arty’ (a polarity bred by the schooling system and family narratives). I ‘can’t draw’. I wanted to do serious, good work in the world. 

I know, or more honestly, feel that creativity is important so last year my ‘word of the year’ was CREATE.

For half a year, it was a guilty question I skipped over in my weekly reflection: ‘how did create serve you?’.

Then, finally, I started the Artists’ Way by Julia Cameron, a book with a 12 week ‘course’ of creative recovery.

I felt myself unfolding, remembering parts of myself that the origami of life had concealed long ago. 

I gave myself permission to do small things that were creative, if not arty.

Remembered I loved to move my body and joined an ecstatic dance class. Remembered I loved improv, and spent a weekend weaving improv with systems thanks to ‘social presencing theatre’. I started opening up to my creativity. 

The more bold I became in ‘using’ my creativity (including in facilitation or change journeys I was leading), the greater the ripples. People are moved by being creative.

Creativity and connection

In opening up, I re-found parts of myself I’d forgotten existed. Parts I like, that bring aliveness. Parts I want to share with others, and grow in the presence  of others. Which brings me to my second interpretation of Dr Katherine’s phrase:

It’s going to take all of US:

• Change is going to take US, together

  • In community 

  • Interconnected and emergent

  • In fractals - our change will create self-similar change at different scales - in others and in the world

In complexity, change is emergent. It comes from unexpected interplays between diverse elements. Change is also relational -we are shaped by (and shape) the context we’re in. Who we’re with can absolutely amplify or dim our ‘node of possibility’. 

Being creative WITH others is new to me, and I’m loving it. 

Creativity + connection = care and commitment

I was so inspired by my Artists’ Way experience I wanted to share it with others. Together with a friend, I’ve started a creative circle, where 13 of us are going through the ‘creative recovery’ process together. The depth and energy is incredible. 

Last night, when we were checking out, someone said “this will be a beautiful turning point in my life”. Another shared  “I’m amazed at the value doing this as a group adds”, and someone added “beautiful things happen when people gather intentionally”. 

I’m taking that with me, as fuel for my burgeoning desire for creativity and connection - with purpose. 

Here’s how I’m summarising it to myself at the moment:

I believe: 

• If we are creative, we reconnect to ourselves 

• If we are creative together, we reconnect to community

• If we are creative in/ with other parts of nature, we reconnect to our interconnection 

• Then, we strengthen our care, commitment and confidence to create change

I’m experimenting with this wherever I can. Flexing my creative, connected muscles in organisational change journeys, innovation community events, creativity courses, circles and at home! My muscles are slowly getting stronger.

The next small thing

I wonder if there’s anything you can do this week, to flex your muscles? When it’s hard to know where to start, start small:

• Making a mandala with leaves you find on a walk

• Starting a meeting with a creative check in

• Playing an improv game (like ‘fortunately, unfortunately’) at dinner

And for me…

My hope is that by sharing with you, I’ll have an accountability buddy - to practice and rest with, to keep building. 

Does any of this resonate? What sparks your creativity? What difference does that make? What do you crave?

I’d love to hear - and please do share feedback (including about the length of this, haha!)