Articles by "the Rockhound"

Creativity

(from February 2001 National Spiritualist Summit)

Creativity is something that sets us apart from the other kingdoms of this Earth Plane. This makes it important to cultivate a creative imagination. The idea is to have fun and to learn to express yourself through positive creative outlets. It has been said, We don't cease playing because we have grown older - we grow old because we cease playing! The ultimate defense aginst growing old is your dreams, your intentions. Nothing is as real as these, for we live in consciousness. Your dreams are the path between the person you are and the person you hope to become. The Higher Power expresses through us as we create.

Everyone is encouraged to have a hobby, a craft, or some creative outlet which adds meaning and worth to their lives. This is especially important in the days of early retirement. Hobbies today, however, not only add interst and meaning to the lives of many older citizens, they also have become a means of additional income. The dictionary describes "hobby" as an avocation, a subject or pursuit of interest during one's leisure time. Creativity acts as a tranquilizer in this fast-changing, often puzzling world.

We all create whether we realize it or not. Some create mischief as an attention getter. Others create something worthwhile that adds to our world and their own self-worth. Most great improvements for humanity, whether in science, in medicine, etc. have come after repeated attempts and failures. Virtually nothing succeeds with the first attempt, so in creation there is no good or bad, there is no failure. Failures are sign posts on the road to achievements. Only begin, and the mind grows heated with excitement - only begin, and the task can be completed. To create is our reason for being alive - to stimulate thoughts and to provoke ideas which lead to accomplishment. Albert Einstein wrote Imagination is more important than knowledge.

Do something that really excites you. This can be a sport, coin or stamp collecting, computers, golfing, metaphysics, philosophy, science, wood working, collecting gem rocks, minerals or fossils. See how you can add creative energy to your hobby. My personal favorite is recycling earth's treasures. I love to take earth materials and create useful one-of-a-kind items or jewelry. Sometimes, I can create something new and beautiful from broken jewelry, china or dishes, or perhaps turn gem rocks and stones into carvings. Be creative - think of some new or original material that appeals to you and redesign according to your own creative instincts.

Happy creating - it will enrich you life - it sure has mine!