The ABCs of Cultivating a Creative Life

The basis of a course created for the Renaissance Institute.

Alphabet - Make an alphabet of your next vacation, party, adventure.  Von Oech's library advertisement - What we can do with 26 little letters! 
Believe - the difference between people who feel they are creative and those that think they aren't is simply a matter of belief. Believe in yourself! Use affirmations.
Brain - We'll draw our brains and find out 'what's going on in our heads."Thoughts become things." What we think about will manifest in our lives. Brain listing. Brain storming. 
Circles - Mandalas, the Green Circle, our circle of influence 
Collecting Firsts - collecting firsts takes the pressure off of doing something new for the first time. Just add it to your collection!
Color - legends from the rainbow, Chakras
Dream - if you dream it, you can create it. 
Energy - What increases it? What drains it. Be aware.
Faith - Faith or fear - recognize what motivates you. 
Food - Always ask the value - 'What's In It For Me?". Food is fuel. What value is it adding? It can be a feast beyond tastes - smell, texture, vision, sound. 
Gratitude - is the basis for all contentment. Write your own list and continue to add blessings. Look for assets. Example - 40 Assets for Youth
History - Look for lessons from history as you research and expire things you love! Example - Napoleon's violet post card. 
Heart - love is the answer to everything. 
Heart to Hand - write your goals onto paper. Research indicates your will be more likely to complete handwritten goals and your emotions will be more directly linked if you write and journal by hand. 
History - we can learn so much from the past. Example - Napoleon violet post card. 
Intuition - is a sixth sense. Be aware of it. Practice. Trust it. Feel it in your solar plexus. 
Inspiration - It's every where - from insects to all aspects of nature - it can teach us many lessons. Observe and consider the lessons they bring. Also included in Ted Andrews book on animal Totems. 
Journals - written, illustrated, fictional journals
Karma - we reap what we sow. If we plant radishes we will get radishes. They may not be immediate but they will manifest in time. 
Light - lighten up, festivals of light, sun and its energy . . . 
Maps - using maps to set goals, brain storm, mind maps, fishbone maps, etc.  
Meditate - a simple meditation is to look at a painting or photo for 10 minutes and let your mind relax. 
Nature - is abundant with lessons! It teaches us to live in the present moment, giving and receiving are the same, and that there is value in everything - even those often unappreciated weeds. 
Numbers - have meaning. We'll look at the symbolism, and also lists of numbers and how to use them more creatively. Example - 6 Easy Pieces - a composition and layering technique. 
O - own your own circle. We can't control others, but we can control our own space and how we treat others within our 10 foot circle. Open ended prompts. 
Play!
Preparation - "a cowboy always carries his spurs!" Passed out notebooks. Bring a positive attitude, your notebook and pen, art supplies, an instrument - whatever works for you!
Quests - find a grand passion - it will give you energy, direction and purpose!
Questions - keep your questions broad. Don't include your own answers in your questions - that can be limiting. Have faith to ask without having specific expectations about what the answers will be. Example - How can I find my perfect living space instead of how can I build/rent in a particular area.
Quotes - Words can provide inspiration, validation, incentive, power, insights. Collect quotes from people you admire. 
Recipes - if you find a recipe you love, let's share! They can be for food, art projects (6 Easy Pieces), a craft, a way to value life in a different way. Example -  SCAMMPERR - technique by Robert F. Eberle - Substitute - components, materials, people Combine - mix, combine with other services, integrate, Arrange - organize, order, Modify/Magnify - reduce or increase in scale, shape, color, Put to Other Uses, Eliminate or Minify - remove elements, simplify, reduce to core, Rearrange/Reverse - inside out, upside down
Research - something you love!. For me it has been roses, violets, yarrow, zodiac herbs, herbs for haunting and romance.
Senses - Sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell and intuition- all of these can contribute to living a more sensuous, creative life!
Symbolism - we are surrounded by symbols - in history, art, paintings, advertising, sports logos. What symbols frequently cross your path?
Synchronicity - be aware of the synchronicity and serendipity in your life. Once you begin to see it, everything will change. 
Themes - can make anything more fun! Whether it's a party, vacation, book or goal, themes provide a framework. 
Totems - Native American Indian belief that each animal that crosses our path brings a message. Some are close by all our lives. We decided to add floral symbolism as well. 
Unexpected - look at things from a different perspective - a different point of view. Example - shoes instead of faces at a party. 
Values - know your values and live accordingly. Saves energy - eliminates drama. 
Vision - the mind sees in pictures. Create a vision board to manifest the life you want. 
Wishes - begin your list - 100 wishes. Use them to create goals. 
WWWWW - Who? Who can help? What? What material can we use? Where? Where can we get other materials? When? When should we make it? Why? Why will it be an improvement?
X marks the spot. Make every day a treasure hunt. 
Zodiac - just for fun - zodiac herbs, etc. 
You! - We ended with Y instead of Z since it all begins and ends with you. YOU are the treasure!