Thursday, May 23, 2013

Creativity Can Keep the Spark Alive in Your Relationships

This might seem obvious, or perhaps you have never thought about creativity being a guiding force in happy, satisfying relationships. The truth is that people in relationships (especially long term ones) have a tendency to get into routines with one another. And, let’s be honest, relationships can become dull if the people involved don’t make that extra effort to enhance the time they spend together. Sure, we all become comfortable with our significant other, and comfort can be a good thing, but so can spontaneity, which springs from creativity.  

Can relationships be more than places to settle in for a life of predictability or a struggle for part of what you want?  The answer is "Yes!"  



 
Co-creativity 
There's a new train of thought about co-creativity in relationships - one in which you both flow in combined creative ways that enhance the vitality of each.  In order to do this, there are attitudes to avoid or drop, and attitudes and practices to take up. Each time you come into a relationship interaction with openness and a willingness to grow, you pave the way for co-creating.  Make the conscious decision that you don't need to be right, and put your focus on generating love, joy and gratitude in all your relationships.

Play!  Play is one of the most effective tools for keeping relationships fresh and exciting. Playing together for the fun of it brings joy, vitality, and resilience. Play can also heal resentments, disagreements, and hurts. Through regular play, we learn to trust one another and feel safe. Trust enables us to work together, open ourselves to intimacy, and try new things. By making a conscious effort to incorporate more humor and play into your daily interactions, you can improve the quality of your love relationships, as well as your connections with coworkers, family members, and friends. Play teaches us how to cooperate with each other.  It's also simultaneously a source of relaxation and stimulation for the brain and body. When we play with other people, whether they’re friends or strangers, we're reminded that we're not alone in this world. We can connect to others in delightful and meaningful ways that banish loneliness.  (excerpted from HelpGuide.org)

Despite the power of play, somewhere between childhood and adulthood, many of us stop playing. We exchange play for work and responsibilities. When we do have some leisure time, we're more likely to zone out in front of the TV or computer than to engage in creative, brain-stimulating play. By giving ourselves permission to play with the joyful abandon of childhood, we can continue to reap its benefits throughout life.

Keep the spark alive and learn how to play again!


"Playology is about waking up our senses, infusing our organs of seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, tasting - and the higher cognitive senses as well, with the spirit of play. Play ignites creativity and spontaneity. Playing together leads to trust and cooperation."  - Ellie Katz

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