Why do we love creativity?

Image by Wiki Sinaloa on Unsplash

Recently, I spent two months immersed in an artistic process, and it made me reflect on why we choose to dedicate our time to creative activities at all.

Most of us engage in creativity every day—planning an inventive outfit for a party, cooking an inspired meal, critiquing a sports event, learning an instrument, composing music, painting, performing, writing. Creativity may even weave into our professional lives.

But what do we get out of it?

Recent studies into the benefits of creativity are beginning to organise the hundreds of reasons people are drawn to it. One of the most powerful is how creativity brings meaning to our lives.

It helps us make sense of our experiences and see our lives as coherent stories. It offers purpose, focus, and a sense of satisfaction. When we create, we have something to be proud of—something uniquely our own to share with others.

Creativity is a way to connect: we contribute to traditions, emulate those who inspire us, collaborate with peers, and feel part of something larger than ourselves. It goes beyond usefulness and into the realm of meaning.

These are just some of the reasons we keep returning to creative pursuits, and why, no matter how busy life gets, we find time to make, play, and create.

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