For this month at Timp Tellers story telling club, I attend a workshop on creativity.  I think it was by Vance. The presenter gave the following ideas to build our brain power and increase our activity. Here are a few suggestions:

–        Try new experiences such as visiting a new place or trying new activities

–        Think of new ways with an old idea. We had a couple of examples. How else can a light bulb be used other than a light in the ceiling? I suggested fiber optics. Another idea might be lighting in the sidewalks.

–        Change the assumed alternative to a phrase. For example if you say white what is the first thing you think of. It may usually be black.  What would be an alternative to the assumed answer?

–        Another session was to change a common phrase. For example: A penny saved is a penny _____. Instead of earned, what could be an alternative concept. A penny saved is still a penny, perhaps.

–        Write the initials of your name on a piece of paper. For example let’s say your initials were ABC. Now with one colored carryon draw a line from every point of the A to the other points of the A and then to the B and then to the C. With a new color draw a line from all the points of the B to the A and to the c and to the different points of the B. Finish up with another crayon with the C. But now do it with your own letters of your initials.

–        Read books and watch new shows.

–        Open up the yellow pages and chose a random place to eat. Go to that place and do a 1,2,3,4 at the restaurant. Order the first item in the Appetizer section of the menu. 2 is to order the second main dish off the menu. 3. Order the 3ed drink on the list and finally 4. Chose the fourth desert on the menu.

–        Sensory experience can also be a means of new experiences and thus creating new synapsis to the brain. Touch and feel things you haven’t done before.

–        Meet and talk to strangers of all types and ages.

–        See out new experiences.

–        Spend some time with a 5 year old child. Do what they do. Ask them what they’re doing and what they are seeing and thinking. And be quite and let them answer your questions.

On a personal note here are some suggestions I have on creativity. Always have a notepad and pencil close to your bed, shower and in your possession so that when you have an idea you can write it down. I had two ideas for articles in bed last night and would not have remembered them unless I had documented them.

Second, always work on coming up with ideas where ever you are. If you see something interesting, think of why it is like it is. A silly idea is that tape is only sticky on one side so that you can roll it up and it will separate when needed. Ask yourself why things were created the way they were. Seeing the reasons behind other’s inventions can help you with the development of your own.

Third, if you see something, think how could that be improved?

It was a nice presentation. If you have ideas that have helped you on creativity please feel free to share them.