How are you dealing with pandemic and its fallout? The world is going through unprecedented times and it’s only natural that each of us is affected deeply. History is filled with examples of people finding creativity in adversity. These days, I see many people finding new ways of working from home, others turning to crafts and writing to keep themselves occupied and many of us trying to be as creative as we can with our cooking so as to make do with supplies we have.
Finding Creativity In Adversity
While this time of adversity is a common suffering, each of us has gone through adversity at some point in our lives. It could be a failed exam, a business that doesn’t take off, a broken relationship, the loss of loved ones. Much of our writing and art is inspired by these life experiences.
In their book, Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind, authors Kaufman and Gregoire tell the story of the famous artist Frida Kahlo to illustrate how people can find meaning out of seemingly senseless pain. Kahlo who had polio as a child, then survived a near fatal bus accident. She took up painting during her long recovery.
Kahlo remained in the hospital for a month, undergoing additional surgery, and then was nearly bed-ridden for several months at home, wearing a plaster cast. Although she initially hoped to combine her love of medicine and sketching to become a medical illustrator, the lingering pain from her injuries forced her to abandon the idea and drop out of school. She turned to painting to fill the hours, using a specially-made lap easel that allowed her to paint from bed. Already deeply introspective, she became her first artistic subject, using an overhead mirror in her bed’s canopy to begin painting the first in long series of self-portraits.
via Biography.com
Our experiences of adversity to help us to discover our own strength. We find hidden resources within us that help us to survive and eventually thrive.
We seem to use our creativity to channel our pain and to heal ourselves. Some of my posts that have most resonated with others have been written as expressions of pain.
“Adversity is an opportunity for creativity, because it forces one to dig deeper and discover something new about oneself”.
– Paul T P Wong, Canadian Clinical Psychologist
So let’s all see this time of adversity as an opportunity to dig deeper into our creative selves and bring out treasures!
The Frangipani Creative Podcast
For the last year or so I’ve been wanting to create a podcast but kept putting it off. At the beginning of March I finally picked out a microphone. But the lockdown hit before I could order it! I felt awful about this at first and then I recalled an app I had downloaded about a year ago. And last week, I created the first episode of the The Frangipani Creative podcast – my own little attempt to find creativity in adversity!
At the end of every episode there will be a prompt. The prompt for Episode 1 was ‘red roses‘ and I’m thrilled with the great response – stories, illustrations and a beautiful crocheted red rose!
Click on the image below to go there. There will be a new episode every Thursday/Friday.
I think adversity sucks the creativity right out of us, but when we make a conscious effort to bring it back into our lives it becomes even more rewarding. I love that you’ve started a podcast and that it’s being so well received – well done!
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 😊
Congratulations on your podcast! I’ve saved the link so I can listen later.
Thanks, Michelle. Much appreciated!
Sometimes I think that if we can find creativity in adversity, it is the best way to stay put and positive. The more i interact with people during these times, I realize that either they have channelized their energy into something else or their energy is hurting within since there is no outlet.
I am yet to listen to your podcast but I am very happy that you started. It’s wonderful!
Parul Thakur recently posted…#ThursdayTreeLove – 87
Yes, creativity is a powerful way to overcome challenges, Parul and honestly the best way to channelize our feelings at this time!
This post closely resonates with me. I totally believe in finding joy through creativity and this is particularly true when in adversity! My blogging journey had started during one such challenging phase of my life when I was homebound, post-surgery, unable to function normally for months and the only uplifting thing then was writing. How glad I am that I stuck to it and didn’t give up!
Thanks for sharing, Esha. I didn’t know about the start of your blogging. I’m glad you stuck to it too!
I actually love all the creativity that’s flowing in social media. People trying and doing new things, cooking and finding ways to connect with their families. Surviving adversities with creativity is great for mental well-being. I did read about your podcast, sorry didn’t get a chance to listen to it yet. 😕 Hopefully this week. 😊
Rajlakshmi recently posted…How many Quarantine Activities have you done
Yes, I’m seeing a great flood of art and food on social media. The best part of being creative with food is managing with limited resources.
Would love your feed back on the podcast, when you get the time to listen.
I absolutely loved your podcast. Could you help me find the new episodes, please? I want to thank you for starting the fiction series. It helped me reconnect with my favourite bloggers once again. In this time of isolation, connecting with like-minded people is such a boon. Thanks Cory, for always being the guiding light in my blogging journey.
Thank you, Balaka. I’ve sent you the link for the new episode. I aim to have it out every Thursday/ Friday, but missed last week. I’m glad we all can write fiction together! Hugs.
Such a profoundly written post which helps one see adversity as a strength rather than a weakness. I couldn’t agree more with you!
Keerthi Vydyula recently posted…Kai Jiew and Songthaew. #7
Glad it resonated with you, Keerthi.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Finding Creativity In Adversity
That’s completely true Corinne, a unique strength brings out those hidden talents which were kind of being procrastinated during normal times! Thanks for sharing.
From:
https://everyoneisspecial.in/2020/05/02/self-care-during-lockdown/
sheela recently posted…Self Care During Lockdown
As always, the facts and examples you quote to explain the truths of life are apt and amazing.
You said it so well, Corinne! We discover our strength in our adversity. And when we let our latent creativity sprout, it will relieve us of the hurt and pain.
Thanks, Madhavi. Yes, creativity can be so healing too.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…What Is Your Sentence?
Yes, we do take things for granted in normal times. Thanks for stopping by, Sheila.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…What Is Your Sentence?