Creativity is often seen as a practical skill—something you can learn, practice, and improve. But there’s another side to creativity that’s harder to define, yet just as important. It’s the magical, almost mystical aspect of the creative process. This is the part where ideas seem to come out of nowhere, where inspiration strikes like lightning, and where the act of creating feels like tapping into something bigger than yourself. Staying open to this sense of wonder and enchantment is what keeps creativity alive and vibrant. It’s about embracing the unknown, trusting the process, and allowing yourself to be surprised by what emerges. Let’s explore why this magical side of creativity matters and how you can stay open to it.
At its core, creativity is about connection. It’s about connecting ideas, experiences, and emotions in new and unexpected ways. But sometimes, it feels like these connections come from somewhere beyond our conscious mind. This is where the idea of enchantment comes in. Enchantment is that feeling of being swept away by an idea, of losing yourself in the flow of creation. It’s the moment when everything clicks, and you feel like you’re channeling something greater than yourself. This doesn’t mean creativity is supernatural, but it does acknowledge that there’s a mysterious, almost magical quality to the process.
One of the keys to staying open to enchantment is curiosity. Curiosity is the spark that ignites creativity. It’s what drives you to explore new ideas, ask questions, and see the world with fresh eyes. When you approach your work with curiosity, you’re more likely to notice the small, unexpected details that can lead to big breakthroughs. For example, a writer might be inspired by a conversation overheard on the bus, or a painter might find inspiration in the way light falls on a building. These moments of inspiration often come when you’re open and curious, rather than focused on a specific goal or outcome.
Another important aspect of enchantment is playfulness. Creativity thrives when you allow yourself to play, experiment, and take risks. Playfulness is about letting go of perfectionism and embracing the joy of creation. It’s about trying new things, even if they don’t work out, and seeing where they take you. For example, a musician might improvise a new melody, or a designer might sketch out wild, unconventional ideas. These playful experiments can lead to unexpected discoveries and new directions in your work. By staying playful, you keep the creative process fresh and exciting.
Trust is also a big part of staying open to enchantment. Creativity often involves stepping into the unknown, and that can be scary. It requires trusting that the ideas will come, even if you don’t know how or when. This kind of trust is about letting go of control and allowing the process to unfold naturally. For example, a writer might start a story without knowing how it will end, trusting that the characters and plot will reveal themselves along the way. A painter might begin with a blank canvas and let the colors and shapes guide them. This trust in the process is what allows creativity to flow freely.
Another way to stay open to enchantment is by cultivating a sense of wonder. Wonder is about seeing the world with fresh eyes, as if you’re experiencing it for the first time. It’s about noticing the beauty and magic in everyday things, like the way leaves rustle in the wind or the sound of rain on a rooftop. When you approach your work with a sense of wonder, you’re more likely to find inspiration in the world around you. This doesn’t mean you have to be constantly amazed, but it does mean staying open to the possibility of being surprised. For example, a photographer might find wonder in the play of light and shadow, or a poet might be inspired by the rhythm of words.
Rituals and routines can also help you stay open to enchantment. While creativity often feels spontaneous, having a regular practice can create the conditions for inspiration to strike. For example, a writer might start each day with a cup of tea and a few minutes of free writing. A musician might begin each session by playing a favorite song. These rituals signal to your brain that it’s time to create, making it easier to slip into a state of flow. They also provide a sense of stability and grounding, which can help you stay open to the magical, unpredictable aspects of creativity.
Another important part of staying open to enchantment is embracing uncertainty. Creativity often involves venturing into uncharted territory, where the outcome is unknown. This can be uncomfortable, but it’s also where the magic happens. When you embrace uncertainty, you allow yourself to take risks and explore new possibilities. For example, a filmmaker might experiment with a new storytelling technique, or a chef might try combining unexpected flavors. These risks can lead to breakthroughs and new discoveries that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. By embracing uncertainty, you open yourself up to the full potential of your creativity.
It’s also important to protect your creative energy. In a world full of distractions and demands, it’s easy to lose touch with the magical side of creativity. Protecting your creative energy means setting boundaries and making time for your work. It might mean saying no to things that drain your energy or carving out quiet time for reflection and inspiration. For example, a writer might turn off their phone and disconnect from social media while working on a novel. A painter might create a dedicated studio space where they can focus on their art. By protecting your creative energy, you create the space for enchantment to flourish.
Finally, staying open to enchantment is about celebrating the process. Creativity is not just about the end result—it’s about the journey. It’s about the moments of inspiration, the hours of hard work, and the joy of bringing something new into the world. When you celebrate the process, you stay connected to the magic of creativity, even when the work is challenging. For example, a musician might savor the feeling of playing a new song, even if it’s not perfect. A writer might enjoy the act of crafting a sentence, even if the story is still unfolding. By celebrating the process, you keep the sense of wonder and enchantment alive.
The magical, mystical side of creativity is what makes it so powerful and transformative. Staying open to wonder, enchantment, and the unknown is what keeps the creative process alive and vibrant. By cultivating curiosity, playfulness, trust, and a sense of wonder, you can tap into this magical side of creativity and bring your work to life. Embracing uncertainty, protecting your creative energy, and celebrating the process are also key to staying open to enchantment. So the next time you sit down to create, take a deep breath, let go of expectations, and allow yourself to be swept away by the magic of creativity. The results might just surprise you.
