Creativity allows you to bend reality, break rules and blend it all up, AND it is good for you!
Through the processes of bending, breaking and blending we can empower our creativity (and creative thinking) and at the same time push the boundaries of conventional thinking, embracing experimentation and integrating new and diverse ideas.
By consciously working with this concept, I believe, it not only fuels our innovation but also enhances our overall wellbeing as it fosters cognitive flexibility, our self-expression, and it can help us to gain a further sense of purpose and fulfilment.
As we know, creativity is associated with the ability to “think outside the box”, to imagine new possibilities and to generate novel solutions to problems. The concept of bending, breaking and blending represents three fundamental strategies for fostering this mode of thinking.
Bending involves flexibly adapting existing ideas, concepts or methods to suit new contexts or purposes.
Basically, by allowing yourself to BEND already existing ideas and “rules” to create something new, you can imagine new possibilities.
It requires a willingness to challenge assumptions and explore alternative perspectives. Bending allows you to see familiar things in new ways and encourages synthesising disparate elements into innovative combinations.
Breaking entails deconstructing established norms, rules, or patterns to uncover underlying principles or to create space for unconventional thinking.
Basically, by allowing yourself to BREAK already existing ideas and “rules” to create something new, you can imagine new possibilities.
It involves you again and again questioning the status quo, embracing uncertainty, and embracing failure as a natural part of the creative process. Breaking frees individuals from the constraints of tradition and encourages experimentation and risk-taking.
Blending involves integrating diverse influences, disciplines, or approaches to generate hybrid ideas or solutions.
Basically, by allowing yourself to BLEND (or mix) already existing ideas and “rules” to create something new, you can – you got it – imagine new possibilities!
It requires openness to interdisciplinary collaboration, cross-pollination of ideas, and the exploration of connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. Blending fosters creativity by expanding the pool of available resources and stimulating the emergence of innovation.
(Please note: I think we must recognize that these three strategies are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. They fortunately often overlap and reinforce one another in the our creative processes. By bending, breaking, and blending we can go beyond the limitations of linear thinking and tap further into our imagination and creativity).
By embracing the concept of bending, breaking, and blending we can not only unleash our creative potential but also nurture our overall wellbeing. Whether this be through artistic expression, scientific discovery, entrepreneurial innovation or everyday problem-solving, creativity enriches our lives in profound and transformative ways. As we cultivate creativity within ourselves (and within our communities!), we not only unlock new possibilities for personal growth and fulfillment but also contribute to a more vibrant, resilient, and flourishing society.
As the journey of creativity is a journey of self-discovery, exploration, and connection, by bending, breaking and blending we can push the boundaries of what is possible, both in our creative endeavours and in our pursuit of wellbeing.
We can now open ourselves to a world of infinite possibilities, where imagination knows no bounds and where every moment is an opportunity for innovation and growth.
AliusArt 