As the trolls in “Frozen” (affiliate link) sang “People make bad choices when they’re scared or mad or stressed.” Part of this is because our human response to pain is fight or flee. Stress hormones overrun our ability to think imploring our bodies to get active and do something. This response isn’t a very good adaptation in modern times, unless you’re staring down the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, because the stress response is triggered anytime our mind perceives danger whether physical or otherwise.
Continue readingTag Archives: comfort
Judy Collins and the Muppets of ‘Sesame Street’
During a difficult time in her life, Judy Collins had fallen prey to alcoholism and was on the edge of a chasm from which there would be no return. She was saved by her friend and fan Jon Stone and the Muppets of Sesame Street. Collins was able to find a reason to keep going; she was able to find an intermittent beacon that brought her back to a safe place full of love and respect.
Continue readingThe ABCs of Creativity: Space
Space may be the final frontier, but for people who want to be more creative, it’s the first place to start improving creativity. The first thing your space requires is comfort. When you’re creating, you’re already going to be facing the hardships that come with making something new. There will be failures and mistakes. There will be things that you do that you don’t like. There will be times when you aren’t doing anything. This is all part of the creative process, and none of it is particularly comfortable. Making your space comfortable for you will at least allow you to be in that space, and it may even help you like being in that space.
The space should also be safe. You don’t need people telling you what they think of what you’re creating. Your space should limit contact with naysayers and negativity. Let your free-flowing creativity grow and keep it private until you’re ready for feedback.
A space can be something as simple as a laptop or a diary. It can be a physical space where friends and family know not to interrupt the process. Wherever the space is, make it yours, make it safe and make it comfortable.
For more on creativity and space, check out “The Haunted Mansion Is Creativity” and find out how Walt Disney gave Rolly Crump and Yale Gracey space and time to come up with effects for the Haunted Mansion. Available online and at the Candy Cane Inn in Anaheim.
“Disneyland Is Creativity” explores the berm’s relationship to space and creativity.
“Penguinate! Essays and Short Stories” will help you improve your creativity, too!
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Penguinate! Positive Creativity 