The article explores the emotional advantages of engaging in creative practices, highlighting behavioral science research that supports these benefits. Creating allows individuals to experience altered states like flow, awe, and mindfulness, which contribute to enhanced well-being and emotional relief. The author encourages prioritizing creative pursuits for personal fulfillment, despite societal pressures favoring productivity. An anecdote about a local flower arranger illustrates that creativity can be inherently value-driven and emotionally rewarding, irrespective of external recognition or financial gain.
Creating paradoxically centers us in the moment while allowing us to transcend the stress of our self-consciousness and circumstances.
In those states, we can experience enhanced well-being, freedom from self-criticism, increased confidence, effortless absorption and control, and even joy.
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