Ray Charles: Let It Be!

The Creativity of Children

There's nothing like spending the day with a group of children to remind me of how much creativity is born in us. I think from day one, we are born with a wonderful curiosity for life. If we're lucky, we don't lose that zest for life. Unfortunately, most adults spend so much time worrying that they forget to release the tightness of their brow to let in a little daylight.

I had the good fortune to spend the day last Friday with four creative children. They had a teacher conference day so the parents brought their kids to the Columbia Art League, where I got to teach them art from 9-5. It was a day of questions and quick thinking. I was reminded of the old show "Kids Say the Darndest Things". I was also reminded of the gentle grip they have on life. Kids aren't bogged down by all of the details. Instead, they are more about possibilities. The one little girl in Kindergarten was much less concerned about how her drawing was "supposed" to look, as the Third grader who mentioned that she "couldn't draw something right". Anyhow, I noticed my own "supposed to" thoughts as I was helping these kids make artwork. When I let go of those insidious messages, that's when the real creativity can begin.

Here's to a creative beginning....which is always today!
Josie