All participants add their ideas, inspired by virtual events held around the world by local organizers in each city. The city with the most ideas will receive the award for the most creative city.
Teachers
Learners
Leaders
Employees
Individuals
Teams
Change happens one small practice at a time
How might we add a small five minute creativity break, moment of inspiration, change of mood and mindset to each hour? Whether in a classroom, at the start or end iof a lecture, or as a break between topics, in a meeting or group work assignment, where each person might takes a turn to facilitate or lead a five minute habit change STOP moment, or just sitting at the desk, where it relieves boredom, sedentary stillness (sitting for too long is recognised as a health risk) or while learning, to clear the mind.
Creativity becomes a living practice, where five minute practices a few times daily change attitiudes, the capacity to imagine and use creativity in simple ways, and adds the benefits of wellbeing.
Refresh the mind and emotional state every hour for wellbeing, enhancing the use of the imagination and better thinking
- use five minutes of movement, imagery, picking up objects in the environment, feeling a texture, listening to a song or piece of music, going for a small walk preferably in nature, breathing rhythmically or as a small meditation, practicing mindfulness by focusing on the breath, an object or being present, appreciating beauty or art, finding ways to connect to others in small ways and listening to the body - i.e. engaging all of the senses, including intuition.
Creativity then becomes a part of how we live our lives, intentionally and more fully engaged.
Adding creativity as a habit or practice will also insitil the principles of creativity, such as deferring judgement, openness, accepting and considering many ideas, giving ideas time to breathe, active listening, learning skills such as possibility thinking, reframing and taking different perspectives - one small step at a time.
I believe a higher awareness and application of creative thinking skills will help address issues of diversity and inclusion, too, one person at a time.
Creativity touches lives, engages the senses and imagination and uses so much more of what each of us has to offer as potential, to bring alive and into this world, our learning, work and awareness - it influences how we engage in relationships and community, for the benefit of the world. There is a sensitivity that is aroused, as we feel more vital.
I envisage a number of ways:
1. starting a "movement" - perhaps titled "creativity pauses" or "pause for creativity" or even "moments", "a breath of creativity"
bringing it to the attention of all participants via social media or viral networks
adding it into organisational or educational statements of intent or purpose
I am a PhD student and could design and conduct my forthcoming research on stories that emerge from adding Moments of Creativity as part of a daily practice - we never know when we might save a life through the element of "touch" - touching lives, seeing people for their gifts
writing a book highlighting benefits of integrating creativity habits
dance it - in movement, breathing and human connection, there is creativity and a living sense of enhanced wellbeing
Not yet
I would have to figure out who might benefit the most and become ambassadors - probably starting at two levels at grassroots level in community, and top-down, embraced by organisations that care. be keen, platforms to launch such an endeavour, with small beginnings and success stories fuelling next steps and ripple-effect growth.
If it is in the realm of "dancing it", this is not about dance skills, but moving with and embodying change - there are many ways of executing movement into everydayness. It could start with a song that goes viral, like "Playing for CHANGE"
If I integrate this into my PhD studies and research, I would need to include this study and application of moments of creativity in education and leadership in my methodology and objectives during the next four - six months, to be able to COMPLETE MY PREPARATION FOR BECOMING A CANDIDATE PHD - i.e. RESEARCHER in Fall, 2022.
After that, I embark on research and implementation, over a maximum of three years' time.
Phases:
1. Writing proposal for academic committee to consider (May - September 2022)
2. Identifying partners - academic and oragnisational (May - December, 2022 and beyond). This might involve approaching some of the global thought leaders on creativity, compassion, possibility work, human rights and change.
3. PILOT STUDY - selecting up to three institutions to start this initaitive in, edcuational, academic or community
4. Refine storytelling and interviewing process for capturing stories of success and where creative habits made a difference.
5. Reflect and reframe.
6. Identify ways to expand the reach of the work. teaching teachers, leaders, frontline workers, designers, whoever needs flexibility and new ways of thinking as a life skill.
It's the simplicity of everyday application and awareness that the magic lies. Our habits and practices become where we place our attention and what appreciates - that change happens. Like love, for me, creativity is the gift that keeps giving.
Canada and the UK
South Africa
It is my dream.
I have the knowledge from training in creativity (Masters from SUNY, Buffalo International Center for Studies in Creativity) years of applied experience and lifelong learning in my work in Sub-Saharan Africa and life, as well as current stuies in arts education.
Creativity itself is what makes the rest possible. If we can imagine it, it becomes possible.
I have yet to define this, as the scope is not clear and this really has been a dream....up until now. The initial phase will be funded by me and possibly the university.
I believe that there will be initial seed funding available through grants and interested collaborators. The rest will unfold.
Tichaona Chaza
Posted on 26/05/2022Definitely has my vote
Ivy Chaza
Posted on 26/05/2022Wow!!!
Shingi Chaza
Posted on 26/05/2022This is the clear winner!!
Phabion Chaza
Posted on 26/05/2022I love this
Tichy Chaza
Posted on 26/05/2022This is literally the greatest idea!
Ming-Yu Lin
Posted on 26/05/2022This is amazing! Simple, do-able gesture for everyone but could change lives!
Posted on 26/05/2022Mi Ming-Yu, lets' hope so! Thanks for the support
Rosemary Rein
Posted on 26/05/2022Tiny Habits make a big difference. We often think of large solutions/big ideas but this is a micro solution that will make a big difference. Thanks Marlies for always bringing your best ideas to the table.
Posted on 26/05/2022Much appreciated, Rosemary
Dayhana Ray Ray
Posted on 26/05/2022This is amazing!! So important to lean into our creativity.
Posted on 26/05/2022Hi Dayhana, thanks for the encouragement and support
Dawn DePasquale
Posted on 26/05/2022How do you eat an elephant. One bite at a time. Small steps lead to big changes! For things to take hold, they must be simple for others to execute.
Posted on 26/05/2022Exactly, Dawn, and when we lose sight of the elephant, we get lost
Sandra Turner
Posted on 26/05/2022So simple yet so significant!
Posted on 26/05/2022Thanks for the support, Sandra
Repro Pictures
Posted on 26/05/2022Love this idea, just imagine the life long results if this small practice was implemented from school level.
Posted on 26/05/2022Yes, to incremental growth
Nina Lieska
Posted on 26/05/2022Brilliant idea, how a simple change in the way we do things can be so powerful!
Posted on 26/05/2022Hi Nina Lieska, you support is much appreciated and simple works
Joel Pearson
Posted on 26/05/2022Brilliant idea! This will be so beneficial. I wish we had creativity breaks during our boring meetings.
Posted on 26/05/2022Hi Joel, yes, how amazing to restart the brain, like a fresh shower of inspiration
Cukia Kimani
Posted on 26/05/2022Love this! I'm a creative in South Africa and wish this was something we did in school.
Posted on 26/05/2022Hi Cukia, me too as I come out of SA - so necessary to start building capacity early
Cam He
Posted on 26/05/2022Great initiative -
Posted on 26/05/2022Hi Cam, thanks for the support
Sandra Wood
Posted on 26/05/2022What a wonderful idea. All too often we are in search of solutions that lie within us.
Posted on 26/05/2022Thanks Sandy, you are so right
Richard Matthews
Posted on 26/05/2022Wonderful idea. All too often we feel the need to complicate solutions that hampers their adoption. Something simple and easy to do like this will benefit far in advance of the effort required.. Good luck!
Posted on 26/05/2022Your support and thoughts are much appreciated Richie
Victoria Johnson
Posted on 26/05/2022This is amazing Marlies. I love this idea and see how beneficial it can be to people.
Posted on 26/05/2022Hi Vicky, thanks for the support
Jacob S
Posted on 26/05/2022My walks outside are absolutely necessary for my work days. I work from home and sitting in one place all day is awful. A few minutes outside (don’t forget your sunscreen!) makes the world of difference for me. I’m looking forward to seeing your work implemented and changing lives. Keep it up!
Posted on 26/05/2022Thanks for the great build on the idea - Nature offers a wealth of creativity
Susan Horst
Posted on 26/05/2022Love it!
Posted on 26/05/2022Thanks Susan, I appreciate your support
Louisa Van staden
Posted on 26/05/2022A passionate and well thought out way forward to encourage creativity and the benefits in the world, by a highly intelligent, well educared woman who has whole heartedly believed in, and lived creativity for many years.
Posted on 26/05/2022Hi Louisa Thanks for the support and kind words of encouragement
Colleen Larsen
Posted on 26/05/2022Fabulous!... .it starts with the small stuff!
Posted on 26/05/2022Thanks for the encouragement, Col
Amit Goolab
Posted on 26/05/2022Amazing idea.
Posted on 26/05/2022Thanks for the support, Amit
Nicole Grindlay
Posted on 25/05/2022Incredible idea. Repetition creates habit and habits turn into a lifestyle. Every journey takes one step at a time. A lot of potential value to unlock and continue to tap into to.
Posted on 25/05/2022Thanks Nicci, you are so right !
Sean Ray
Posted on 25/05/2022Amazing! Can’t wait for this idea to unfold.
Posted on 25/05/2022Thanks Sean-o ! so appreciate the support to make it possible
Jason F
Posted on 25/05/2022Really awesome stuff!
Posted on 25/05/2022Thanks a stack, Jason...
Morgan Grindlay
Posted on 25/05/2022Brilliant idea Marlies - love the simplicity of it and how passionate and knowledgeable you are on the topic!
Posted on 25/05/2022Thanks for the support and encouragement Morgs
Lynne Wagner
Posted on 25/05/2022This is a unique and necessary idea that can be used and instilled by our young to carry with them through their adult lives. Instead of easing one’s daily life, technology has created more stress. What a life lesson to de-stress, at any time during your day!
Posted on 25/05/2022Thanks Lynnie, it feels like what the world needs right now, for sure - thoughtfulness and imagining a new reality
Marvin Farr
Posted on 25/05/2022I love this idea! I’m excited to engage my senses more each day and am ready to introduce 5min creativity practices into my daily life. Let’s get started!
Posted on 25/05/2022On the journey with you, Thanks Marv
Colin Groenewald
Posted on 25/05/2022Wonderful initiative and extremely important to pause and reflect in order to get the creative juices flowing again!
Posted on 25/05/2022Thanks Colin for the kind support @
Linglong Lu
Posted on 25/05/2022Awesome ideal! All the best!
Posted on 25/05/2022Hello Linglong, good to see you again - and much appreciation for your support
Darren Grindlay
Posted on 25/05/2022Really great idea! A little bit each day compounded over time can lead to massive change.
Posted on 25/05/2022Thanks Darren, change happens one thought at a time, which is creativity - changing thoughts and mindsets
Leoni Hattingh
Posted on 25/05/2022I think this is a novel idea that will make people aware that creativity is part of everyone's biology. Tapping into it on a daily basis will strengthen that awareness and help to bring smart thinking and problem solving into daily activities.
Posted on 25/05/2022Hello Leoni, thanks for your kind words of support - the magic lies in the simple gesture of believing in and including everyone
Lorna Wridgway
Posted on 25/05/2022This is a wonderful idea. Something we need in these chaotic and uncertain times. Creativity will help us stay well, stay engaged and will help build our capacity for problem solving and solution seeking.
Posted on 25/05/2022Hi Lorna, good to see you here and thanks for the support - creativity is the gift that keeps giving...stay well
Megan Jarvis
Posted on 25/05/2022Love this idea!
Posted on 25/05/2022Thanks Megs, it's an everyday sort of thing...may that become a reality!
Dan Greenberger
Posted on 24/05/2022What a great idea! So simple, yet transformative. Good luck with this, Marlies!
Posted on 25/05/2022Hi Dan, so many thanks for your comment! V+Best, M
Eileen Doyle
Posted on 24/05/2022I like how this makes creativity easily accessible to everyone, not just to those labeled "THE CREATIVES"
Posted on 24/05/2022Thanks Eileen, it is about being more inclusive and appealing to the creativity we all have inherently
Eileen Doyle
Posted on 24/05/2022I love that this makes creativity easy and accessibe to everyone not just to
Doris Franke
Posted on 24/05/2022Good Luck Doris Franke
Posted on 24/05/2022Hello Doris, much appreciated...
Tim Hurson
Posted on 24/05/2022Great idea and easily implanted
Tim Hurson
Posted on 24/05/2022Great idea and easily executed.
Posted on 24/05/2022thanks Tim
Ina Farr
Posted on 23/05/2022Wonderful idea for humanity
Branko Broekman
Posted on 23/05/2022Smart part of your proposal is to engage people in taking small steps to create a lasting habit.
Posted on 23/05/2022making creativity everyday any time for anyone, yes, exactly. Thanks Branco
Colleen Becker
Posted on 23/05/2022This is so necessary in life!
Posted on 23/05/2022Yes, Col...thanks for your support