Sipping from the Fountain of Youth

Last weekend my daughter and I took a fun introductory digital photography class together. I guess you could say I sipped from the fountain of youth that day because studies show learning a new skill is a wonderful way to keep our brains healthy and agile.

In fact, according to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, mental stimulation is one of the five best ways to maintain a healthy brain. (things like learning a new skill or language, playing games, traveling to new places, trying new foods, playing an instrument) Other factors include physical activity, nutrition, socialization and spirituality.

As I shared in an article I wrote in 2011 for Natural Awakenings Magazine (“Is Creativity The Fountain of Youth?”) studies also show that people who remain engaged in some type of creative endeavor, whether it be art, music, gardening, cooking, crafting or other creatively satisfying pursuits enjoy a variety of health benefits throughout their lives.

This is great news! 
We now have more compelling reasons 
to give ourselves permission 
to pursue our creative interests without guilt!

Since I happen to know many of you feel guilty when it comes to taking time for your creativity I hope this will help you to realize time spent enjoying creative pursuits isn’t a luxury…it’s a necessity to live a healthy, fulfilling life.

Here’s a great 3-minute TED Talk by Matt Cutts about the benefits of trying something new for 30 days. 

My fabulous personal trainer, Pauline Stafford, founder of Garage Fitness in East Dallas, has created a year-long contest for her clients in which we’re challenged to add one simple healthy habit to our daily routine for two weeks at a time. 

So far our challenges have included eating at least three servings of veggies a day, stretching at least two minutes a day and listing at list four things for which we’re grateful each day. It’s been a wonderful way to gently increase our health and create new habits with some friendly competition thrown into the mix.

What creative pursuit have you been longing to try for the first time or reintroduce back into your life? What if you took a moment to make a quick list right now of just three creative activities you'd like to do sometime soon? I'll join you. Mine are:

#1 – Try out ZenTangle 

#2 – Practice taking photographs 

#3 – Play piano and sing

Until next time, all the best from my Creative Oasis Fountain of Youth to yours,
Jill

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."  – Mahatma Gandhi

Is Creativity The Fountain of Youth?

(as seen in the September 2011 edition of Natural Awakenings Magazine - Dallas Edition pg. 18)

“There is a fountain of youth. It is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring in your life and the lives of people you love.” – Sophia Loren

At age 77, Academy Award winning actress Sophia Loren still shines with the energy and enthusiasm of someone half her age. What’s her secret? Could her words hold the key to her ability to retain her joy de vivre well into her 70’s?

Studies have shown that people who remain engaged in some type of creative endeavor, whether it be art, music, gardening, cooking, writing, photography, needlework or other creatively satisfying pursuits enjoy a variety of health benefits throughout their lives.

"The most important finding is that creative activity helps people stay healthy," says author John Mirowsky, a sociology professor at the University of Texas at Austin. "Creative activity is non-routine, enjoyable and provides opportunity for learning and for solving problems. People who do that kind of work, whether paid or not, feel healthier and have fewer physical problems." (1) Creative work and health. Mirowsky, J., Ross, C. E., Journal of Health and Social Behavior 2007 Dec;48(4):385-403

History is filled with examples of people who accomplished some of their best creative work later in life. Benjamin Franklin invented the bifocal lens at the age of 78, Frank Lloyd Wright completed the design of the Guggenheim Museum in New York at 92, and Maya Angelou is still an amazing creative at the age of 83. Consider Georgia O’Keeffe who painted into her mid-80’s. When her eyesight began to fail her, she started working in clay so she could keep creating.

Of course, you don’t have to be a famous inventor, artist or poet to enjoy the benefits of the creative process. Simply allowing some time and space in your life for creative fulfillment is beneficial. If you’d like to experience more creativity in your life consider hiring a coach, taking a class, or joining a group that shares your creative interests. At the very least you’ll add a healthy dose of joy to your life and possibly some additional years.

Jill Allison Bryan is a certified Kaizen-Muse® Creativity Coach, founder of Creative Oasis Coaching ™ and a singer/songwriter. You can learn more about Jill’s creativity coaching and music at www.CreativeOasisCoaching.com 

Money, Awareness & Good Questions Raised at "Who Does She Think She Is?" Screening

Over forty women (and one very cool, supportive husband) ventured out in the crazy Dallas heat for our special screening of the documentary, "Who Does She Think She Is?" on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at LaGrange in Deep Ellum. I'm happy to share that in addition to raising over $200 and awareness for Women for Women International, we brought together some wonderfully creative women to discuss the questions brought up by this inspiring film.

Full house at La Grange

After every barstool and seat was filled more tables and chairs were brought in, orders for yummy $2 tacos and drink orders were placed and then together we watched "Who Does She Think She Is?" by Pamela Tanner Boll and Nancy C. Kennedy.

The films shines with beautiful images and weaves together the stories of several female artists (painters, scupltors, singer/actress, film makers, activists and more) as they share their personal challenges and rewards that come with pursuing their unique creative paths.

After the film, I was joined onstage by a panel of four women artists and art-related business owners for a Q and A session. We discussed the struggles and joys we've experienced in our own creative journeys while attempting to balance our lives and honor our artistic endeavors.

Jill leads the Q and A session

From left to right:

Michelle Stroescu (artist, designer, mother)

Ashley Thames Brown (artist, writer and mother)

Victoria Webb Pendergrass (artist, art school owner, teacher, mother)

Mary Tomás (artist, gallery owner, mother)

The general consensus was no matter how difficult it can sometimes be, making time and space for our creative expression is essential to living meaningful lives. Many of us agreed with the women in the film who said they thought they'd go crazy if they couldn't get to their artistic process. Even if it means telling society to taking a flying leap...or risking relationships...or changing where and how we live...it's worth it! As far as trying to have it all while keep all the balls in the air and plates spinning, I love Annette Benning's take:  "Balance is overrated!" 

As a creativity coach, I also used this opportunity to remind everyone that even spending a small amount of time with our creativity is better than doing nothing at all. Ten minutes spent sketching, knitting, playing piano or working in the garden can infuse the remaining 23 hours and 50 minutes in our day with a renewed energy and joy that everyone in our life will feel. (What a great return on such a small investment of time!) 

I know personally that when I've made time for my music or writing I'm in a much better place to be the mom, wife, friend, and human being I want to be. As some wise philosopher once said, "If Mama ain't happy - ain't nobody happy!" 

Thanks so much to everyone who came out. I hope that you felt as inspired and supported by this film as I did. 

Also, a special thanks to Art & Seek, Lakewood Women in Business, the White Rock Lake Weekly, Women for Women International, the Dallas Morning News, Natural Awakenings and The Hidden List for helping us spread the word about the screening.

Until next time,

all the best from my creative oasis to yours,

Jill