CREATIVE THINKING v.s. CRITICAL THINKING!

Creativity is thinking of new ways to do things! It involves producing ideas or behaviours that are original. Therefore there are two essential components to creativity -originality and adaptiveness. A creative individual generate ideas or behaviours that are novel or unusual and these make a positive contribution to the individuals' life or the life of others.

Creative thinking is an act of making a random combination of associations that lead to breakthroughs and new discoveries, that add value to people's lives. It is a performance of an individual's attitude, knowledge, imagination and ability to evaluate interesting ideas and experiences.

Session aim:

To explore how the creative arts can be used to support mental health

recovery.

Session objectives:

• Explore different approaches in which creative arts can be used to support recovery.

• Explore the benefits of creative pursuits for recovery.

• Provide an experience of using creativity in potentially beneficial ways.

WHAT 'CREATIVITY' MEANS TO YOU?

Meaning Activity/ Pathway

To provoke Films/ Paintings/Photography

Physical Dancing /Design/Fashion/ Flower arrangements/Drawings

Rhythm/Harmony Music/Dance/ Visual Arts

Trance Dreaming/ Day dreaming

Liberation Books, Art appreciation general

Energy( Heart) Mandala Art/ Zentangle/ Doodling

Expressive Painting/ drawing/Sculpture

Recovery Better life choices + Art appreciation/ Visiting galleries

Informative Infographics/Digital Design

Innovative Inventions

Vulnerability Personal Discovery

Social Relationships Making new connections

THE BENEFITS OF USING ART FOR RECOVERY:

What creativity means to you and provide an experience of using creativity in a potentially beneficial ways. The benefits of using art for recovery

• Better or worsen communication tool

• To see a different perspective of the worldview

• Improve concentration

• Improve self-esteem through achievement and participation

• Creative pursuits

• Ways of expression

• Hope, Control, Opportunity

• Empowerment

• Inspire change and growth

• Distraction

• Relaxing and diverting in stressful times

• Engender a sense of belonging in a group activity

• Mindful and contemplative activity (flow)

• Expression of anger

• Art therapy ( Treatment)

• Displacement (Sublimation)

• Sociable( Engagement and empathy)

• Avoiding Judgment such as self-criticism

• Brainstorming ideas and thoughts

• Increasing resilience

• Not getting bored and feeling of aliveness (for me!)

Resources:

Core Arts:

https://www.corearts.co.uk/

Geoff Ashcroft Community Centre (Arts Therapies): 0207 197 1401

Idea Store Activity Directory:

https://www.ideastore.co.uk/community-information

Our Art Club (OJ Morreale)

https://www.ourartclub.com/

Creativity and Wellbeing Week

http://creativityandwellbeing.org.uk/

MIND:

https://www.mithn.org.uk/our-services/mental-health-services/connecting-communities/

Providence Row:

https://www.providencerow.org.uk/

Crisis:

https://www.crisis.org.uk/

Now it’s your turn.

Who is one of your favourite creative person in your life?

Share your thoughts, comments, and questions about your creative journey.