How I define “spirituality”
After the lessons of this unit my definition and understanding of spirituality has changed a lot. I think I would define it as a deep understanding and mental connection with an idea, object , or occurrence. With these connections comes a belief in this idea or object that can be mall or exasperatingly large. I think this belief in the idea or object is extremely important because it allows us to become vulnerable and further our “spiritual” connection without the distractions such as doubt, unwillingness, and reluctance. I think once a belief is established in one’s mind it is then the ability of a person to focus on an idea or object, and then allow that focus to be brought out to a greater context that is omniscient to one’s self. Whether this be through prayer, meditation, or other ways to feel a greater presence, this to me is the overall concept of spirituality. I think spirituality’s limit in someone occurs when one limits their willingness to be vulnerable and accepting to something greater than themselves.
Does spirituality differ from religion?
I think spirituality and religion are highly related and integrated but they are technically different concepts. In my opinion there can’t be religion without spirituality. This to me is like listening to music without sound.. The notes can be seen but they mean nothing if we cannot deeply connect with the song by listening to it. In religion there is usually an omniscient God that has an all knowing presence outside the reach of our earthly realm. This God teaches certain values and beliefs that the followers are supposed to embrace and portray. Without spirituality I think the goals of any religion can’t be reached. In my religion Christianity, going to church, talking about God, and listening to music is not at all the concept of the religion. Although these might be some typical actions of religious members, these are just basic activities that help to keep the spiritual connection with the religion on track and in focus. I believe the spiritual part of religions like mine occur when one can separate themselves from the present and connect with a God in a deep and action provoking way. This is commonly done through prayer, but I often find myself in this same presence when I take the time to gaze into the omniscient sky on a starry night.
How I define “Creativity”
I think creativity is something that is unique to the standards of the person who is being creative. Creativity to me is an action in which a person expands upon the already present beliefs and skills of themselves or others. People can express creativity through actions like playing music, making useful innovations, producing new artwork, or even doing simple behaviors in a different interesting way. I think the standards of someone’s personal creativity determines what they see as creative because creative actions are the results of personal ideas being expanded and improved. My definition of creativity however is when someone uses previous knowledge and in someway implements themselves into the creation of something new.
What is the source of “Creativity?”
I think that the source of creativity comes from the process of knowing, thinking, motivating and producing. I think all creative actions start with a source of knowledge that is to be expanded upon. Then comes the creative thinking of the individual to make something new. This thinking is related to how an individual approaches and implements style in the thought of solving a problem. I then think there needs to be a motivation for the action of creativity. I think this source of motivation is important in provoking one’s interest and skills. Then the last source of creativity comes from the personal skills and abilities that someone has in creating what they desire. If I had to give an overall source of creativity it would have to be, a motivation to make something better and different than the last.