Chronic Creativity Symptom #1: Claustrophobia

The fear of being confined.

(con't)

Try exploring the history of your city. Although I am not a history buff, I began to do this. Each nugget of information that I found led me on another quest for more. The more I searched, the more inspired I got about Paramount Records which recorded many of the “race records” of the 1920’s and 30’s. I discovered that legendary Delta blues artists came to my city to record their songs. Tremendous African American and music history happened literally BLOCKS from my home! Talk about a treasure in your own back yard! The Paramount story continues to intrigue and inspire me to this day! What legendary events took place near you?

Another interesting area that I discovered just this past summer was the Kohler Design Center in Kohler, WI. I drove by the city many times without ever realizing the richness of history, art, and design that dwelt there. From the outside of the Kohler Design Center, I gathered that it was just a bathroom showroom. When I got inside, I was in awe of how beautiful the model bathrooms and kitchens were. I found the various themes fascinating. Then, when I used the bathroom in the basement, I was surprised to see a museum full of antique bathroom items. I saw what the first toilets looked like. I saw what the bathrooms of my grandmother’s era looked like. In addition, I discovered sculptures and works of art in this basement museum. I read writings on the wall and saw photos that educated me. I learned about the rich history of the city of Kohler, it’s people, and the wonderful work philosophy of Mr. Kohler. Finally, I was able to view a short movie that gave more history. I discovered a gold mine of inspiration in a place that specializes in toilets and sinks!

The beauty of exploration is that it can be applied to any venue. Although it can be applied to our environment, it can also be applied to the arts, science, politics, government, math, education, religion, medicine, etc… The list is endless. Think about it. How many advances have been made as a result of someone being driven by curiosity and the passion to explore? Where would this world be if it were not for the explorers? Where would this world be if nobody ever jumped outside of the box? This world would be extremely primitive.

At times, I have failed to explore certain things in life for fear of being rejected, made fun of, or being labeled as rebellious. Once in awhile I become intrigued and want to follow up on an idea. But then there is also that conflict inside of me. “Just who do you think you are? You are insane. That’s a ridiculous idea. It’s not going to work.” To be perfectly honest, I am fighting those thoughts even as I write this book! In the past, I have found it more convenient to compromise and to stop questioning just so that I could feel like I fit in. However, this road has usually left me feeling oppressed and melancholy. I have discovered that it is all right to be claustrophobic. After all, which is worse?

Claustrophobia — the fear of confinement -or-
Neophobia — the fear of innovation or anything new
Kainophobia — the fear of change
Agoraphobia — the fear of open space
Phronemophobia — the fear of thinking

It is possible for those who are not infected with Chronic Creativity to be injected with a series of shots. Here is the first shot. Go ahead and take it if you dare.

Shot #1: Explore

Start going down different paths. Ask questions. Follow your curiosity. Research your ideas. Explore your environment. Ignore those negative thoughts that tell you not to... whether they are coming from you or others. Remember, explorers like yourself have changed this world!

The Creative Ones

By Angela K. Mack

There are some who
are born and they follow...
roads already paved.

There are some who are born
and they wonder...
"There must be another way."
The latter, feel the pulse
of their Creator.

The former,
don't have such questions in life.
The poets, the artists, the dreamers,
ponder skies that are still unknown.
These entrepreneurs and pioneers
will say that JOURNEY is their home.

They voyage the oceans on ships
for new land.
They climb many mountains.
Their bare feet sculpt the sand.
They leap with excitement
when they discover a new door.
These solitary thrills
cheer them on to find more.
With eyes wide open
and minds that are free,
the Creative Ones
aren't content "to be".
Life is their canvas
and pilgrimage their song.
The journey is endless
to the Creative Ones. •

Next: Symptom #2: Creativity and Problemplasty »

About the Author | More by Angela Mack
Angela K. Mack is the Marketing Director and a Performing Arts Instructor at the North Shore Academy of the Arts. She enjoys composing music and writing articles and interviews in her spare time at creativeconnectionarts.com. She has spearheaded a revival of Paramount Records with her award-winning music history website. Her passion for spirituality, creativity, the arts, and race relations fuel many of her creative endeavors.

01/09/05