ANNA ABRAHAM - Author of “The Neuroscience of Creativity” - Director of Torrance Center for Creativity & Talent Development
Feb 17, 2023
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Anna Abraham, author of “The Neuroscience of Creativity” and Director of Torrance Center for Creativity & Talent Development, discusses the psychological and neurophysiological mechanisms underlying creativity. She explores the physical embodiment in improv compared to writing and the cultivation of creative confidence. Chapters in the podcast also cover topics such as water as a metaphor for imagination, the unique mindset of artists, identifying the best ideas amidst a flow of creativity, modes of creativity, cultural memory and imagination, and the importance of creativity for personal development.
Creativity should be seen as something that can be worked on and developed over time, similar to physical fitness.
Understanding and respecting the diverse cultural approaches to creativity allows for a broader appreciation of different perspectives and artistic expressions.
Technology and social media can both enhance and limit creativity, so it is important to protect and nourish our imaginative spaces to allow for free exploration and the joy of creation.
Deep dives
The Importance of Recognizing and Cultivating Creativity
Creativity is a fundamental drive that everyone possesses, and it is important to recognize and cultivate it. While some may express it more than others, everyone has the potential to tap into their creativity. Similar to physical fitness, creativity should be seen as something that can be worked on and developed over time. It is crucial to take the time to explore what interests and excites you creatively, whether it is writing, cooking, painting, or any other form of expression. By devoting regular time and self-reflecting on the creative process, one can develop confidence and strength in their creativity.
The Influence of Cultural Perspectives on Creativity
Different cultures have unique perspectives on creativity and imagination. In some cultures, there is a strong belief in the power of stories, myths, and the blending of reality and imagination. These cultures embrace the magical and fantastical, considering them a part of everyday life. On the other hand, Western cultures often prioritize individuality, freedom, and self-expression. Understanding and respecting the diverse cultural approaches to creativity allows for a broader appreciation of different perspectives and artistic expressions.
The Impact of Technology and Social Media on Creativity
Technology and social media have influenced our imaginative capacities. They can both enhance and limit creativity. The constant exposure to other people's opinions and ideas can make it challenging to develop a unique creative standpoint. The attentional demands of technology and social media can also impede deep focus and reflection, which are essential for nurturing creativity. It is important to be aware of the potential negative effects of technology and find ways to protect and nourish our imaginative spaces, allowing for free exploration and the joy of creation.
Recognizing the Magnitude of Creativity
Creativity exists on different magnitudes, and not all creative endeavors are the same. Some creativity may involve building upon existing concepts or forms, while others may push the boundaries of what is known and accepted. It is essential to acknowledge and appreciate the diversity of creative expressions and not just focus on the notion of completely new or groundbreaking ideas. Embracing and encouraging creativity in all its forms is vital for personal growth and innovation.
Taking Ownership of Your Creativity
Young people should recognize that creativity is within their reach and embrace it as a personal endeavor. Developing creativity requires self-reflection, exploring areas of interest, and devoting regular time to creative practices. It is important to not let external opinions or pressures limit or stifle creative expression. By developing confidence and a sense of personal agency in their creativity, young individuals can unlock their unique creative potential and make valuable contributions to the world.
The Power of Self-Reflection and Sustained Creative Practice
Self-reflection is a crucial element in nurturing creativity. By studying one's own mind, thought processes, and creative experiences, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their creative selves. Regular creative practice, akin to physical fitness, allows for continuous growth and improvement in one's creative abilities. The more one engages in creative endeavors, the more surprises and unique ideas can emerge. Sustained creative practice and self-reflection not only contribute to personal growth but also pave the way for originality, innovation, and a fulfilling creative journey.
Anna Abraham, Ph.D. is the E. Paul Torrance Professor and Director of the Torrance Center for Creativity and Talent Development at the University of Georgia (USA). She investigates the psychological and neurophysiological mechanisms underlying creativity and other aspects of the human imagination, including the reality-fiction distinction, mental time travel, social and self-referential cognition, and mental state reasoning. She is the author of the 2018 book, The Neuroscience of Creativity (Cambridge University Press) and the editor of the multidisciplinary volume, The Cambridge Handbook of the Imagination (2020).
“In the case of improv, where it's physical, it might be a slightly different experience as well compared to someone sitting in front of a page and trying to write because like those physical embodiments, whether it's in a sporting arena or any sport or where you're trying to improvise in front of a group of people... And verbally, of course, if it's standup comedy or that kind of improv, you are in a collective space.
Creative confidence is something that really can't be taught. And you can tell people 'you should be more confident,' but it's something that they have to...that can be cultivated by the person themselves. But usually what you see is this enormous confidence. Sometimes they'll say it with these sort of destiny kind of words. Like 'I was put here for this reason. I know that I have a purpose in life and that is...' And that stems from a sort of profound confidence about what they have to offer the world and what lies within them. And so I would say those two features are perhaps the things that those sorts of people embody.”
