Leadership, Creativity and Buddhism
What do leadership, creativity and Buddhism have in common?
Let me share my perspective on this through the lens of the creative journey:
In The Art Process, we often explore how leadership (in art or in the workplace), creativity, and even spiritual practices like Buddhism intertwine in our artistic expression. Imagine you're standing in front of a blank canvas - that's where these ideas really come alive!
Leadership in art is about trusting your inner voice and guiding your hand to make those first bold strokes. It's having the courage to start, to lead yourself into the unknown of creation.
Creativity, of course, is the heart of what we do. It's that spark that ignites when you mix colors in unexpected ways or try a new technique you've never used before. It's about being open to happy accidents and allowing your imagination to flow freely.
Now, where does Buddhism fit in? It's in the mindfulness we practice as we create. It's being present with each brushstroke, observing our thoughts and emotions as they arise during the creative process without judgment. It's finding that sense of flow where you lose track of time and become one with your art.
All three share the element of letting go - letting go of perfectionism in leadership, letting go of preconceived notions in creativity, and letting go of attachments in Buddhism. In The Art Process, we embrace this release, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and authentic in our expression.
Remember how we talk about the interconnectedness of all things in our sessions? That's where these concepts really shine together.
Let me share some specific examples from The Art Process that illustrate how these Buddhist principles have woven their way into the way I facilitate the creative process.
Mindfulness in the studio is like a dance with your materials. Remember when we did that exercise where we spent five full minutes just exploring the texture of a single sheet of paper? That's mindfulness in action. We weren't trying to create anything specific; we were simply present with the material, noticing its weight, its sound, its response to our touch. This practice helps us approach our art with fresh eyes every time, even with familiar materials.
Adaptability comes into play when we embrace the unexpected in our work. Think about our "happy accident" sessions, where we intentionally spill paint or make "mistakes." Instead of getting frustrated, we practice adapting our vision to incorporate these unplanned elements.
Non-attachment is perhaps the most challenging but transformative principle we work with. Remember our "let it go" exercise? We spend hours creating a piece, then alter or even destroy parts of it. It's not about being careless with our work, but about releasing our grip on the outcome. Like when we create beautiful collages and I ask you to then cut them up and rearrange the pieces. The process of watching your careful work dissolve was uncomfortable, but it led to a depth and mystery in the piece that wouldn't have been there otherwise.
In terms of creative leadership, these principles guide how I structure the creative workshops. I remain mindful of each participant's unique journey, adaptable to the energy and needs of the group, and non-attached to my own expectations of how a session "should" go.
Another example is our "blind contour" drawing practice. It's a perfect blend of mindfulness (focusing intently on the subject), adaptability (working with what appears on the paper), and non-attachment (letting go of the need for the drawing to look "right"). I've seen how this simple exercise can unlock creativity and confidence in even the most hesitant beginners.
These principles aren't just techniques; they're a way of approaching art and life. They allow us to stay open, fluid, and present in our creative process, leading to work that's not only visually compelling but deeply meaningful and authentic.
These principles aren't just techniques; they're a way of approaching art and life. They allow us to stay open, fluid, and present in our creative process, leading to work that's not only visually compelling but deeply meaningful and authentic.
What is a creative leader in the workplace?
As a leader, one has to have a vision. However, a CREATIVE leader does not have a fixed mindset but a growth mindset. That means having the humility to be open to various ideas. That in turn creates a sense of openness and interconnectedness. Your workers will sense this, feel this and ultimately be motivated to do their best for the good of the whole organism.
An example of a Creative workshop in the workplace
In one workshop, I gave everyone a canvas, paint and a specific prompt. They began the piece and then I rang a bell for them to stop and put their brush down. They were asked to pass the piece to the person next to them to continue. This continued around the room. After their first reluctance to “let go” of their piece, they began to laugh together and connect. By the time the piece made its way back to the original person,, they were asked to observe how different and richer the art was from this collaborative project. Team bonding and discussion at it’s best!
Isn't it beautiful how our art can become a reflection of these profound concepts? Keep exploring, keep creating, and keep leading yourself to new artistic discoveries!
Do you need to be an artist to create art?
If we follow the reasoning above, it follows that ANYONE can be creative and make art given the right stimulation and circumstance. That is why The Art Process Method is so successful. It encourages and exercises that creative muscle, taking the self criticism out of the picture (a sure way to deaden creativity!) By incorporating meditation and self inquiry into the creative process, it opens the doorways to your unique vision and self expression!
