Written by Ryan Conston
Surrounded by scenic hills, a sunny day unfolded, casting a radiant glow on our Day of Spirit “Creativity Without Judgement” experience. With eager anticipation, I looked forward to this first adventure on the Open Spirit Campus. The day’s agenda promised an exciting platform for artistic expression and a celebration of the creative spirit.
I had the privilege of helping guide our opening reflection, a metaphor that beautifully encapsulated the journey of creativity, likening it to a steady-flowing river that transforms obstacles into sources of beauty. As we explore the transformative voyage of creative expression, obstacles encountered along the way symbolize life’s challenges, yet through the process, they morph into sources of creative allure. We also emphasized creativity as a powerful means to navigate and enhance well-being. By letting go of self-judgment and exploring their creative capacity, we can transform obstacles into opportunities for growth. This demonstration set the tone for the day as we embarked on our creative paths, shifting our collective focus from end results to appreciating the beautiful and evolving process of creativity.
Immersing ourselves in the diverse activities of the event was a delightful experience, with workshops ranging from photography to crafting. The culinary adventure I and others embarked on using pumpkins with Safiyat was a highlight, a journey of mixing and blending flavors that radiated the pure joy of creating something delicious. This hands-on experience served as a powerful testament to the boundless nature of creativity, demonstrating that even the simple act of preparing a meal can be an exquisite artistic expression.
As the day waned and the sun dipped below the horizon, everything culminated in the much-anticipated Open Mic Night. Under the canvas of the setting sun, with a backdrop of vibrant colors, participants took to the stage to share their talents. It was a symphony of voices, melodies, and stories, each one a testament to the creativity of the human spirit.
The evening was inspiring, not only for the quality of the performances but for the very essence of the event. It reminded me that even amidst struggles, we have the power to transform, to turn adversity into art, and to discover the joy of creative expression. It was a day that celebrated the value of community, of connection, and of reframing challenges as opportunities for growth and change.
The entire day radiated a sense of warmth and positivity that I’ll surely remember. It was in this harmonious convergence of nature’s beauty and human creativity that I found myself pondering the transformative power of obstacles as catalysts for creative expression.
For me, “Creativity Without Judgment” was more than an event; it was a journey of self (re)discovery, a celebration of human capacity, and symbol of creativity flowering even in the face of obstacles. It was an “oasis of joy,” an illustration that in the embrace of community and the overcoming of challenges, we can make ourselves feel young (again), full of creative vitality and the promise of new horizons.