Children are often much more creative and spontaneous than we crusty old adults, perhaps because they've not yet learned to be humiliated by expressions of joy, love and creativity. Their minds have not yet been swept and tidied into the little box called Supposed To. But, as one of the world's greatest wisdom teachers taught, for true inspiration and enlightenment we must become as children again. Yet another taught that enlightment requires a beginner's mind. There's a pattern emerging here! Ready for a little creativity-boosting play time? Ahhh, not to worry; we'll start slowly! After all, it takes a lot of practice and confidence to be mindfully immature!

Tip
To shake loose some of your mental cobwebs, let yourself out to play! Make a deal with yourself to buy three toys this week to put in your workspace (or anywhere else you're inclined to take yourself far too seriously!) as Creativity Anchors, and, of course, to play with when you need a little boost. Your toys don't need to be expensive; in fact, they shouldn't be. Select the wacky, inexpensive, silly kind you find in a gumball machine, point-of-purchase bins in the toy store, or the kid's section at the local drug store. Select three that make you smile and feel a little goofy or child-like, and put them where you can easily see and touch them in your workspace. Play with at least one each day during the next week. Our prediction? You'll enjoy them so much you'll extend both your play-time timeframe and your toy collection!