Creative Expression for Spontaneous Change

Imagine a world in which we are connected to the true power of our deep-rooted creativity...where we take the time and space to express ourselves in spontaneous ways, in areas of our lives that are important to us. What do you think might happen?

Would all of the inauthenticities and insecurities fall away to reveal the joy of simply being? Would the distractions that engulf our everyday lives retreat and allow for daily celebration? Would we buy less, spend less, work less, worry less?

I think so. When I express myself in creative, unrestricted ways, I feel more connected to my own self, my community and the energy of the universe as a whole. Life feels more streamlined and elegant. I truly think one of the most powerful tools for change is honoring our authentic selves and expressing the gifts we naturally bring to this world in creative, unique ways.

There are a thousand ways to joyfully express oneself in the world - it could be as simple as calling a friend in need, planting a tree, writing a letter to the editor, or attending a community meeting. It's so simple - when you open up to your creativity just for the sake of it and without expectation, you feel good!  And when you feel good, you help to make the world a better place by inspiring others. It's infectious.

This practice of spontaneous expression is one that I subscribe to in my work as a social documentary photographer and multimedia producer. Being a photographer in the world today is exciting. Powerful images combined with the impact of social media is bringing a whole other level of access, understanding and immediacy to stories, campaigns and issues around the world. A dramatic image truly can change our perception and alter our understanding of a subject.

My life and business have grown in the most surprising ways when I'm in my creative flow - my most interesting opportunities such as leading a photography tour to Bhutan in the Eastern Himalayas, photographing the Dalai Lama, and travelling to Liberia to photograph birthing women have arisen without much orchestrating - they are a result of being true to myself. I had to practice trust, and honour my creativity to find my voice and rhythm in the world before these opportunities could arise.

I have a confession.  I don't have a business plan. I never have and never will.  I am simply open to opportunities that arise and honor my intuitive feelings, and my path continues to unfold before me in the most exciting ways. And business is booming.

I am continuing to uncover that I naturally love working with women, gathering and building community, experiencing other cultures and languages, and celebrating others through authentic storytelling and photography. I am finding that I really love to paint and dance. Engaging in the things I love is a cycle of nourishment that feeds my soul and keeps me energized and motivated.

I truly believe if we all practiced listening to our intuition and honoring our subtle inner voice and creativity, in spite of long hours at work, family obligations or other distractions, step by step we would start to naturally act in rhythm with the universe and create spontaneous, joyful change in the world.

In the hopes of building on this conversation of creative change and inspiration, I'd like to pose a question to this forum. What are the fun, unique, creative ways in which you express yourself - big or small? How has this created positive change in your life or community? I trust that by sharing these creative passions, others will be inspired as well.

Jaime Kowal is a social documentary photographer, author and multimedia producer specializing in social, environmental, health and women’s stories. Clients include Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic Adventure Magazine, The Globe and Mail, and The Vancouver Foundation. www.jaimekowal.com