Calming the chaos: Learning from courageous leaders and leaning into creativity

In January, our country was on fire literally and figuratively. It’s been hard for me to make sense of so much that has happened. I’m trying to balance leaning into curiosity rather than judgment and staying true to my values. I’m making conscious choices so I don’t succumb to the chaos, and two of those choices are celebrating and learning from courageous individuals and leaning into creativity.

Celebrating courageous individuals

We recently celebrated Holocaust Remembrance Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. I chose to focus on these days and listen to the Nobel Peace Prize speeches of two courageous men—Elie Wiesel and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. These speeches were given in 1986 and 1964 but are still relevant today.

One quote from Elie Wiesel’s speech is in the image below. What strikes me is the emphasis on the harm of silence and neutrality. Sometimes I wonder: What if I don’t have the words? What if I don’t have enough knowledge? What if my frustration surfaces and not my grace? What if I don’t know how to help?” What if….What if….

In these moments, I look to these courageous examples of how they speak with humility, truth, and strength. We also live in a time where so many organizations are making a difference, focusing on non-violent advocacy, and offering tangible ways to help. When I’m overwhelmed, I remind myself I can learn from those who have been doing the work.

Connecting to ourselves and others through creativity

I also chose to lean into creativity to help calm the chaos. For me, feelings can be tamed and untwisted with the stroke of a pen, a tap on the keyboard, or a playful hum of notes. Over the past few years, this habit has changed my life. When I’m up at night from worry, I ask how my reaction to a situation can be transformed into healing and molded into writing. The product is far from perfect, may remain unfinished, and may only be for me at that moment. It’s often more about the process.

I was recently reminded of the power of creativity when my daughter and I went to a school theatre performance of Beauty and the Beast. Whenever my daughter was moved by the music, dance, or acting, she put her head on my shoulder. I’ve noticed this over the years. She’ll hug me during church when a song affects her or grab my hand when a routine in a friend’s dance recital is too beautiful to put into words.

What is extraordinary is that these performances are far from perfect. They are made up of young learners. A pitch may be missed or a line or move forgotten, but it makes no difference. The performers’ combined creative energy and joy stir something inside those witnessing it.

The beauty of creativity is that it brings healing and connects us to ourselves and others in a way that little else can. As a friend of mine says, as we create, it connects us to the original creator. Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, also speaks to the spiritual nature of creativity. She says, “When we open ourselves to exploring our creativity, we open ourselves to God: good orderly direction” (3).

I find this to be true yet paradoxical. Creativity involves a potent dose of mystery but can also bring clarity. Losing myself in the flow helps clear clutter and opens me up to peace. That peace helps me take the next step even if I can see nothing further.

Moving forward with creative courage and courageous leaders

I continue to grow in courage, but one thing I’ve learned from reading countless books and watching myself evolve is creativity plays an important role in courage. Our creativity may be expressed in different ways—writing, playing music, taking photographs, acting, crafting, cooking, drawing, woodworking—and may be done with a beginner’s hands. But the creator meets us in our play and imperfections and molds our experience into something worthwhile.

Historical and present-day examples of courageous leadership are also paramount to our growth. They give us hope in the lowest times and an understanding of true character and love. They’ve endured hardship that has brought them to their knees but did not break them. They’ve created a legacy of courage that continues to inspire so that our collective courage rises and rises until it washes away injustice.

Who is a courageous individual you admire?
From their example, what is one thing you can bring into your life?
Is there a creative project you are open to trying this week?

Going deeper - Check out:
The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity book review
More inspiring quotes from courageous individuals
20-second or less nature video reflections on peace