Creativity is often seen as a serious endeavour, something that is only reserved for artists, musicians, and other creative professionals. However, creativity is not just about making art or music. It is also about the ability to think in different boxes, solve problems in new and innovative ways and simply have fun.

In today's world, it is more important than ever to be able to think creatively. The pace of change is accelerating, and the old ways of doing things are no longer enough. We need to be able to adapt and come up with new solutions to the challenges we face.

One way to enhance our ability to think creatively is to PLAY. Play is often seen as frivolous or unproductive, but it is actually essential for creativity. When we play, we let go of our inhibitions and allow our imaginations to run wild. We are free to experiment and try new things without fear of failure.

Abstract and intuitive painting and illustrating are two forms of play that can be very helpful for enhancing creativity. When we paint or illustrate abstractly, we are not bound by any rules or constraints. We can simply let our imaginations take over and create whatever we want. This can be a very liberating experience, and it can help us to tap into our creative potential.

In addition to being a form of play, abstract and intuitive painting and illustrating can also be a way to express ourselves. When we create art in this way, we are not trying to create a realistic representation of the world. Instead, we are trying to express our own unique thoughts, feelings and emotions. This can be a very therapeutic experience and it can help us to connect with our inner selves.

So, how can we best leverage creativity to enhance our ability to play in life? Here are a few tips:

• Make time for play. It is important to make time for play in our busy lives. This could mean setting aside some time each day to paint or draw, or it could mean taking a day trip to a museum or art gallery or anything else that sparks adventure.

• Experiment. When we play, we should be open to experimenting and trying new things. This could mean trying a new art medium, or it could mean simply letting our imaginations run wild.

• Don't be afraid to fail. When we play, we should not be afraid to fail. In fact, failure can be a valuable learning experience. It can help us to learn what works and what doesn't, and it can help us to grow as artists.

• Share your work. Once you have created some art, share it with others. This could mean showing it to friends and family, or it could mean submitting it to an art show. Sharing your work can help you to connect with others and to get feedback on your work.

Creativity is a gift, and it is something that we should all nurture. By playing, experimenting, and sharing our work, we can enhance our ability to think creatively and enhance our ability to play in life.

In addition to the tips above, here are some other ways to leverage creativity to enhance our ability to play in life:

• Take a creative class. There are many creative classes available, both online and in person.
  Taking a creative class can be a great way to learn new skills and meet other creative people.

• Join a creative community. There are many online and offline creative communities where you can connect with other creative people.
  These communities can provide support, inspiration, and feedback.

• Read books and articles about creativity. There are many great books and articles about creativity.
  Reading about creativity can help you to understand the creative process and to develop your own creative skills.

• Listen to music and watch movies that inspire you. Music and movies can be a great source of inspiration.
  Listening to music and watching movies that inspire you can help you to tap into your own creativity.

Creativity is a journey, not a destination.
The more you play, experiment and share your work, the more creative you will become.
So, get out there and start PLAYING!

For inspiration look at my latest series called PLAY 2023.