What is Reflective Creativity? I define this as the practice of achieving peace, stillness, balance, and understanding of our identity in Christ through the process of creativity. It is the development of how we translate one of God’s most dynamic attributes. This goal can be realized through an intentional discipline that directly reflects the image of God. This is something I have put into practice for many years as a creative artist and now want to share with others.

For me, reflective creativity looks like the art of crochet and knitting. Engaging in the process of creating with hook and yarn through the successive formation of loops and knots provides inexplicable relaxation and calm for me. Studies show that the repetitive motions used in crochet or knitting can aid in relieving stress by calming the mind and body. When I knit or crochet, at times I may sit in silence and concentrate solely on the stitches I am making. In turn, this causes me to reflect and focus on what I am in the process of producing or what my desired outcome of the piece is. This drowns out any negative thoughts that may be weighing on my mind. It also provides me with an escape from any problems I may be facing resulting in clarity on how to handle them. Other times when I knit or crochet, I may listen to the audio bible which helps me reflect on the word of God and His promises. As a result, they get planted in my heart equipping me to return these promises to Him through prayer.

Another form of reflective creativity for me is painting and drawing. Whether I’m drawing for fun or painting lace to be turned into jewelry, the concentrated attention to detail required in this skill serves as a form of meditation for me. The results are a calm mind through the reflection on the beauty of what I am creating.

Writing is also a form of reflective creativity for me. Whether it is creative writing in the form of poetry or writing an article for a blog, this process is in operation. As I engage in this process, I am forced, if you will to dissect and reflect on each word I pen. Simultaneously, God gives me revelation on what He wants to say through me as I continue to write.

Reflective creativity is an introspective practice I use to not only add value to what I make but also relieve/release stress and anxiety. This is achieved through focused and intentional reflection on God. In addition to the meaningful piece of work that will be produced through the creative expression I’m engaged in at that moment.

Now I would like to hear from you. What does reflective creativity look like in your life and how do you express this in a way that is unique to you? Share your thoughts below in a comment, I can’t wait to hear your heart on this topic.

Please visit my online shop at nyamani.co to view some of the results produced during my time in reflective creativity.