Creativity creates creativity!
The chain reaction that is alive and well.
Shining a light on others
My alarm went off at 5am and I was on the 6:07am train into London. That’s what happens when you’re on a radio breakfast show as a live guest! It was so brilliant getting to see the impressive new studios for Premier Radio and have a half an hour chat with the Inspirational Breakfast Show host, the brilliant Esther Higham, all about spoken word poetry and creativity.
Best of all, it gave me the chance to showcase some of my favourite spoken word poets and play clips of their pieces to an audience that may never have heard their words. We played Dai Woolridge’s ‘That’s My King’ and Storm Cecile’s ‘Tomb’s entrance’. Both completely wow! You can listen back to the interview here. The question is, who could I shine a light on today - pointing others to the meaningful contribution someone else is making? Let’s spread the love!
Multiplying Creativity
What’s been exciting me recently is the multiplication that happens when we share our creativity. The moment we’re brave enough to let a creative piece out of our head or notebook and let others in on it, not only does the message of it have a chance to impact someone else, but a byproduct is that it might also inspire their own creativity. I’ve been observing that happen recently and it’s a complete joy. After leading a Poetry & Puds event in Tunbridge Wells on National Poetry Day in October, someone heard about it and was inspired to put on a similar event for her community in London. I was then asked to write an article about the event for Evangelicals Now which encourages others to think about using their creativity in a similar way.
After embarking on my Advent series of Instagram Lives - swapping poems with a different poet each week (you can find them on my Instagram page) - someone got in touch to say that it had inspired them to write a poem every day during the Advent season. Now, that’s quite some creative productivity!
And after speaking at Pembury Baptist Church recently, including two poems in my sermon, I heard that someone had been inspired to craft their own piece and shared it at the service the following week. Yay!
So go on, let out that little spark and watch the chain reaction of creativity!
Creative prompt
Here’s a prompt if you fancy a new creative idea. Simply cut out a random selection of words from a magazine (this was my selection above, all from Good Housekeeping!) and see if you can create something meaningful out of them. I created a short poem, but you could try a letter, a list, a story. The limited number of words available to use is obviously a challenge, but it can also force us to create something in a new style we wouldn’t normally use.
Here’s what I came up with, below. Why not give it a go?
Upcoming
I’m looking forward to taking part in the Ekkleisa round table conference for church leaders at St.Paul’s Hammersmith on 12th March. I’ll be sharing a number of spoken word pieces throughout the day that link with the various topics under their heading ‘The Discipleship Deficit’.
I’m heading to the ‘Preachers’ Workshop’ hosted by J.John on 18th March. It’s a gathering intended to sharpen our communication skills and I’m all up for that!
It’s the Christ Church Tunbridge Wells women’s weekend away 20-22nd March and I have the joy of being on the planning team and speaking during the weekend. There’s nothing like getting away from our normal surroundings to take stock and get some perspective. Can’t wait!
I’m busy researching the guests for the next recording sessions of Facing The Canon, where J.John interviews interesting guests about their faith, lives and work. I’ve always loved a good biography - I just find people’s stories fascinating. I never fail to be inspired delving into these lives. You can catch up on any of the interviews here.
In between times, I’m trying to put the finishing touches to the book proposal for Andy and my book of poetry and photographs. It’s been a long time coming and we’re going to push the doors to see if a publisher might be interested. Let’s see where the book dream takes us in 2026!
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
~ Maya Angelou
Till next time!
With love from the Cabin,
Hi Naomi, it was myself that you inspired from your talk at PBC! I had a lot of positive feedback and I have found a new voice. Thank you. I will be sharing the poem here very soon xx