Intuitively I have always thought that creativity is a spiritual act. I mean, what is “God” to most people but the ultimate “creator,” right? But I’ve never been able to put my finger on why I feel that creativity is spiritual. So I asked the AI engine ChatGPT and its answer gave me a very interesting insight. Below is the prompt I used, the ChatGPT response, and then my reaction to it. Hope it inspires you a little.

Prompt:

Write a thoughtful five-paragraph blog post about creativity and spirituality.

ChatGPT AI response:

Creativity and spirituality are two concepts that may seem unrelated at first glance, but in reality, they are deeply intertwined. Creativity is the ability to generate new ideas and perspectives, while spirituality is the search for meaning and connection to something greater than oneself. Both are essential for a fulfilling life and can help us to find purpose and joy in our daily existence.

When it comes to creativity, many people believe that it is something that only a select few possess. However, creativity is a skill that can be developed and nurtured, just like any other. The key to unlocking your creative potential is to approach life with a sense of curiosity and openness. By allowing yourself to be open to new ideas and perspectives, you open the door to a world of possibilities. And when you are able to tap into your own creativity, you can achieve great things, whether it's in your personal or professional life.

On the other hand, spirituality is a way to connect with something greater than ourselves. It can be different for everyone, whether it's through religion, meditation, or other practices. Spirituality can provide a sense of purpose and meaning in life, and it can also help us to find inner peace and contentment. A spiritual practice can help us to let go of our worries, fears, and doubts, and allow us to focus on the present moment. It can also help us to find a deeper sense of connection with others and the world around us.

When we combine creativity and spirituality, we can achieve a state of flow, where we feel fully engaged and in the moment. In this state, we are able to tap into our deepest creativity and come up with new ideas and solutions to problems. We also feel a sense of purpose and meaning, and we are able to connect with something greater than ourselves. This can be a truly transformative experience and one that can help us to find fulfillment and joy in our lives.

In conclusion, creativity and spirituality are not mutually exclusive concepts. In fact, they can be synergistic, and when we combine them, we can achieve greater things. By developing our creativity and engaging in a spiritual practice, we can unlock our full potential and find meaning and purpose in our lives. It's essential to keep a balance between these two aspects of life in order to maintain a healthy and fulfilled life.

My reaction:

I had a visceral reaction to the following sentence from the AI response: “We feel a sense of purpose and meaning, and we are able to connect with something greater than ourselves.” That is as close as I’ve seen to connecting the creativity and spirituality dots.

What is creativity but manifesting something that didn’t exist before? A new idea, just prior to being had, was outside our perceived existence. In that sense, it was something greater than ourselves. And what is spirituality but connecting with, and believing in, something greater than ourselves, or something outside of our perceived existence?

Interestingly, faith is required for both. One must have faith that a new idea is possible in order to come up with it. If you don’t believe an idea for something can be had, then you will certainly prove yourself right. Similarly, one must have faith in an “other” - God, the source, etc. - in order for it to provide any sense of spiritual meaning or purpose.

I wouldn’t say my finger is squarely on this issue just yet. But is it a coincidence that I feel more alive than at any other time when I have, or witness the birth of, an idea? It’s creativity, sure, as we traditionally define it.

But maybe it’s also creation.

Will Burns is the Founder & CEO of Ideasicle X. Follow him on LinkedIn.