Teachers Help Others Tend the Garden of Creativity

Creativity is always at the forefront of my mind. I see the potential in others and long to help them realize the full potential that they have hidden deep inside of themselves. I think that all teachers can relate to that feeling. At the heart of a true educator sits this desire to see others bloom into the person that they are meant to be.

I’ve been asked why I would teach, since there’s really not any money in it. That question makes me just shake my head and think, “They just don’t get it do they?!” Granted we all need money to pay bills, buy food and purchase clothing, but a teacher teaches to expand minds, enrich lives and touch souls. So, with that said, I dedicate this blog to all of the educators that have given up the opportunities for a big fat paycheck. You see value in people over money and I applaud you!

A few weeks ago I briefly mentioned at the end of a short lecture that creativity is like a garden that needs tending & care in order to be fruitful. That’s the thought that I will expand upon here.

 





It’s safe to say that no one is born a gardener, knowing all that needs to be known of tending and caring for a garden. In the same way, we must realize that no one is born with a garden fully in bloom. When we are young others help us by lovingly tending our gardens of creativity. As they tend, they also teach us how to tend and nurture and grow a full garden. A young garden has soil that is very workable and easy for the plants of creativity to take root and grow. The soil is loose and rich and eager for new life. It is within those early years that tender care be given to the soil so that it will stay rich and ready to produce year after year.  It needs to be given enough sunlight and rain to stay alive along with nutrients being put back into the soil.

Even soil that is older, hard packed and sun baked can be made workable again. It may take a bit more work and care, but it can be done. Life can be breathed back into that old garden of creativity that has been neglected. It may even take more work than you think is worth it, but don’t give up because you will be pleased in the end. You might even want to ask another to help you. Playing in the garden of creativity is often times more fun when shared with someone else. As we work, we talk and share ideas, get constructive suggestions and the time will pass more quickly making the work seem easier and fun.  

So, what kind of creativity garden do you have? Is it a vegetable and fruit garden that produces nourishment for yourself and other? Maybe it’s a flower garden that produces beauty to be enjoyed by all. Could it be an herb and spice garden that adds liveliness to the world? Or is it a combination of all of the gardens? Whichever creativity garden you have, share it so that others may enjoy it too. You will find that in sharing you bless and are blessed.

Now a note to all educators, whether you are parent, grandparent, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, cousin, friend, mentor or teacher, lead by example and tend to your own creativity garden so that you may bless others with its beauty and life. And remember your creativity must be fed, so that you have the strength to help others. So go ahead, get your hands dirty!!