Curiosity.
Following inspiration,
Sparks lead me forwards.
—x—
Creativity.
Senses and ideas flowing,
Where will they take me?
—x—
Cultivating space,
For imaginative forms.
My vision appears.
—x—
Haiku poems by Holly Bailie
Hi, I’m Holly, a career/life coach and mindfulness facilitator. Here at Zestful Zen, I share tips on self-care, creativity and personal growth, to help you live mindfully with zest, zen, and purpose. Subscribe to join our supportive community and our Gentle Gatherings. Come inside and cosy up by the fire. You’re so welcome here. ☕️💕
What is creativity?
I see creativity in many forms. There are the obvious ones. Art in all its infinitesimal categories, crafts similarly wide ranging (many with geographic specificity), and the abundance of writing (umpteen genres).
Then there’s the diversity of building (actual buildings, bridges, tech, furniture, businesses, communities…)
Add on the innovation we can bring to projects of all kinds (marketing, policies, publishing, cooking…) plus the imagination of pure wondering, and it becomes clear that you can bring a creative flavour to just about anything.
What does creativity mean to you?
Work with me! How I can help you ✅
For career clarity, navigating change and personal growth: 1-to-1 coaching.
Manage stress, build mind-body connection and be fully present through mindfulness (live group classes and self-paced e-courses).
Creative curiosity
At the heart of creativity, for me, is curiosity. That spark that makes you reflect, “I wonder…” That prompts you to look at something from a different angle. That gives you the urge to explore, to make something, just to see.
Creative curiosity is energising and absorbing. A unique form of mindfulness, where we’re fully focused and in flow.
We could be making something as simple as a doodle. Or as intricate as a filigree necklace. Either way, we’re all in. We can drop into flow for a few precious moments or escape into our creative world for hours.
What sparks your creativity?
Sensory stimulation
The world around us and our senses’ interpretations of it are endless sources of creative inspiration.
Perhaps a ray of shimmering sunlight sparks an idea. Maybe you spot a beautiful pattern, or gaze at bold, bright poppies that make your heart sing. Or the depth of flavour of some smooth, earthy chocolate prompts a poem.
Touching the sinuous curves and rugged texture of tree bark might take your mind on a journey.
Hearing birdsong or an unusual beat could inform a composition. Maybe you inhale cinnamon deeply and instantly conjure up a scene in your imagination.
A conversation with a close friend might jar a memory loose or set you off down a rabbit hole of discovery and debate.
Movement as muse
Moving my body often helps unconscious ideas rise to the surface. I’ll be out on a walk and suddenly words spill from my mind into my Notes app (safety disclaimer: I still look where I’m going!)
I might be vacuuming, sweeping, doing the dishes or ironing and a nascent project will take clearer form. There’s something about repetitive motion that frees my mind to ideate without pressure or barriers.
I could even be jumping around in Zumba or posed in downward dog when a solution or pathway suddenly becomes obvious. When my body is in flow, my creative mind comes along for the journey.
The power of place
Do you have a creative “home” that inspires you?
Have you settled in an airy art studio, or a cosy nook for writing? Perhaps you prefer the buzz of a busy cafe, or there’s a favourite park bench where people-watching gets your creative juices flowing.
You might take yourself off on retreat to the seaside or mountains for a few days to dive deep on a project. Or maybe it’s easiest to ideate with the world whipping past your window on the train.
I mostly bounce between my sofa, surrounded by my kitties; my kitchen table; and a selection of local cafes and libraries. These familiar places have the essentials I need: light, space, sounds, comfort (and ideally a cuppa).
But I dream of one day devoting a whole week to writing surrounded by nature, either deep in the UK countryside or the jungles of Bali. Birthday wish list…?!
Inspiring individuals
We can also take inspiration from others. Something in a piece of art might spark an idea. A person’s style may send you exploring. Feedback from creative counterparts could help you better shape a piece (thank you Writing in Progress circle!)
We can harness the power of prompts generously crafted and shared by creatives. I’m fascinated by the diversity of pieces that emerge from the same simple prompt (case in point: the single-word themes of WRITE UP).
In 2026, I want to follow my innate curiosity plus try creative sparks provided by people who inspire me. Join me? For heaps of imaginative prompts, check out these creators:
Artist Georgie St Clair’s Creative Snacks: playful exercises to spark inspiration. Also check out Georgie’s Instagram for her stunning pen and ink drawings.
Visual strategist Georgina Dean’s Creatively Wondering including her LIVE Sparks sessions on Substack Live and her recent 12 Days of Winter Wonder series on Notes (Links here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. I’m still catching up on these prompts, why not join me?)
Designer Kate Campbell’s Wonderlust including her Creative Sparks series.
Event Queen Amy I Beeson 🐝’s in-person and online gatherings for inspiration and encouragement, including Monday Morning Pages and Substack meet-ups.
Author Beth Kempton’s Winter Writing Sanctuary and #TinyAutumnPoems challenge (both free) helped me experiment, and I’ve subsequently fallen in love with writing haiku. Also check out her book The Way of The Fearless Writer and her SoulCircle membership.
Who inspires you to create, and how?
Self-reflection and journal prompts ✍️
When are you at your most creative? Why?
What would you love to create, but haven’t dared to?
If you could try one new creative practice tomorrow, what would it be?
What holds back your creativity? How can you overcome this hurdle?
Where can you practice creativity in community?
Share your perspective ✨
I’d love to hear your reflections on creativity, curiosity and imagination. What fires up your creative spirit? When do you experience flow and focus? What’s your favourite creative spot?
If you enjoyed this post, please comment, like or share with others. Thanks for your support! ✨