Our theme for January is JOURNEY. It was chosen by our Muscat chapter in Oman and illustrated by Salim Al Salami. 

Let’s go! Let’s get out there and see what the world has waiting for us. 

By putting ourselves in a new environment or experience, we gain a different perspective. That sense of discovery sparks fresh inspiration. If your brain feels stuck, try moving your feet. 

So, let’s travel somewhere we’ve never been - down the street or across a far-off border!

Or we can take a metaphorical journey - unlocking personal growth, advancing on our career paths, or undergoing a spiritual awakening… or we can enjoy a journey into our imagination through a book, film, or other work of art.

As we travel through life, everyone we meet is at a different point in their own unique journey.

Some of us know where we’re going, some paths are full of twists, turns, and obstacles thrown in our way. The trick is to embrace the detours and delays, because there are no shortcuts on a journey of self-discovery or creative expression.

Our October theme is VISION!

Our theme for October is VISION. It was chosen by our Riyadh chapter in Saudi Arabia and illustrated by Razan Alshalan.

How do you see the world?
How do you want to change it?

Vision refers both to the sense of sight and our ability to imagine the future. Are you focused on the little details? Can you see the big picture?

As we age, our eyesight begins to deteriorate; seeing objects up close gets more difficult. And as we gain experience, what we want to accomplish evolves. Will your life grow darker or brighter?

Each creative act involves seeing something in your mind’s eye then attempting to make it a reality. A painter, an architect, and every other type of artist or craftsman has a vision for their work. What message, emotion, or impact do you want to convey in yours?

You are your own visionary. What do you want to see?

Photo credit Kilian Broderick

The theme for September is REFLECTION!

Our theme for September is REFLECTION. It was chosen by our Oklahoma City chapter in Oklahoma and illustrated by Aditi Heins.

Just like an echo is a reflection of sound… and how a camera lens focuses reflected light to form a photograph… our subconscious reflects on our experiences to form our beliefs.

Without reflection, there can be no personal growth. Learning from our past yields greater wisdom and happiness. But don’t let self-awareness turn into self-absorption. Take heed of the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own handsome reflection in a pool of water. 

Reflecting on difficult moments can be painful but also healing. When our Oklahoma City chapter selected this theme, they mentioned a reflecting pool at the site of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that was designed to help people reflect on how they were changed by that tragic event. 

Pondering the world around us and following our curiosity adds depth to our creative work. As William Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet, the purpose of acting is “to hold as ‘twere the mirror up to nature.” While George Bernard Shaw said, “you use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul.” (Although Bertolt Brecht countered, “Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.”)

Reflection turns our traumas and triumphs into lessons. It’s how we can create a vision for a brighter future.

Our theme for August is RITUAL. It was chosen by our Charlottesville chapter in Virginia and illustrated by Matt Smithson.Rituals add meaning and a deeper sense of connection to our lives. They allow us to practice mindfulness and reflection. Unlike our daily routine and habits, rituals have the power to inspire us.

Brushing your teeth is routine. Going for a morning walk would be a good habit. And writing a gratitude journal could become your morning ritual. The key is to act with intentionality.

What rituals do you practice in your relationships, your spirituality, and your creative work? How do they heighten your sense of purpose and belonging in this world?

The theme for July is TRUST!

Our theme for July is TRUST. It was chosen by our Islamabad chapter and illustrated by Ibrahim Nasir.

Trust is the invisible thread that weaves the fabric of our relationships and society together. But, in turbulent times, doubt can unravel our strengths.So, go with your gut. Put your trust in a higher power, in our institutions, and in karma. Believe that people will do the right thing. Trust the process. And that your creativity is a well that will never run dry.When we trust each other, we feel safe to share ideas, give feedback, and take risks. It requires vulnerability and a willingness to be open to the possibility of disappointment or betrayal. So, trust is not purely belief or faith. It is an active choice.Trust is a gift. It must be given before it can be earned.Are you choosing wisely what you are doing with your trust?

June’s theme is PATTERN!

It was chosen by our Chennai chapter and illustrated by Nishant Saldanha.Our Chennai chapter’s selection of this theme was inspired by the art form kōlam; which features patterns of dots that are encircled or connected by straight and curved lines. These intricate, geometric designs are created on the thresholds and floors of houses, temples and businesses using rice flour. The practice is deeply rooted in South Indian culture to welcome guests into the home and bring good fortune and prosperity.

Which patterns in your relationships, work, and habits are worth repeating? Which ones should be changed? What new pattern do you want to create?Food for thought!

May’s theme is VIBRANT!

It was chosen by our San Antonio chapter and illustrated by Isabel Ann Castro.When was the last time you felt truly alive?

Heard a melody pulsing with a beat that made your body move. Taken in the view of a lush landscape or sparkling city skyline bursting with light and shadows. Locked eyes with a striking stranger. Poured yourself into prose that crackles off the page with electricity. Lost track of time in a conversation punctuated by spirited laughter. Stopped in your tracks in front of a canvas in a museum or a mural on the street with colors so bold and bright it popped from the paint straight into your synapses. 

It might not happen every day. But you can live a life full of energy and enthusiasm. You can bring a bit of brightness into every interaction. Our world is packed with vibrant masterpieces.

So, what is the last thing you did that made you feel alive?

#creativemorningsdublin #creativemornings #cmcommunity #CMVibrant #CMDublin

Our theme for April is SPICY. It was chosen by our Tucson chapter and illustrated by Sophie McTear.

Oh yeah, that’s hot! 

When you’re cooking, spices add flavor, depth, and complexity to an otherwise plain culinary dish. Spicy foods interact with receptors in our mouth and can trigger sensations of heat and even pain.

Being open to trying new and bold tastes is a good lesson for bringing daring and originality into all of our creative endeavors. As they say, “variety is the spice of life!” 

Spicy can also be exciting and suggestive…a spicy comment or joke can be provocative or controversial. Such “spicy takes” often challenge conventional beliefs and ignite strong, passionate reactions from people. 

So, how can you make your work and approach to life spicier? 

Let’s bring the heat!

#CreativeMorningsDublin #CMspicy

Our theme for March is PERSPECTIVE. It was chosen by our Fargo chapter and illustrated by Fred Gaye Wremeo.

Every creative act is an attempt to share a unique perspective on some slice of the world. What you see — and how you see it — shapes your beliefs.

One of the most impactful artistic innovations was linear perspective; widely credited to Fillipo Brunelleschi in the early 15th century. This breakthrough enabled artists to create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a flat canvas, paving the way for the ornate art and architecture of the Renaissance.

Today, it feels like we are at another precipice with AI generated images and video. We don’t know how this rapidly emerging artistic tech will shape our perspectives. The machine is already capable of evoking real emotions. But only we can understand those feelings.

Because seeing someone else’s point of view is uniquely human. Considering another perspective fosters empathy.

And we all desperately need more empathy. Remember, looking at a problem from multiple angles generates more possible solutions. So, change your perspective and you can change your world.

So, what’s your point of view? And how are you putting it into your work? What was the last piece of music, writing, illustration, or film that opened a new window on the world for you?