Creativity/Social/Culture

Seven things you can do to get the most out of your community

communityWe modern folk often complain about the limitations of our community. Small towns are often considered to be boring places that are filled with lazy, even backward people, and cities are also taken for granted when we have been in the one place for long enough. Perhaps there is a little truth in the complaints that are made, but for the most part, the obstacle comes down to us getting caught up in an unresourceful and uninspired state. If you truly feel called to go elsewhere, then of course, save some money, or go on a whim, and go with your heart. But if you are planning to stay where you are, why not make the most of it? There can be amazing people and resources surrounding you when you are aligned and receptive to it. Here are some vital tips to help you make the most out of your local community.

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Has music changed our society for the better?

Fotolia_4063094_XSMy good friend, Manny, asked me to write an article regarding "How much has music changed Western society in the last fifty years". I am reminded of the lovely idea that music can change the world for the better. I am also reminded that all idealists, including me, are doomed to disappointment. Sure, someone out there is riding a train on their way to a rally while listening to Rage Against The Machine. However, every other passenger on that train is probably listening to Dido on their iPods. Change requires popular support. If music changes the world, we should have seen a back-and-forth influence between the socio-political events of the time and the most popular songs of the time.

I chose the Billboard music charts as my litmus test. Billboard is widely regarded as one the most relevant source of information on music trends. I found the most popular songs from Billboard's year-end charts since 1960, then cross-referenced them with the major events of those years:

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Five Spiritual Secrets to Inspired and Enhanced Creativity

Creativity_drum_girlCreativity is a remarkable force that forever changes the life of the artist, and in many ways shapes all of our lives, individually and culturally. A beautiful work of creativity has the ability to cut right through our inner barriers and open our hearts and minds to compassion, curiosity, love, to new perspectives on our lives. The inspirational sounds, incredible visuals and humanitarian messages delivered through all forms of art have really contributed so much to our evolution of self, culture and technology.

So what are some of the secrets to creativity? How can we unleash and make the most of our own creative abilities? How can we break out of isolation and writers block and inspire people through our art?

Here are five very powerful, effective and life-changing principles for artists and creative explorers to get from where they are to where they want to be - in the zone. This article is perfectly suitable for advanced artists and beginners alike.

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