| |

Embracing mystery: How creativity sparks transformation and social change

ByKim Hermanson
DALL·E 2024 12 01 21.03.59 An inspiring and reflective image of a person sitting by the ocean at sunset, sketching or journaling, with subtle abstract patterns in the air symbol

The Power of Mystery and Creativity in Learning and Social Change

“If there is no mystery, there is only propaganda.”
—Keith Haring

Keith Haring’s words hold profound wisdom. Mystery is where new learning begins—it’s the fertile ground where creativity takes root and where curiosity drives us to explore the unknown. This is why creativity is so vital for learning.

Our creative process, in whatever form it manifests, is how we access mystery. Whether through art, writing, problem-solving, or simply wondering about the world, creativity allows us to venture beyond the surface and discover new perspectives. At its core, creativity is a dialogue with the unknown.

We are all creative beings. Each of us carries an innate curiosity—a desire to inquire, to imagine, to uncover truths that help us make sense of the world. Without creativity, however, we risk living at the mercy of forces that seek to shape our thinking for their own ends. As Haring suggests, without mystery and creativity, propaganda becomes the default.

Creativity isn’t just about artistic expression. It’s a fundamental way we interact with the world and find meaning. It’s our inner voice, continually questioning, exploring, and expressing. It’s how we resist conformity and embrace our unique way of seeing and being.

Explore the Role of Creativity in Social Change

These ideas are central to my upcoming workshop, Getting Messy: Creative Process and Social Change, at Esalen Institute, March 4–6. This experiential workshop will explore how creativity serves as a catalyst for personal and social transformation.

Through guided exercises and collaborative discussions, we’ll dive into the creative process, uncovering how it connects us to mystery, fuels innovation, and inspires meaningful change. Whether you’re an artist, educator, therapist, or simply curious about deepening your creative practice, this workshop offers a space to explore, play, and grow.

Workshop Details:
Getting Messy: Creative Process and Social Change
Date: March 4–6
Location: Esalen Institute
Click here to register

Continuing Education credits are available for MFTs and LCSWs.Let’s embrace the mystery together. I hope to see you there!

Similar Posts

Opening space is transformative 

Opening space is transformative 

ByKim Hermanson

In my 25 years of teaching—across graduate schools and diverse programs—I’ve seen that while many educators, trainers, and coaches emphasize content and strategies, it’s the opening of space that’s transformative. When we only focus on content, learning and growth become static. There’s no room to let the wisdom under the surface reveal itself. It’s in…

DALL·E 2024 12 01 09.52.30 A serene and reflective image of a person sitting on a swing in a peaceful natural setting, with soft, dreamlike shapes and abstract symbols subtly bl

Stepping into Third Space: How creativity helps us reclaim movement and meaning

ByKim Hermanson

When I was two years old, I was sitting on a carriage swing with my older sister. She sat on one side, and I sat facing her on the other. The neighborhood kids thought it was fun to push us too hard, and I wanted them to stop. I put my foot down—literally—and my leg…

The teacher is a point of access to something beyond the teacher

The teacher is a point of access to something beyond the teacher

ByKim Hermanson

For most teachers who love their work, it’s more than a job. It’s a creative outlet, an opportunity to share what you love, and an opportunity to grow. That’s the way it’s been for me, anyway. Burnout is common in the helping professions, but when I approach teaching as a cauldron for my own growth,…

DALL·E 2024 12 02 15.54.20 A minimalistic and serene representation of creativity and poetry, featuring a single open book with flowing lines and abstract, soft shapes symbolizi
|

Unlocking creative flow: The magic of concrete poetry and effortless writing

ByKim Hermanson

Last weekend, I had a blast teaching a Concrete Poetry class at Book Passage! It was such a fun and inspiring experience. Here’s a confession, though: I’ve never actually taken a poetry class—not in college, not post-college. My “education” has come from devouring books about poetry by poets. One of my favorites is Steve Kowit’s…

Creating space for change
|

Creating space for change

ByKim Hermanson

Transformation doesn’t happen in crowded, cluttered environments—whether in our minds, our lives, or the world around us. Space is what allows new ideas, perspectives, and actions to emerge. During my graduate studies, I discovered just how critical space is for learning and growth. One striking example is the role black churches played during the civil…