Mindfulness and Creativity

Starting a creative mindfulness practice to uncover new possibilities.

“There’s no such thing as creative people and non-creative people. There’s  just people who use their creativity and people who don’t.”

Brené Brown

I have spent most of my life repeating the same limiting belief over and over again to myself and it’s always been a version of “I am not creative”. That limiting belief kept me stuck for years. Like many people, I’ve always associated the word “creative” primarily with the arts (i.e., painting, drawing, dance, theatre, writing fiction, etc.). While it’s true that these artistic pursuits an important aspect of creativity, I’ve discovered that creativity also encompasses how we show up in the world, solve problems, and connect with others, just to name a few things.

I’ve also learned that adding mindfulness practices to your resilience toolkit (i.e., meditation, yoga, journaling, etc.) will expand your awareness to think creatively.

First of all, what exactly is creativity?

On the recommendation of a friend, I’ve recently read a wonderful book that I highly recommend entitled, Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis. I think everyone could benefit from reading this book. In the book, Chase defines creativity as, “the practice of combining or rearranging two or more unlikely things in new and useful ways.” He further explains that in order to be truly creative we need to be able to access our most authentic self.

Accessing our creative side allows us to solve problems more efficiently, communicate with others more effectively, and approach difficulties in our lives in a less stressful way.

“I exist in perpetual creative response to whatever is present."

 Yogi Amrit Desai

So how can we tap into this inner authenticity and creativity? Becoming more mindful is a great place to start. 

Here’s a mindfulness meditation that will help bring out your creative side.

Find your creative center meditation

Settle: Start by either lying down or sitting comfortably in a chair. If you’re sitting, make sure you are sitting with your spine is straight and tall. Whether you are lying down or seated,  feel where your body is connected to the earth, connect with your breath, and take a few moments to notice how you are feeling. Gently close your eyes or lower your gaze.

Awareness: Notice your breath as it’s flowing in and out of your nose. Begin to welcome sensations in your body. Use the awareness of your breath to anchor yourself in the present moment.

Intention: as you begin to relax and settle into the present moment, I invite you to focus on what you would like to create in your life. Examples of possible creative intentions include cultivating more joy, peace, freedom, etc. 

Visualize: Bring to mind your intention and how your chosen intention could become part of your life. Notice the sensations in your body as you begin to think about your intention. Are there colors associated with your intention? Where do you see yourself? Who is with you, if anyone? Notice all the details.

You can stay in this meditative state for as long as you like. When you feel like your visualization is complete, I encourage you to get out your journal and write down your experience, or draw a picture, or start a visioning board, or engage in any other creative activity. Are there any small steps you can take today to continue on the creative journey?

You’ll soon notice the benefits of starting a mindful creative practice. Tapping into our creativity regularly encourages greater problem solving ability and allows us to respond more appropriately when faced with difficult situations. 

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

Maya Angelou

I’d love to hear from you so please send any comments or questions to me at sharon@sharonashtonmindfulyoga.com. Feel free to share this email with anyone else who may be interested.

Are you interested in life and mindset coaching? As part of my Wayfinder Life Coaching certification practicum, for a limited time I am currently accepting clients for complimentary sessions. If you would like more information on this limited-time opportunity, please email me to set up an appointment or visit my website coaching page.

You are also invited to join my free Facebook group The Journey Within Mindful Yoga and Life Change Community here where we can connect to share resources and short mindful yoga and meditation practices:

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