Creativity: A Super Power (and how to harness it)

Artwork by Annelinde Tempelman

Our creativity is activated when there is something we would like to accomplish with intention; be it a new project for work or play, be it a new way to do the house cleaning or managing your finances, or a new way to dance in our relationships, or even to initiate change for the next chapter in our lives. It is an essential daily exercised ‘power’ that we all need to learn to master in order to live consciously. And if we want to do art of some kind, even more so. Yet, this Creative Force in those that have mastered it, is revered because it has magic, it is a force beyond the mind, beyond our control, we cannot simply will it to do what we want it to do. In fact, quite the opposite - we almost need to bow to it, to work with it as it leads the way, to play by its rules, not ours… in other words, we need to surrender to it and to its outcome too. And to surrender to it, we need to understand how to dance with it. Even the most successful artist, musician or entrepreneur has had to work on their creative process, they have carved out time for it, poured effort into it, nurtured their craft. We can all do the same and let ourselves even enjoy the journey. Read on for some tips…

•  First step to mastery is: you have to show up. Create a space that is simply for this mind set. A desk with all your tools and toys and gadgets is ideal - be they your writing kit, your pencils, paints, instruments, whatever you like to play with. Then surround yourself with what inspires you, be they images, quotes, statues, songs, lyrics, recipes, crystals, flowers etc. And make a point to take yourself to that space, REGULARLY with no particular agenda in mind (mark these words). Simply to ‘hang out’ and bask in all that you are inspired by and let yourself be seduced out of your rational mind. No matter what your creative activity is, playing music that you enjoy in the background here helps (unless you are writing or composing your own of course).

 

• Second step is: remain receptive. You are not leading here remember, you are following. So you need to be in a state of mind that is receptive to receiving ‘downloads’ or ‘inspiration’ or ‘ideas’ or ‘instructions’ on what tools to handle, what words to say or write, what images to draw, what notes to play or what combinations to use. The key to this is the big one: the one that draws on the common ground between artistry and spirituality: the art of mindfulness. So Meditation (with a big ‘M’) is what helps you to be open, to get out of your own way, and to listen to the subtleties of what is coming your way, to hear them clearly enough so as to follow them - that means without judging, second guessing, doubting, or negating. A DAILY meditation practice will help integrate this state of mind as your default rather than the usual unconstructive chatter. How good would that be? Imagine the possibilities! Remember, there are as many ways to exercise the psyche as there are to exercise the body. So try as many meditation techniques as you can until you find what works for you. But here are a couple of pointers: firstly, avoid courses that cost a fortune; meditation is your natural ability, trust that you can regain this without it coming at a high cost. Keep your money for your art and pay for the meditation by giving it time and incorporating it into your daily life.  Secondly, avoid groups that are single sex or geared towards any other sub groups; meditation needs to be taught with respect and in light of its role as part of human nature, not for any other reason.

 

• Third step is: you need to feed your imagination, like you do your body or your mind. This is the classic “Artist Date’ suggestion from Julia Cameron in her book ‘The Artist’s Way’. Once a week, you take your ‘inner artist’ on a date, only the two of you, without inviting the children, the grandparents, the neighbour, partner or friends. The intention and the honouring of your commitment to your creativity is of utmost importance here. Then, depending on the location and the nature of the activity, the date itself will do its thing, that is, to nourish you until you are overflowing with possibilities. Here are some ideas of where you could end up but see what draws you on that day; musical gigs or concerts, poetry readings, art exhibitions, a film screening, your local bookshop, music shop or library, a walk through the national park, the list is endless. Take your notepad or camera or voice recorder with you and play, recording the imagery, the sounds, the words, the colours, whatever details that touch you. This is all good food for the soul and you know what they say, you are what you eat after all.

 

• Fourth step is: prepare your medicine basket with remedies so they are on hand when you need them. You may meet a few obstacles along the way, so best be prepared. Remember, these are remedial therapies for various mental pains that may arise, not to be confused with preventative measures otherwise known as procrastination in the absence of pain! When applying these remedies, put a clear time frame to these with the intention of going back to your creative space immediately afterwards, to avoid getting lost in distractions. Some examples of pains that may arise to watch out for are a sense of isolation, fear, boredom, overwhelm, self-doubt, sabotage. Certainly you will meet your ‘inner critic’ whispering bitter nothings in your head, easily bewildering you with negativity. You cannot simply will that voice to go away. You need to stop believing it but because it sounds so familiar, so much so that it sounds like your own voice, it is hard to recognise it. This is where mindfulness needs to come in, in abundant doses. Did we mention meditation? Go back to it, or journal if that helps, or seek help from a professional, but don’t give in and certainly don’t give up. 

1. So remedy 1: meditation or journaling will help you recognise your internal triggers to overwhelm, and help digest life’s experiences that still take up the mental or emotional energy that could be used more constructively. It will also help you develop mastery over your responses and even possibly find a refreshing solution to an old problem.  
2. Remedy 2: yoga or some kind of movement therapy - walk the dog or all the neighbourhood dogs if you must but change the energy that has a hold over you. Circulate your blood and your heart will be happier too. 
3. Remedy 3: play with friends. Sharing and laughing make good therapy. So seek out positive company to collaborate or converse with, and that will also give you a healthier perspective on your inner monologue. A class or a workshop with like-minded strangers can be uplifting and may also bring you a mentoring opportunity.
4. Remedy 4: seek out professional help for deeper healing if it is needed. Don’t soldier on alone if it is not working and you are in pain. Be humble yet brave enough to recognise your vulnerability and invite wholesome support.

Any questions or feedback you have is absolutely welcomed! Contact Natalia directly. To read this article in the New York Spirit Magazine, click here.