Inviting Space for Creativity

What conditions support creativity for you? 

You might consider times you've felt a flow of creative ideas. Or when you've felt stuck - in art or everyday life - and something shifted, opening the door to a new possibility. What supports these moments of inspiration?

Perhaps there's a particular environment that wakes up the creative senses: a forest path, a bustling coffee shop, a quiet room of your own. 

Perhaps you've found helpful habits to settle or prepare the mind. It might be a ritual, like sitting in a familiar spot with a soothing tea. Or filling your cup metaphorically by reading poetry, listening to music, or connecting with a creative community.

Perhaps you invite certain attitudes or perspectives: a sense of curiosity, playfulness, or beginner's mind - letting go of expectations and judgements to freely see where an idea may lead.

There's no definitive right answer. For myself, all of the above can be supportive. Sometimes, my creativity flourishes in a quiet room. Other times, my creativity is sparked by an invigorating walk outside or conversations with creative friends. But one thing I come back to, again and again, is the support of my mindfulness practice. It isn't a magic potion. But it helps to soften the rigid expectations and critical thoughts that can shut down creativity. It awakens an open presence and kind curiosity. It invites space to be creative. 

But don't take it from me! In mindfulness practice, it's essential to see for ourselves. We can each bring curiosity and beginner's mind to investigate our own experience.

In our next Mindfulness & Creativity session, we'll explore mindfulness practice, then transition to a creative practice. Without expectation, we'll notice what happens to the creative mind after a period of mindfulness practice.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Hannah