Indian summer has descended upon Land of Lily Pad. I awoke this morning to warm and humid weather, reminiscent more of July than of early November. Dharma is due to arrive this morning for my weekly life lesson so I was up extra early and had the breakfast cooking and the tea brewing long before the sun peeped over the horizon. When Dharma arrived we exchanged our morning pleasantries then sat down to dine. I pour our tea and passed him the basket of freshly-baked pastries. He smiled as he took his first bite, indicating that he was pleased with my morning menu.
Dharma spoke. "Tadpole, I've noticed that you haven't written any new books lately. May I ask why that is?" I thought for a few moments before I replied. "I can't put it into words, exactly, but honestly Dharma, I feel like I've lost my creative spark. I don't know where it went or how to get it back. It's just gone." "Well, my boy, I have some good news for you. A frog cannot use up his creativity. The more he uses it, the more of it he has. The same thing holds true for your human friends. Creativity is bringing something to life that didn't exist before by challenging ourselves to think and act differently...outside of our normal box. Creativity is normally associated with artists and other ' creative types' but, Irwin, each of us has the power to create. It might not be in the arts but we can each create new experiences for ourselves and find new and improved ways of living our lives." I thought about he'd just said and, as always, Dharma was right. I needed to stop thinking my creativity was gone and, instead, focus on new projects that will give my creative muscle a little exercise.
I asked him how I can go about tapping into my creative well. Here's the advice he gave. It can apply to you, too, if you're struggling to become more creative in your own life.
1. Mind your subconscious and dreams. Your subconscious mind is an unlimited source of creativity. Consider keeping a dream journal beside your bed to capture those surreal fantastic episodes while they are still fresh in your mind.
2. Doodle regularly. Doesn't sound like much but doodling can be a valuable release for your creative and thinking brain.
3. Look at the natural world around you. No one is more creative than Mother Nature! She has unlimited creativity, and so do you. Nature is an infinite source of inspiration. just think about snowflakes; how each one is slightly different. Think about the frost designs on your windows each winter. The differences don't have to be huge. Any change at all in your thinking is capable of creating something new.
4. Experiment with combining different styles and concepts. Look to the creative people you admire. Whether it's in technology, medicine, philosophy, the arts, or architecture, we can all learn from those who have gone before. Combine different ideas and thoughts. Think about all the "what ifs"...what if I did this AND that together? What would that idea or concept look like? Is it possible? Fusion is currently very popular in the arts. We have everything from fusion cuisine to fusion music. But fusion can also be applied to thought, as well. Taking ideas from one source and blending them with ideas from a second, or maybe even a third place.
5. Find inspiration online. Who hasn't looked at a recipe or a craft project and thought, "I can do that!" And then found they added their own special variation to it, improving upon the original concept. Look to other religions and other cultures for inspirational ways of looking at a problem from a new perspective. and finally,
6. Set regular habits. Set aside a little time each day (if you can) to spend being creative. Whether it's practicing a musical instrument, writing, crafting, cooking, or something else. Creativity gets stagnant if it's not used. If you can't do a regular daily habit of practicing creativity, try to fit in at least 2 or 3 creative sessions a week. The more you do, the more you'll want to create.
Dharma gave me much food for thought. And I know he's right, as always. A new book will not write itself. I need to be an active participant in the creative process. Wherever your creative energy lies, I hope Dharma's wise words will help you start creating more, too.
I hope you'll join me back here tomorrow for a look at language. Appropriate for a writer, yes? Until then, Dharma and I wish you all a good day.
PEACE.
Dharma spoke. "Tadpole, I've noticed that you haven't written any new books lately. May I ask why that is?" I thought for a few moments before I replied. "I can't put it into words, exactly, but honestly Dharma, I feel like I've lost my creative spark. I don't know where it went or how to get it back. It's just gone." "Well, my boy, I have some good news for you. A frog cannot use up his creativity. The more he uses it, the more of it he has. The same thing holds true for your human friends. Creativity is bringing something to life that didn't exist before by challenging ourselves to think and act differently...outside of our normal box. Creativity is normally associated with artists and other ' creative types' but, Irwin, each of us has the power to create. It might not be in the arts but we can each create new experiences for ourselves and find new and improved ways of living our lives." I thought about he'd just said and, as always, Dharma was right. I needed to stop thinking my creativity was gone and, instead, focus on new projects that will give my creative muscle a little exercise.
I asked him how I can go about tapping into my creative well. Here's the advice he gave. It can apply to you, too, if you're struggling to become more creative in your own life.
1. Mind your subconscious and dreams. Your subconscious mind is an unlimited source of creativity. Consider keeping a dream journal beside your bed to capture those surreal fantastic episodes while they are still fresh in your mind.
2. Doodle regularly. Doesn't sound like much but doodling can be a valuable release for your creative and thinking brain.
3. Look at the natural world around you. No one is more creative than Mother Nature! She has unlimited creativity, and so do you. Nature is an infinite source of inspiration. just think about snowflakes; how each one is slightly different. Think about the frost designs on your windows each winter. The differences don't have to be huge. Any change at all in your thinking is capable of creating something new.
4. Experiment with combining different styles and concepts. Look to the creative people you admire. Whether it's in technology, medicine, philosophy, the arts, or architecture, we can all learn from those who have gone before. Combine different ideas and thoughts. Think about all the "what ifs"...what if I did this AND that together? What would that idea or concept look like? Is it possible? Fusion is currently very popular in the arts. We have everything from fusion cuisine to fusion music. But fusion can also be applied to thought, as well. Taking ideas from one source and blending them with ideas from a second, or maybe even a third place.
5. Find inspiration online. Who hasn't looked at a recipe or a craft project and thought, "I can do that!" And then found they added their own special variation to it, improving upon the original concept. Look to other religions and other cultures for inspirational ways of looking at a problem from a new perspective. and finally,
6. Set regular habits. Set aside a little time each day (if you can) to spend being creative. Whether it's practicing a musical instrument, writing, crafting, cooking, or something else. Creativity gets stagnant if it's not used. If you can't do a regular daily habit of practicing creativity, try to fit in at least 2 or 3 creative sessions a week. The more you do, the more you'll want to create.
Dharma gave me much food for thought. And I know he's right, as always. A new book will not write itself. I need to be an active participant in the creative process. Wherever your creative energy lies, I hope Dharma's wise words will help you start creating more, too.
I hope you'll join me back here tomorrow for a look at language. Appropriate for a writer, yes? Until then, Dharma and I wish you all a good day.
PEACE.
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