Recipe for creativity

Creativity isn't something that should be defined or given limits, however I think being creative like anything else can be developed. In fact it doesn't need to be developed, everyone has the ability to be creative it just a matter of releasing it. Creativity and creative flow for me comes down to one thing: Being free of fear or anxiety about ideas and almost wanting to fail or as Sr. Corita Kent says "nothing is a mistake, there's no win and no fail, there's only make".

Of course, I don't feel this liberty everyday but I use different mediums to help me along the way. Music is a big one for me, I can't go anywhere without a pair of headphones. It doesn't matter the genre, its just getting lost in the music and removing yourself from the environment around you.

Meditation or yoga are great ways for me to clear my head for a while, helping me come back to a design with a fresher, calmer and wider outlook on the world around me. Sometimes I can get caught up in a routine, going through the motions. The simple solution is to just break the routine and try something new (you might learn something new). Alternatively, if I see the sun outside a 20 minute walk can help a lot. I really appreciated the lucid walking technique we did in class this week, I had never heard of the technique before combining meditation and walking. Seeing the green coming back after the winter would inspire anyone.

After a quick google search online I came across many blogs that share the same views with other helpful techniques to stimulate the right brain that anyone can adapt to their own lives. Some examples include: taking photos, this helps you notice the beauty around you similar to the micro technique used in class. Another tip is to keep a list of people, places, things and cultures that inspire you. This will come in handy for the less creative days to give you that boost you need. http://www.purposefairy.com/74608/15-easy-ways-to-stimulate-your-right-brain/

Writing this blog showed me that what inspires me to be creative also makes me happy overall. Happiness, in my opinion is the driving force of creativity. I recently watched a great documentary on happiness: http://www.thehappymovie.com

Photograph credit: http://www.howtomotivation.com

#Creativity #happy