Note: This is a guest by Chrissy Scivicque, the author of EatYourCareer.com
Creative expression is one of the healthiest activities you can participate in. Plus, it’s incredibly fun and satisfying. Whether you enjoy painting, playing music, dancing, or writing poetry, spending a few minutes each day engaged in some form of creativity will help clear the mind and soothe the soul.
Unfortunately, creative inspiration can be an elusive, mysterious thing. It comes and goes like a fickle, irrational mistress. At times, I’ve felt powerless to her whims. But, over the years, I’ve discovered several simple ways to trigger her presence. And the good news is that they don’t require anything but creative desire. If you’ve got that, you’re well on your way to finding inspiration. You can then use these simple strategies to lure inspiration into your open, loving arms.
1. Eavesdrop.
Think of it as “strategic listening.” Open your ears and you’ll find that inspiration is all around you. Maybe a few words exchanged between mother and daughter in your local coffee shop will trigger an idea for a short story. Maybe that guy shouting into his cell phone in the grocery store will say something unexpectedly profound and the words will capture your imagination. Instead of simply tuning out the background noise and chatter that surrounds you, embrace it.
2. Look through old photos.
Pictures have a way of flooding our senses with memories. We look at a photo of our childhood home and we can practically smell it. Memories are wonderful sources for inspiration. Close your eyes and relive a few. Welcome the emotions as they surface. Then channel them into your artistic endeavors.
3. Flip through your old journals, diaries or sketchbooks.
These are the products of your past inspirations. Take a stroll through their pages and remember the emotions that triggered their creation.
4. Sit in nature.
Watch a sunset, investigate the patterns on leaves and insects, watch a spider weaving her web. This is the art of the universe and you are a part of it. How can inspiration shy away in a world where it is so abundantly a part of everything?
5. Hang out with kids.
Want to experience an endless source of creativity? Spend a day with a few five-year-olds. Don’t just watch though; participate. Get in there and play along. Remember how rules are made up on the fly and how every game has a story behind it. Tap into the energy you once had and let it fill you with joy and laughter.
6. Get lost.
Break out of your comfort zone and go somewhere you’ve never been. Don’t take a map. See where you end up.
7. Go to a community art gathering.
Hit up a local spoken word event, see a production at your community theater, or explore groups and clubs for people who engage in the same kind of creative expression as you. Surround yourself with art and those who appreciate it and the inspiration will flow naturally among you.
8. Stretch your wings.
Try a different form of artistic expression. If you normally write, try painting. If you normally paint, try sketching. You don’t need permission or talent to create. The process is more important than the product. Don’t let fear or perfectionism stand in the way of your branching out.
9. Go to a service for a religion other than your own.
Nothing is more inspiring than experiencing a new culture. Religious services typically have unique messages, colors, and music. Listen and absorb the beauty of faith that surrounds you.
Inspiration is free and everywhere. All you have to do is look and you’ll find that it waits for you.
Bio: Chrissy Scivicque is a writer, nutritionist and career coach. She trains others to manage their career path with a holistic point-of-view. You can find her at EatYourCareer.com, a blog dedicated to helping you create a nourishing professional life. Stop by and pick up your FREE mini-workbook to find out just how nourishing your career really is and how you can make it even more so.
 |
|
Thank you, that's some great advice!
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
Like