Creativity Boosters for February
 1. Change Your Way of Thinking about Creativity
It's not just writers or visual artists who need to be creative--we all need to tap into our creativity to solve problems and come up with new ideas no matter how mundane the task at hand. And we all are creative, no matter what messages we've given ourselves. So give yourself credit when you think of a new way to do something--you're being creative!
2. Change Your Routine
Take a different way to work, shop at a different market, pick up a magazine that you haven't read before, eat lunch at a different place or try a recipe that's new to you. Our brains are stimulated by new experiences.
3. Explore the Magic of Early Morning
The poet Rumi said, "The morning breeze has secrets to tell you. Do not go back to sleep." Rumi had something there. When we meditate, journal or engage in other creative activities in the early morning, the results are often quite different than when we do them later in the day. Before the clutter of the day sets in, we are better able to access the wellspring of creativity that lives in our subconscious minds.
4. Listen to Music
Not just any music, but music that will enhance creativity. Bach has been shown to help people access the right sides of their brains where our creativity resides. Mozart has been used with children to help them learn better. The creativity CDs of Dr. Jeffrey Thompson have special qualities to help our brains enter a more creative state. Try my personal favorites from The Silver Sky Orchestra. Experiment--who knows what will activate your right brain?
5. Laugh
Laughter has been shown by many studies to enhance creativity. It makes sense. When we laugh, we are more relaxed. When we are more relaxed, we can create more easily. So laugh a lot--at yourself, at funny situations, at the absurdity of life. To learn how to laugh spontaneously, attend a free or low-cost laughter workshop by talented San Diego laughter leaders like Sarito Sun or Dr. Funshine--or find one near you by visiting the World Laughter Tour website.
Next month we'll focus on left brain/right brain theory and how it can help us be more creative. |
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New Artist's Way Class Starts February 27
My Tuesday night Artist's Way class filled up quickly with twelve phenomenal women, so I'm beginning another class on Wednesdays.
This 12-week class based on the groundbreaking book by Julia Cameron starts begins at Soul of Yoga in Encinitas on Wednesday, February 27. Join us for this transformational course that will help you rediscover your creativity and follow your creative dreams. For more information, call me at 760 436-8848 or email jbalian@excoveries.com
Register by February 10 and save $50! |
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