I just want to paint! Fighting the creative block?
I just want to paint! Fighting the creative block!
Motivation and inspiration come to us in different forms. Sometimes it is a song, or a beautiful sunset, or visiting an inspiring exhibition. As artists we live in this permanent turbulent creative vortex that allows us to feel and absorb inspiration from all our senses. But sometimes we feel blocked or crippled by self-doubt. It affects all artists, not just people early in their creative journey. Sometimes that self-doubt grips us and paralyses us from creating. I recently had a 'dry creative spell', that made me pause the flow of creating. I was still showing up each day to create something, but the passion and the energy were not behind it. So I forced myself to leave the studio and take a break. Taking a break allows us to put things into perspective. This forced break gave me space to feel my creativity again. To feel the excitement of a new idea, a new project.
It was that excitement that was missing because I was overthinking and stuck in the analytical side of my brain. So what can we do the fight this creative block?
photo by Cottonbro Studio
The creative side of our brain, often associated with the right hemisphere, is a powerhouse of innovation, imagination, and artistic expression. This side of the brain is responsible for processing information holistically, recognizing patterns, and thinking outside the box. It thrives on ambiguity, complexity, and novelty, allowing us to see the world in new and unconventional ways.
The creative side of our brain is where inspiration strikes, ideas flow freely, and intuition guides us. It is the seat of our imagination, where we can envision new possibilities, explore alternative perspectives, and visualize the future. This side of the brain is not bound by logic or rationality; instead, it embraces spontaneity, curiosity, and experimentation.
When we tap into the creative side of our brain, we unleash a torrent of creativity that can lead to innovative solutions, groundbreaking discoveries, and transformative experiences. Whether we are artists, writers, musicians, or entrepreneurs, nurturing our creative side allows us to express ourselves authentically, connect with others on a deeper level, and make a lasting impact on the world around us. Embracing the creative side of our brain is essential for unlocking our full potential, fostering personal growth, and living a life that is rich, vibrant, and full of possibilities.
photo by Cottonbro Studio
Stress can have a significant impact on our creativity, hindering our ability to think innovatively, problem-solve effectively, and express ourselves artistically. When we are under stress, our body's natural response is to go into "fight or flight" mode, releasing cortisol and adrenaline to prepare us for a perceived threat. While this response is crucial for survival in dangerous situations, chronic stress can dampen our creative abilities and cognitive functions.
Stress can impair our concentration, memory, and decision-making skills, making it difficult to focus on creative tasks and generate new ideas. It can also limit our ability to think flexibly and adapt to changing circumstances, stifling our creativity and problem-solving capabilities. Additionally, stress can lead to negative emotions such as anxiety, fear, and self-doubt, which can further inhibit our creative flow and hinder our ability to express ourselves freely.
Moreover, stress can contribute to mental fatigue, burnout, and creative blocks, making it challenging to access our creative inspiration and motivation. When we are overwhelmed by stress, our energy levels decrease, our enthusiasm wanes, and our creative spark dims. This can result in a lack of motivation, productivity, and passion for our creative pursuits, leading to a sense of stagnation and frustration. In conclusion, stress impacts our creativity by disrupting our cognitive functions, limiting our ability to think creatively, and impeding our creative flow. To maintain and enhance our creative abilities, it is important to manage stress effectively, practice self-care, and create a conducive environment that fosters creativity and inspiration. By reducing stress levels, taking breaks, and engaging in relaxation techniques, we can protect our creative energy, nurture our creative spirit, and unleash our full creative potential.
Following our creative path is essential for our personal growth, fulfillment, and overall well-being. Creativity is a fundamental aspect of human nature, and embracing our creative side allows us to express ourselves authentically, explore new possibilities, and make meaningful contributions to the world around us. Creativity is not limited to artistic pursuits; it is a mindset that can be applied to every aspect of our lives. Whether we are artists, writers, musicians, designers, or entrepreneurs, following our creative path means honoring our unique talents, interests, and passions. It means listening to our inner voice, trusting our instincts, and having the courage to take risks and pursue our dreams.
Photo by Antoni Shkraba
One of the key reasons why we must follow our creative path is that it allows us to tap into our full potential. When we engage in creative activities, we are challenged to think outside the box, problem-solve, and innovate. This process not only enhances our cognitive skills but also boosts our self-confidence and resilience. By pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones and experimenting with new ideas, we discover hidden talents and capabilities that we never knew we had. Following our creative path also enables us to connect with our emotions, thoughts, and values on a deeper level.
Creativity is a form of self-expression that allows us to communicate our innermost thoughts and feelings in a way that words alone cannot convey.
Through art, music, writing, or any other creative medium, we can process our experiences, heal emotional wounds, and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Moreover, following our creative path can lead to a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
When we are aligned with our creative passions and values, we feel a profound sense of meaning and satisfaction in our lives. Creativity allows us to make a positive impact on others, inspire change, and leave a lasting legacy. By sharing our unique gifts and perspectives with the world, we contribute to the collective tapestry of human experience and enrich the lives of those around us.
In addition, following our creative path can be a source of joy, inspiration, and rejuvenation. Engaging in creative activities can be a form of self-care and stress relief, providing us with a much-needed outlet for self-expression and relaxation. Whether we are painting a picture, writing a poem, or composing a song, the act of creating allows us to enter a state of flow where time seems to stand still, and all our worries and distractions fade away. It is important to remember that following our creative path is not always easy. We may face obstacles, criticism, self-doubt, and fear along the way.
However, it is through overcoming these challenges that we grow stronger, more resilient, and more confident in our abilities. By staying true to ourselves, persevering in the face of adversity, and continuing to nurture our creative spark, we can unlock our full potential and live a life that is rich, meaningful, and deeply fulfilling. In conclusion, following our creative path is essential for our personal growth, fulfillment, and well-being. By embracing our creative side, tapping into our full potential, connecting with our inner selves, and making a positive impact on the world, we can lead a life that is truly authentic, meaningful, and rewarding.
photo by Brett Sayles
So, let us all embrace our creativity,fight off the creative block, follow our passions, and unleash our creative potential to create a brighter, more inspired future for ourselves and others.
Love all this just when I need to get back to my creative side it’s inspirational , just have to move the practical stuff away !! Felicity
I am glad that you enjoyed reading it. I find the more I connect with my yoga and meditation practice the more I can connect with my creativity…..one flows into the other.