Creativity and meditation

In meditation we often find that as life, body and mind slow down .. there unfolds a ...

mental 'spaciousness' 

I often use the analogy of the untidy office desk (akin to the busy mind), always covered with papers, pens, article clippings and the odd coffee mug ..although under all the clutter remains the desk. When we clear the desk we find some beautiful and unclaimed space in which to sit and contemplate .. or create!

To be creative we need to cultivate a little spaciousness of mind ..

I have found over the years that the best ever creative ideas pop into my mind after my meditation practice .. often a half hour or so later when I am in the shower!

Suddenly, I think up the perfect gift for a friend, that vague book title or business idea.  These fresh ideas seem to become clear and 'heard' when there is spaciousness.  

With a clear mind, previously vague ideas finally have a chance to find each other .. the DOTS LINK UP .. and a new idea is born!

A study by cognitive psychologist Lorenza Colzato and her fellow researchers at Leiden University (April 2012) found that certain meditation techniques can promote heightened creative thinking. The findings supported the belief that meditation can have a long-lasting influence on human cognition, including how we think and how we experience events. Article here

Meditation and creativity

Change .. inevitable but testing at times nevertheless.  I have had so many projects running of late, that the thought of another one (being updating the 'look' of this blog) seemed too daunting.  But the teenager took me in hand and we lept into the project without looking back (or too much holding on from me).  It may take a little longer to iron out the wrinkles .. but it has been a fun afternoon spent together creating.

In meditation we find that as life, body and mind slow down .. we find this 'spaciousness'.  I often use the analogy of the untidy office desk, under the papers/pens the clippings and coffee mug .. is always just the clear desk. When we clear the desk a little, or sort into little piles, we find some space in which to sit and contemplate .. or create!

To be creative we need to find a little spaciousness of mind.

Ever had the experience in meditation where the most creative ideas just pop into mind, the best ever gift, or new book title, or business idea? These ideas become clear when there is spaciousness, when previously vague ideas or concepts finally have a chance to find each other .. and create something new!

A recent study by cognitive psychologist Lorenza Colzato and her fellow researchers at Leiden University found that certain meditation techniques can promote heightened creative thinking. The findings supported the belief that meditation can have a long-lasting influence on human cognition, including how we think and how we experience events. Article here

The Muse Awakens!

Welcome the year of the Metal Rabbit! And one of the key phrases representing this years is ... 'the muse awakens!'

So last week when I was offered the wonderful opportunity to attend a Vision Board Workshop at The Colour Lab Store and Cafe in Prahran ~ I knew the muse was calling!

Vision Boards are a creative exercise in discovering what your dreams are for life ahead .. you could make up a monthly vision board, or a yearly or even a special project or focussed board.

In our Workshop with Melody we first explored what our life dreams might be (that is a magnificent treat in itself .. just having some time to wander, dream and expand!) ~ and Melody then led us through a guided visualisation meditation where we were free to explore our 'dream life' and center and balance ourselves. Creativity and insight are two qualities that we find in more abundance when we have a regular meditation practice. Cultivating a clear and more spacious mind allows our intuition to shine, and suddenly all sorts of random information fit together to produce a new reality, the answer to a question .. or the best possible business idea ever!

We then dived into mountains of fabulous magazines to find images and/or words that captivated, inspired, aligned and resonated with us for whatever reason. I cut with abandon .. masses of pictures that simply captured my heart (or my head), stunned me with colour, or held words that caught me in the moment. Then, as the afternoon progressed we began to place our images on our large board in line with the Feng Shui 'Bagua' (or system of placement).

My Vision Board now sits near my work desk and each morning I spend some time just gazing .. reflecting .. seeing which images capture me and why .. and reconnecting with my own journey for the day.



If you are interested in doing a Vision Board Workshop then I would recommend you check out The Colour Lab Store and Cafe at 385 High Street Prahran or check out their blog at www.thecolourlabstoreandcafe.blogspot.com

Bring on the muse!