9 Ways of Cultivating Creativity

68 Comments

I believe that Creativity and Spirituality are interconnected. By spirituality, I don’t mean religion, I’m referring to the human spirit, our Source, that place in us that feels connected to Life. Napoleon Hill calls it “Infinite Intelligence“. Deepak Chopra calls it “Pure Consciousness“. My friend Joshua Roman described it beautifully, “..that place in us that never ends.”. This beautiful place in us which cannot be accurately described by words, and can only be felt by the heart.

Being creative is simply relaxing into that place in you and connecting with this “Infinite Intelligence”. It is a gift in each of us, waiting to be discovered. We are all talented beings, because we all have access to the same infinite Source. We are all richly endowed, naturally.

When we act from a place of Creation, we are in a place of abundance, where there are no bounds. Limitations and scarcity only comes when we act from a place of Competition.

There is no such thing as “Being more creative“, you ARE already a creative being. But, you can practice to become more in-tuned or aware of that creative energy surrounding you, all the time, of which you have unlimited access to.

Here are 9 practices I personally use to help me in ‘cultivating’ creativity.

Practice:

Being Relaxed - Take a moment to do something that makes you happy; that brings you joy; that you love; that centers you. Meditate, take a walk, go for a swim, read something that puts you in a good mood, journaling - writing down your thoughts (this can be so rewarding!).
Gratitude - Thinking about all things you are grateful for produces a positive energy flow and vibration. As you feel the love in your heart for all the wonderful blessings and gifts in your life, you will instantly relax and feel all warm-and-fuzzy inside. In that moment of warmth and love, you are open to creative energy.
Tickling Your Imagination - Imagination is highly visual. I’ve found it helpful to practice seeing vivid images with my eyes closed.
- Try it. Close your eyes, and imagine that you are in a scene, any scene. Okay - pick your ideal scene, practice seeing the details of your environment in this scene. See the colors, the textures, touch something. What does it feel like? What do you hear? What do you smell? What is the temperature like? Etc.
Being In the Moment - Every outstanding musician or artist will tell you that when they are creating great music or art, there are no thoughts, they are completely in the moment, and experiencing flow. Athletes call this ‘being in the zone‘. You can practice present moment awareness by giving full attention to whatever you are doing: eating, washing dishes, making your bed, etc. Meditation helps tremendously. The book “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle is also highly recommended.

Being Inspired - Practice seeing beautiful things that moves you emotionally. Flip through a book containing thought provoking images, go to an art gallery, read something inspirational, talk to someone who calms you.
Drawing - This may sounds funny, but one of the effective ways to practice getting in touch with your creative side is to start drawing. Drawing forces you to see things differently. I highly recommend the book “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” and the workbook by Betty Edwards. This book was designed for people who has never drawn before. I first heard about this book from a psychology textbook. I have gained much from its insights.
Seeing Alternatives - Be curious. Practice asking yourself how to do something differently. When seeing the solution to a problem, ask yourself, “What are some alternative ways to doing this?“. Develop the mental attitude that “there is always another way” even when alternatives seem ‘impossible’.
Being Open - Never shut down any idea that comes your way, do not make judgments about it. Appreciate any idea that comes to you, even ones that seem “stupid” or “obvious”. This way, you encourage more creative ideas to surface from your being.
Think on Paper - With a bunch of loose paper (or notebook, I prefer loose paper so you don’t feel restricted that you have to keep the page ‘straight’ and organized.), start jotting ideas down. Write everything down that comes to your head: random words, phrases, ideas, thoughts… sometimes you might want to circle things and draw lines to connect ideas. When an inspiration hits, follow it. If you suddenly have a different idea, jot it down somewhere on the page or in a new page. This is how I construct blog articles. I start with ideas and points, sometimes really crappy points at the start, and once I fall into ‘flow‘, the article will take shape before my eyes .

When Do You Feel Most Creative? Do share with a comment.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it on StumbleUpon, vote for it on Digg or bookmark it on del.icio.us. I appreciate your support. :)

68 Responses (47 Comments, 21 Trackbacks ):

Comments

Personal Development for the Book Smart

Oct 24 07, 6:56 am PDT

1
Just to add on, when you wake up from an interesting dream, quickly write it down at the moment when it’s most vivid.

Some of my best works come from “titles”. Phrases that just popped into my head or in my dreams…
Armannd
Oct 24 07, 9:31 am PDT

2
I’ll have to agree to the previous commenter. *All* my blog articles have their origins on single phrases or ideas that just popped into my head.

I usually have the greatest amount of ideas when trying to fall asleep. Probably because I’m most relaxed at that time. Only if I could somehow record my thoughts without waking up. :)
Cathy Loewen

Oct 24 07, 12:46 pm PDT

3
Love your site! I’ll “social bookmark” to keep spreading the word. The comment about being “more creative” was very helpful…I sometimes “forget” that I’m always creating in some form or fashion.
Gregg Fraley

Oct 24 07, 2:44 pm PDT

4
Great post.

I too believe that spirituality and creativity are intimately connected.

When you study the lives of movers and shakers and great people of any stripe, you often find that their creativity is connected to their very soul.

Elvis, for example, began his career making a gift for his mother, who he loved deeply. His ability to perform so well, and sing from the heart even when the song was fairly drippy, was connected to his early experience singing gospel songs with his family. For him, all music was spiritual.

Einstein found spirituality in the profoundly fascinating world of quantum physics. He felt that what he saw, what he figured out, could not have been a random event, it was too beautiful, too poetic.

I do believe creativity is within each of us, as you say, and, I would add that because many of us are not creatively fully self-expressed, that we can become “more creative” by unlocking those shakles. I would say further that creative effectiveness can be enhanced by knowledge, and by deliberate process.

Knowledge allows us to make new and interesting combinations to solve problems.

Deliberate creative process is an aid to make sure we get into flow about the right challenge, and once we have good ideas for solutions, get into action on making them happen.

For those interested in learning a simple process for creative problem solving, check out “Jack’s Notebook” my new book, a teaching fable/novel, about creativity.

Creatively yours,
Gregg Fraley
Alexys Fairfield

Oct 24 07, 10:55 pm PDT

5
Great tips. I especially think on paper.I have so many little pieces of paper with notes that it looks like a jigsaw puzzle on my desk.

You have a wonderful blog and I enjoyed reading this post.
Keep up the good work. :D
Tina Su

Oct 24 07, 11:29 pm PDT

6
Hi SJ,

RE: Some of my best works come from “titles”. Phrases that just popped into my head or in my dreams…

Same here, I carry loose paper with me and sometimes I write them in notebooks. It always starts as a title or thought.. and as I write them down, more related ideas will come. Very powerful stuff. And I’m learning that the more you encourage it, the more sensitive you become and the more you ‘receive’.
Tina Su

Oct 24 07, 11:35 pm PDT

7
Hi Armannd,

I experienced the same. In fact, all my ideas, whether for business, work, blog articles all came in this form. I don’t get them near bed time tho. :) Usually when I’m not paying attention to things (like brushing teeth)… or sometimes when I am completely focused on one thing, yet feeling relaxed. Again, I use gratitude to get relaxed.
Tina Su

Oct 24 07, 11:41 pm PDT

8
Hi Cathy! Thank you so much. I appreciate your support, and it will help me tremendously if you spread the positive word.

Re: I sometimes “forget” that I’m always creating in some form or fashion.

Glad, the reminder was helpful to you. I need this reminder sometimes…. it’s so easy to “forget” when our minds are not clear. :)
Tina Su

Oct 24 07, 11:48 pm PDT

9
Hey Gregg,

Wow, what a comment! Beautifully written.

I agree with this statement: “Knowledge allows us to make new and interesting combinations to solve problems.”

Also, the knowledge of existing solutions allows us to build on top of it, to take the parts that work effectively and add additional benefits creatively to produce a better product/idea/service.

Best,
Tina
Tina Su

Oct 24 07, 11:55 pm PDT

10
Alexys,

Thanks so much!

RE: I have so many little pieces of paper with notes that it looks like a jigsaw puzzle on my desk.

Me too… and stickies and cue-cards :) Lately I’ve been using loose 8×11 blank paper, they’re bigger and harder to misplace.

Thanks for the comment!
Matt Jones

Oct 25 07, 6:24 am PDT

11
.. I really love your blog! It’s nice to read such encouraging and thought provoking material :)
Tina Su

Oct 25 07, 7:41 am PDT

12
Thanks Matt! I appreciate the encouragement!
Campbell

Oct 25 07, 8:15 am PDT

13
Yes, I believe this to be true. If you ever read any of my SU website you will see an example of just this. Everything I wrote there was something I didn’t even know I was capable of. My first attempt at creative writing is on there somewhere and was very rough …some very good stuff followed very quickly and I am sure that “we all have access to the same infinite source” as I cannot even explain how I was able to write any of the things I wrote. When I am inspired, it just seems to flow from me. When I am not, there is nothing.

I believe it really is the relaxing and and connecting with the “Infinite Intelligence” that brings it out. When I am too busy, or too self absorbed, I haven’t the time or the inclination to be creative, but when I relax and just let it come to me, I am utterly surprised and astounded by the results. I

Thanks for your newsletter. I do enjoy this kind of thinking and exploration, but I seldom take the time or have the opportunity to actually do it. This newsletter is perfect, because it allows me to take the “how do you eat an elephant approach”. In other words a little bit at a time is perfect for me right now.
Tina Su

Oct 25 07, 9:14 am PDT

14
Campbell,

I’ve learned that relaxing is key. I’ve found taking a bath to be helpful, similarly with meditation. Sometimes, I’ll go for a walk or sit in a coffee shop where I’m very comfortable. Then I start with a question, start writing ideas and ‘messages’ down, and that will start a serious of more ‘messages’. It’s great! I love the process.

I enjoyed reading your words.. beautiful and very very true. I’m glad you connected with what I wrote. This makes me very happy.

Thank you for the comment!
Andrea Hess | Empowered Soul

Oct 25 07, 10:48 am PDT

15
Lovely article! When we tap into our creativity, we also tap into our divinity - the ability we have to create our life experiences. Every thought, action, and choice we make is, after all, a creative act. But when we engage specifically in creative endeavors such as art, music, you name it, we can bring that creative process we are all part of forward into consciousness.

Blessings,
Andrea
Adam

Oct 25 07, 11:51 am PDT

16
All of these concepts are related. As you say, creativity and spirituality are connected. Being in the moment and removing the past, present, mind and ego. All of these words are pointers to finding “..that place in us that never ends.”

I would like to think that I can just turn my centeredness and creativity on (or off) like a faucet. I frequently get lost in day to day mind wanderings which move my focus away from the moment. When I realize what has happened, I bring myself back. I have my own practice; I start by sitting up straight in my chair, and taking a couple deep breaths through my nose. I acknowledge thoughts that enter my mind, and let them subside.

I love your ideas for uplifting my creative mind! I am going to start using them today.
I am really enjoying checking your blog everyday, and finding new and enlightening words! Both from your posts, and from your readers! You have my complete support :)
Adam

Oct 25 07, 12:06 pm PDT

17
From a career development perspective, fostering creativity is never going to ‘go out of fashion’. The world, and the economy, will always need creative talent; people who have the ability to inspire and bring ideas that are fresh and new. You will never be short of opportunities, no matter what field, market or business you’re in.
Danny

Oct 25 07, 1:11 pm PDT

18
For years, I resigned to the fact that I was just not a creative person, even though I had creative talents when I was younger. I finally got in touch with those creative forces recently using most of the practices you describe.
It feels great to be human again!

Tina, thanks for visiting my site. Your comment lead me here. Wow! Great article and a great site.
Tina Su

Oct 25 07, 1:38 pm PDT

19
Andrea,

“When we tap into our creativity, we also tap into our divinity - the ability we have to create our life experiences. Every thought, action, and choice we make is, after all, a creative act”

Beautifully said. What ringed with me most is the reminder that we truly have “the ability to create our life experiences”. You’re a great writer. I enjoyed your blog, and will be visiting regularly. :)

Tina
Tina Su

Oct 25 07, 1:43 pm PDT

20
Adam, Thanks for sharing your experiences and what you do to bring yourself back to the present. You are right, “fostering creativity is never going to ‘go out of fashion’”

In fact, Daniel Pink (popular business speaker) wrote a book called “A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future.” on the topic.

I believe the coined term ‘right-brainers’ is a romanticized version to categorize people. We are all creative, just some of us self-claimed ‘left-brainers’ have not been in touch with that part of ourselves yet.

btw, I’m neither a right or left brainer. I’m both, just like you and everyone else. :)
Tina Su

Oct 25 07, 1:47 pm PDT

21
RE: “For years, I resigned to the fact that I was just not a creative person”

Danny, Thanks for the note. And I appreciate your openness. I believe that many people out there feels this way and coin themselves with the title “I’m not a creative person” or the label “left brainer”. I think it’s cool that you’re using your experiences to inspire others. Great blog you got.
David B. Bohl at Slow Down FAST.com

Oct 25 07, 2:06 pm PDT

22
Tina,

Great post.

Oscar Wilde said: “The imagination imitates. It is the critical spirit that creates.”
Bob

Oct 25 07, 6:06 pm PDT

23
I love the phrase “tickling your imagination.” What a fun way to put it!
Deb Call

Oct 26 07, 6:58 am PDT

24
Tina, I just discovered your blog after you left a comment on mine. I’m impressed and touched by your articles and by your energy. I’ve subscribed via RSS and can say that one of the ways I find my creativity sparked is by hanging out with people like you!
Zenchef

Oct 26 07, 8:15 pm PDT

25
What a beautiful post this is! Thank you so much for sharing your insights.

I like to think we are all connected to the source by an internal Wifi connection of sort (even if we seem to switch it off sometimes).

Connecting to our creative spirit is not a privilege or special gift reserved for the few, it’s here for everyone to grasp. It all starts with wanting to be creative or abundant, the single act of wanting puts focus on our goal like a camera zooms on a subject. The great Law of polarity that governs all of life kicks in drawing to us the focus of our attention. The Law is indeed perfect yet people still have doubts. The sun will rise tomorrow and that is all i need to know.

To keep my wifi connection on i often like to remind myself these words: “When birds fly too high, they sing out of tune.”

Tina, your Wifi switch was definitely on when you wrote those words. Keep it on! Great Blog!
Tina Su

Oct 26 07, 8:25 pm PDT

26
Hi Stephen (Zenchef), Thanks so much for stopping by. I love what you wrote.. such beautiful words.

I have to be very conscious in reminding myself to keep my ‘Wifi’ open. It’s so easy to accidentally shut it off when my mind is too crowded. Too much blockage between wifi connections can weaken it’s connection. :)

I’m not sure exactly what this saying means “When birds fly too high, they sing out of tune.” :) Could you explain?

Thank you again for commenting and reading. I appreciate your support.
Zenchef

Oct 27 07, 2:13 am PDT

27
So you want to know the meaning of “when birds fly too high, they sing out of tune”? It’s from the Tao, and it took me a while to figure it out but here’s my interpretation. When people act up, show too much ego or aren’t true to themselves (it’s pictured by birds flying too high), their life reflects it (that’s the singing out of tune). It’s another way of saying that if you aren’t true to yourself, your life will reflect it.

It’s my take on it. But you have to reflect on the Tao on your own, you will find it’s true meaning deep inside yourself. It’s enriching!

I am a private chef and i just started a food blog at http://www.chefsgonewild.blogspot.com i poke a lot of fun at my profession and people who take themselves too seriously (there are a lot in the food world!)

Anyway nice meeting you! I will check out your blog often.

Take care

>StephenZenchef
Johnny Ancich

Oct 28 07, 8:18 pm PDT

28
GREAT post!
Joshua
Oct 29 07, 1:23 am PDT

29
“Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” is a great book! My dad introduced me to it when I was 10 or 11, he’s been a big fan of it for a long time too. I recommend it for anyone interested it opening up their creativity.
Tina Su

Oct 29 07, 2:35 am PDT

30
Thanks Johnny!

————

Hi Joshua, Thanks for the recommendation. I’m a big fan of the book. After reading the first chapter, I was so inspired that I went out, bought the work book, drawing books and lots of art supplies. The process was so enjoyable, I felt like a little kid again. :) I had a great time drawing my own face and my hands. I was quite surprised at how well I drew, even thought I’ve always told myself that “I couldn’t draw”. It’s a great source to develop creativity and right brain activities. :)
Jennifer Mannion

Oct 29 07, 5:33 pm PDT

31
Hi Tina, I LOVE this article and had learned about the drawing as an idea from Susan Sark and had totally forgotten that it is a WONDERFUL way to get the creative juices flowing. Now that I am trying to write more often than I ever have for my blog it is so great to come across these useful tools to jump start my brain that does get stuck, side-tracked and very “un-in-the-moment”. Thanks Tina! Jenny
Tina Su

Oct 29 07, 10:43 pm PDT

32
Hey Jenny,

Thanks for stopping by and leaving this cool comment. What do you use to help get your creative juices going when you write?

Thank you!
Tina
ToddSchafer

Oct 29 07, 10:53 pm PDT

33
I’m wondering if that drawing textbook helped you to graduate beyond stick figures.
I’m still at that level myself.
I’ve found the best thing is to not pre-judge your ideas. Write every idea down. There’s plenty of time for pitching it later.
Tina Su

Oct 29 07, 11:36 pm PDT

34
Hi Todd,

You know what? I would love to see you pick up the book. That book was created for people like you (who still assumes that their drawing skills are at stick figure levels).. Trust me. :) You know what? I can personally guarantee it. If you get the book and starts doing the exercises and find that you are not enjoying it or benefiting from it. I will buy the book from you. How’s that?

:)
Ryan

Oct 31 07, 2:53 pm PDT

35
Hi Tina Su, Great post. I especially liked the suggestion on drawing. When I was younger I felt compelled to draw little designs or write just because it felt good.

I haven’t done it as much lately so this reminded me how much I enjoy it and to do it more often. Thanks :)
Tina Su

Nov 01 07, 2:49 pm PDT

36
Hi Ryan, Thanks for your comment.. which also serves as a reminder for myself as well. I haven’t drawn in awhile, and I shall get back to it, maybe in my next “Self Date” :) And I agree, writing is incredible too in making me feel present and connected. I get to do that more often now. :)

Thank you for reading!
Chris Melton

Nov 01 07, 7:02 pm PDT

37
Why is it that most people think that creativity happens without effort? I consider myself to be creative, but I have to use several of the techniques that you mentioned to spur my imagination. You mention a couple of techniques that I have not tried - I think I may give them a shot.
zach
Nov 06 07, 8:11 pm PST

38
I have found that my best thinking is done on graph paper, I suppose it just aligns my thoughts. And if you were to look at my notes there is a doodle on every page. Thinking creatively is definitely linked to drawing. If you are worried that you can only draw stick figures than maybe you are trying to draw the wrong thing. I usually just draw repetitive, semi-geometric patterns that somehow flow into a bigger picture. try drawing random shapes and making them into something. This will help you visualize and you may find you will be more pleased with your art if your goal is only to resemble something, not to sketch a photograph of it.
Dale
Nov 07 07, 10:23 am PST

39
Something I do, a bit more formal, is to take a basic drawing class at a community or junior college every six or seven years. It really helps to reinvigorate the way I see things and give me new perspectives in problem solving.
Jacob Cass

Nov 25 07, 6:01 am PST

40
Hi Tina,

I found your article quite interesting and have posted my own version of how to be creative on my site www.justcreativedesign.com

All the best.
Jacob Cass
Tina Su

Nov 27 07, 9:53 pm PST

41
@Chris Melton: Hi Chris, When you are in the flow, in the zone with creative ideas.. does it take any effort? I think once we are in tuned with creative energy, it feels effortless, ideas will just flow and you are merely experiencing the joy of it. But I think I know what you mean tho, the process of getting in that state of mind can take practice. It becomes easier over time, with practice, and awareness. Thanks for your feedback.

@zach: Thanks for your feedback. We each operate differently. For example, I prefer blank white paper over graph paper. I get distracted by the little blue boxes.. and always want to stay in the lines. I feel more free on white. Some people prefer using notebooks. I like your technique of drawing geological shapes and designs. Thanks for sharing!

@Dale: I’ve heard of people doing that too. Perhaps I should try it. :) Thanks for the sharing your thoughts with us.

@Jacob Cass: Love the theme of your site. Very well designed. Thanks for the link.
Ellen
Dec 04 07, 9:11 am PST

42
Wow, I can’t believe no one here mentioned “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. I took a 12-week class based on the book, and it was here that I first heard “creativity” and “spirituality” used synonymously. The book addresses creative block and helps one sort through the external blockages to find the creative flow inside. The process of exploration is guided by exercises in the book (our class did them together) and a daily journaling process called “morning pages”. I’m not saying this is the best or only way to regain a creative flow, but I know many people who think very highly of this process, in particular.

Found your blog via Lifehack and subscribed to the feed! Really enjoyed your pack-ratitis article and have forwarded it to my sister (who just had me stay ten days with her to sort out that very same chink in her life!) Looking forward to more of your outstanding work!
Alexandra Steiglitz
Feb 24 08, 11:21 pm PST

43
I try hard to follow the 9 rules. But I am stacked in the first already : I cannot find a thing that i like to do.
Where can I find an answer? Thanks a lot

*******************
REPLY:

The answers can only be found within You. In time, I’m sure you’ll find something.
I recommend, reading “The Power of Now” by eckhart tolle.

Tina
Clinton Skakun

May 14 08, 11:44 am PDT

44
Altering your mind with caffeine, drugs, alcohol helps you experience a different side of your mind.

This is a great article!:)
Nina

Jun 04 08, 2:58 am PDT

45
Love the article! :)

Another great book is “The Artist’s Way”.
Pure Consciousness is Transcendental Consciousness

Jul 12 08, 6:19 am PDT

46
The term Pure Consciousness was actually first introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Maharishi brought the experience of Pure Consciousness, which is also called Transcendental Consciousness, to millions of people in the world. Joshua is right when he says “it’s that place in us which never ends”. Never ends means: it’s unboundedness and this unboundedness is the reservoir of all creativity in everyone of us. It’s the home of Natural Law, which organizes everything in the whole universe with utmost perfection. So, what else is more desirable than this? I’m grateful to Maharishi that I experience it every day and I wish the day comes soon that you’ll have it too. You already have it deep within, but all you need is a simple technique to get to that source of creativity, that’s all.
Jan
Wade
Jun 13 09, 10:44 am PDT

47
I second reading Drawing on the right side of the brain.

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9 Ways of Cultivating Creativity

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