Do you want to live a more creative and inspired life but not sure exactly where to start?

Mindfulness is a powerful practice to support you in moving from stress and distraction to a more creative life. It is a simple practice that involves being fully present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings and physical sensations without judgment, criticism or resistance. It also includes paying attention to your surroundings with a sense of curiosity and delight.

When you practice mindfulness, you come down from your busy thinking mind and learn to develop a sense of present moment awareness and clarity. From here, life feels more interesting and you can access your creative potential.

The Power of Mindfulness in Creativity

Mindfulness allows us to observe ourselves, and life, just as it is. When we do this, we become aware that things are always moving and changing, our thoughts, emotions, sensations and the seasons. We realize that there is a natural ebb and flow to life. From here, we can open to more creative ways of being as we feel less stuck and more free.

Breaking Free from Distractions and Pressure:

Through mindfulness and guided meditation, we learn to identify and let go of our self-doubt and perfectionism. From here, we can create a space where new ideas can flourish. We also feel more confident to take risks without fear of being judged or not succeeding. Mindfulness allows us to detach from the noise and expectations of the outside world, providing us with the freedom to explore our own ideas and express ourselves authentically.

Noticing the Beauty in the Details:

There are many benefits of mindfulness, including that it enhances our ability to observe the world around us. We can notice the small details, colors, and textures that may spark our creativity. It allows us to appreciate the beauty in the simplest things and find inspiration in our surroundings.

Whether it is the bright colors of a sunset, some complex patterns found in a flower, or the relaxing sounds of nature, mindfulness ignites our senses and in turn fuels our imagination and creativity.

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Developing a Beginner's Mind:

Mindfulness allows us to soften our old and outdated assumptions, beliefs and expectations. We learn to cultivate what is called a ‘beginner’s mind’. This approach helps us to see life with fresh eyes and an open heart. From here, we can explore new creative possibilities, make different connections and see potential in various opportunities. This mindset also allows us to break free from creative ruts and discover innovative solutions and perspectives.

Having Emotional Resilience:

Creativity can be an emotionally charged process. We can feel inspired, excited, purposeful and fearful of being judged at the same time! Mindfulness helps us cultivate emotional resilience, allowing us to navigate the highs and lows of the creative journey.

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Include Mindfulness into Your Practice

Practicing mindfulness when you are engaging in a creative activity like drawing, painting, cooking, gardening and so on can help enhance the experience.

Engaging in Activities with Full Awareness:

One simple way to infuse mindfulness into your creativity activities and your life is to perform these tasks mindfully. Whether it's painting, writing, or simply taking a walk in nature, bring your attention to the sensations, thoughts, and emotions that arise.

You might like to notice any resistance that arises too! We live in a society that promotes productivity over creativity, so it’s natural that taking the time to be more present and mindful might make you feel uncomfortable at the start. Trust that over time, you will feel more at ease in the present moment.

Try to welcome the process and let go of judgment or expectations. Engage all your senses, notice the colors, textures, and sounds, and fully immerse yourself in the creative experience. Notice sensations in your body. Emotions as they come and go. This level of awareness enhances the quality of your work and deepens your connection to the creative process.

Creating Mindful Environment:

Creating a space in your home that allows you to feel mindful is a great strategy. You don’t need to have an entire room, it could just be a bookshelf, a corner of your bedroom, a place where you can go to meditate, read, write, listen to music and so on.

Add objects and elements that inspire you and evoke a sense of calm, focus and belonging.

Consider adding elements of nature, such as plants or natural light, which can promote a sense of tranquility and connection to the present moment. Books, pictures, candles and rugs are also great. By intentionally curating your physical space, you create an environment that supports and nurtures your creative endeavors.

With mindfulness included into your life, you can unlock your creative potential, find inspiration in the world around you, and bring your unique ideas to life. Welcome the present moment, embrace your creativity, and let your imagination soar.

Read the book Wholehearted Confidence and learn how to live a more creative and inspired life.

This blog is for people new to mindfulness, meditation and personal development. If you have been in the ‘wellness game’ for a while and would like a more in-depth and nuanced take on how to be a good human in a complex world, subscribe to my free fortnightly newsletter.

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