Any ideas how to bring out a person's inner creative forces?

[I Have A Dream]

I'm an extremely left-brained person, and this can be good in many ways. However, I feel as though my inability to access my creativity is holding me back spiritually.

Has anyone else had to deal with this? If so, have you found anything that helped you?

Thanks for anything that you can suggest to get me over this hurdle.

[oxbow]

1. Practice spontaneity

Have you ever seen Finding Forrester? There's a scene where the mentor, played by Sean Connery, tells his student to just sit down in front of the typewriter and start typing. Don't think, don't stop typing, just put down whatever comes out. You could do the same thing with painting, singing, any art form. Just let go and hopefully the juices will start flowing. Like we were talking about in FreedomAngel's thread, it could be that there is something blocking you up from what you want. A little free-form play could be just the thing to get you connected to where you want to be.:hug:

[Idylle Moon Dancer]

3. If that doesn't work

then find some instruction in whatever creative endeavor interests you. Last year I was blocked up musically, so I got some books of tunes arranged for fingerstyle guitar. I had some trouble getting my hands accustomed to the new style, so I met with a teacher, and the blockage quickly dissolved after that.

[oxbow]

4. Yea, you definitely gotta have the skills first

My advice is more for writer's block, etc. There's a real need sometimes for the output to be perfect, and it keeps us from playing, from making mistakes and going with whatever happens with joy. If that's the problem, then go with what I said. If it's more that you are looking for a talent to nurture, then some basic instructions/practice are in order.

[I Have A Dream]

9. I think that the perfectionism thing is a big part of my problem.

I see so many extremely talented people (like you), and I'm embarassed. Additionally, I don't feel any enjoyment while I'm doing it, which may because I'm focusing on results rather than the experience. (The destination rather than the journey.)

I need to keep this in mind. Thanks for the reminder to go for the joy!

[oxbow]

18. Yea, I've been drawing since I was like 6.

You probably shouldn't compare yourself to me, or anyone else for that matter. It's your ego that wants to compare, judge and otherwise label your art as good or bad, right or wrong. That's what she does. You just tell her that this is not something she can judge. Your intuition tells you if it's going good or not, not your ego.

As far as inspiration, I'm sure you can find something. Write about a spiritual experience you've had. Write about what you care about, what you fear, what gets a major reaction, for good or bad, out of you. This stuff may be old news to you, but it is deeply interesting to all of us who don't
live in your head.

Good luck and happy creating :)

[I Have A Dream]

20. Very good advise, oxbow.

I'm really going to work on ego issues in reference to my creativity because it's been holding me back. My ego's always getting in my way -- bad ego!! ;)

[oxbow]

21. It's just doing its job

Or what it thinks it's job is. It's protecting you from getting hurt by not letting you start in the first place. You just put it in it's place an tell it you're the one in charge.

I think of my ego as a little dog who's always trying to protect me. In some homes, it seems like the dog runs the house though, you know? Try not to blame it or hold on to anger, because it's just a part of you, and as worthy of love as any other part. Work out how things are gonna be from now on, show it that the new way is for the best and forgive it for being the way it was before.

Your ego can help you on this journey. It just has to understand the way things are now first.

[I Have A Dream]

8. I have actually tried what you did, Crab Nebula. I just never get...

to the point where it flows and feels natural. I played the violin when I was younger. It's difficult to describe how I played, but it's probably best to say that I played it like a science rather than an art, if that makes sense. Additionally, it never got easier, and,even when it sounded OK, it didn't have any life/soul to it.

I guess that there's a piece of me that hopes that there is something creative that will be natural for me.

I'll keep trying. Maybe I'll take up the violin again. (My poor husband! :) )

Thank you!

[I Have A Dream]

7. No, I haven't seen Finding Forrester. I think that you are correct when..

you say that something is blocked in me, oxbow. I seem to have no creative gifts at all. I don't have any fire and only a little air in my astrological chart. I wonder if that's part of it.

I greatly appreciate the gifts that the Universe has given to me. However, I can't sit back and allow this deficit to interfere with my ability to grow spiritually. I have tried some of the things that you stated; I just end up with kindergarten-level results. I'll try again though, just in case something's changed for me since the last time that I tried it. (You're such a lucky person to be so artistic! :))

Thanks for your suggestions, oxbow!

[Dora]

2. Switch hands.

If you're right handed, try to eat, draw, or write with your left hand. If you're left-handed, switch to your right. This is a good exercise to try for a few minutes each day. It causes your brain to refocus in ways you're not conscious of.

I always used to preface my study/writing sessions with 15-30 minutes of either drawing with colored pencils or by playing a word/dice game. It was a great way to sweep out some of the clutter that was getting in the way of my studies/writing.

Added on edit: Try to shake things up, just a little bit. Change a pattern or two in your life. Get out of a behavioral rut (not necessarily all of them). Enter your home through the front door if you typically use a side entrance. Drive a different route. Embrace what you avoid - even if it's brussels sprouts.

[I Have A Dream]

10. I love this idea! I'm definitely going to switch hands.

Coincidentally, I've just started a spiritual program that has as one of its steps changing patterns, just as you said. I'll be working on this!

Thanks so much, Dora!

[MissWaverly]

5. It depends but most say start with reality

draw from life, write a story that's true or based on something you know, if you look at other people's ideas, you may be inspired to come up with something. Like that's okay
but I could make a lamp with a hand woven shade, it would really be cool or I could really
come up with something that would work with a laptop as a mouse w/o the clutter, maybe
it could even double as jewelry.

[I Have A Dream]

11. I'm usually much better when someone else comes up with the idea.

I implement things pretty well once someone else comes up with the idea. I just don't seem to get inspiration of my own. (I'm talking about all things; not just art. In reference to art, I have the additional problem of having no ability whatsoever.) I guess that I need to find my muse.

I'll try what you suggest -- maybe that will get me over the hump. Thanks, MissWaverly!

[MissWaverly]

15. Sounds to me like you need to experiment

and don't be afraid to make mistakes, think back when you were a kid, what did you really
like to do, I remember seeing a guy that made placemats into summer purses with some tasseled cords and a premade closer, they were so cool. The problem is that society is always putting people on pedestals as perfect and then there are the rest of us. The guy
that invented fire was not a corporate ceo and remember, Van Gogh cut off his ear, few of
the people that really made a difference were pros.

[sofedup]

6. a trick I learned in art school...

...is to discard my first idea when I'm attempting to come up with a concept (I'm a commercial artist). This has never failed me- the first idea is nearly always the most obvious, trite "solution"- never unexpected. And it is the unexpected that is creative. I consciously apply this to other areas of life whenever possible.:)

[I Have A Dream]

12. My problem is that I can't even get a FIRST idea! I wish that I had...

the option of discarding it. If I manage to get a first idea, I cling to it for dear life because I'm thankful that I at least have something.

Thanks, sofedup!

(On edit: By the way, welcome to DU and to this group! It's great to have you here.)

[Metta]

13. Do you think Tony Robbins stuff has any value?

I know he has many tapes. Also, one thing that works for me is something that takes some effort and gentle attention and can be very rewarding. ... picturing yourself comfortably holding your conflict/anxiety/concern and stay with the image. With some time, it should unfold and answers should be available for you.

[I Have A Dream]

14. That's really funny! I have his complete series from over a decade...

ago. I bought them and never really listened to them. (I do this quite often, much to my chagrin.) I'm going to have to check them out again! (This post really made me laugh! The Universe has a really wonderful sense of humor! :))

I'll definitely give the visualization a try. Thanks, Metta!

[Metta]

16. The universe, your angels and I salute your efforts.

Let us know what relief you get, would you?

[KAT119]

17. Have heard/read that Theta is the 'creative' brainwave...

it is slower than Beta - our waking brain wave - it is between sleep - Delta - and wide awake all cylinders firing Beta.

i know there are books & tapes on subject of Theta & examples of highly creative people who learned to slow their brain waves to that frequency. I think the movie 'The Legend of Bagger Vance' was about slowing the golfer's (Matt Damon) thoughts to either Alpha (meditative state) or Theta. He entered a 'zone' of oneness & harmony & won the tournament.

[I Have A Dream]

19. That's very interesting. I'll have to research this!

Thanks, KAT119!

[cassiepriam]

22. You are creative, look at your posts

I don't know specifically which creative talents you wish to enhance, but creativity comes in many forms. Look at how you use your creativity and talent every time you post, especially when someone needs help. You take a look at the problem presented and offer ideas and support.

Look at your posts teaching people how to meditate, those were creative and talented. If the kind of work you do on this board is not spiritual and creative, then what is?

I believe we are meant to use our gifts and talents to help others; I think the best spirituality is the kind that is practical, down to earth, something we live everyday. That takes creativity, talent, courage and wisdom.

You can enhance your creativity and spirituality by meditation and prayer, getting in touch with your higher Self. This will open up so much for you and get the chakra energies flowing.

[I Have A Dream]

23. Thanks so much for the encouragement, Cassie.

However, the meditations are not mine, and they're not even in my words. I will, however, try to remember what you're saying about the many forms of creativity. Even though I didn't explicitly state it in my original post, I was specifically talking about artistic ability and inspiration, which, up to this point in my life, are two things that I feel I am greatly lacking.

I hadn't considered using spiritual techniques to better access my inner creativity. That's a wonderful idea which I will certainly try.

Thanks again!

(By the way, it's great to see you here! :hi:)

[cassiepriam]

27. Some say creativity comes from the Divine,,,,

What kind of artistic talents do you want to develop?

You could take some classes, attend artistic support and creative groups, get on artist forums, etc etc.

(PS And even if the meditations were not your words, you had to find the right words, matching them to the situation at hand, and take the time and trouble to put it all together in a tactful supportive way. )

[wovenpaint]

24. Have you heard of the book "The Artist's Way"?

This is an excellent workbook that helps you to get the creativity flowing, I've found.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1585421464/qid=1141447749/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/104-3958356-6847143?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

Best of luck! :hi:

[I Have A Dream]

25. No, I've not heard of this book before.

I looked at the reviews, and I'm truly impressed. I will definitely be buying this book!

(I love the full title: 'The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity'. That sounds perfect.)

Thanks so much for the recommendation, wovenpaint! :hi:

[wovenpaint]

28. I think you're going to like this book

It's more like a workbook that you use week to week-the trickiest part for me is keeping up with the "morning pages"-I keep going in and out of the habit. But, it really gets the creativity flowing.
She wrote a companion book called "Vein of Gold" for after you go thru this one. Happy creativity!! Glad to be of help!

[TankLV]

26. Abandone them alone on a deserted island.

They either die or become quite creative real fast.

Sorry, couldn't resist!

But really, start to make do WITHOUT pre-made things - start small.

Stop buying presents - make them.

Like kids playing with boxes instead of new toys - worked for me and my lessor-well-off cousins as opposed to my cousins that had always everything new and ready made.