Do you ever struggle with ‘creative block’ – better known as ‘writer’s block’? Have you let long periods of time go by where you have felt off track, unproductive, while (im)patiently waiting for a lightning strike of inspiration to hit? What if there really wasn’t any validity to the theory of writer’s block, and you could actually keep creating the things you want to create?
Good news!
You can! Try a simple shift in perspective. Here’s what I mean.
As artists and creators, we often have a ‘signature’ style to our creations. Or maybe a favorite topic, creative medium, format, approach or habit we typically employ. Over time, these become ‘played out.’ We are so familiar with them, that we just don’t have any fresh new ideas. There is so much ‘known’ in our experience of creating this way. Maybe you’re just creatively bored!
The creative process is about moving into the realm of the unknown and bringing forth something new into reality.
Rather than waiting for the lightning bolt of inspiration to hit, what if you stretch out of your creative comfort zone and shake things up? Change the dance. Break up the monotony. Stop waiting and start exploring.
Here are some ideas to play with.
1) Try a different creative medium than the one you’re good at. If you’re a musician, try sketching or painting or clay sculpting. If you’re a writer, pick up a guitar or ukulele or African drum. If you’re an actor, try writing a short story or poem. You will likely not be an instant expert. But returning to beginner’s mind will prompt new insights, awarenesses, questions … which you can then explore in your own mediums with fresh perspectives.
2) Make new body-mind connections.
If you are typically a reflective person by nature, get out and do physical movement or exercise. Get more present in your body. If you are a physical person by nature, try meditating or a more relaxed form of movement like yoga. You will begin to make new body-mind connections which will inform your imagination and creative process.
3) Be the audience.
Go out and enjoy the work of other artists. See films or tv shows you might not typically watch. Go to an art museum, a comedy show, a live stage performance, the circus. Allow yourself to be the audience instead of the creator, and revive your love of creations of all kinds.
4) Empty out.
Get out into nature for walks, hikes or camping and just be. Let your mind empty out and make space for the unknown.
5) To collaborate or not to collaborate.
If you’re used to creating solo, try collaborating with artists in the same or different mediums. If you typically collaborate, try a solo project, even if you fail miserably.
These are just a few ideas to invigorate your imagination and move you out of a stale or played-out creative comfort zone. Move from the realm of the known to the unknown. The familiar to the unfamiliar. You’re not giving up on your own favorite medium, you’re simply shifting your perspective of it. Sooner than later you’ll find yourself back in the flow, expressing yourself through a new lens, with renewed spirit and vision.
And join our AWAKENED ARTIST COMMUNITY – a private Facebook group – for inspiration, resources, support, connection, collaboration and to share your own creative process! It’s FREE.