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 Have
you stopped to notice how we have conditioned ourselves through
our senses? Repeated connections to smells, sounds and our
surroundings slowly train our brain to respond automatically.
It could be the aroma of coffee in the morning that prompts
the mind to begin to awaken. Or a song on our iPod that gears
us up for working out. It could be the way the ambient light
softens our mood in a candle lit room. What we often take
for granted, slowly become triggers. In the same way, our
senses can also become a vehicle to arouse creativity. Because
many creative individuals posses an attuned sensitivity to
their environment and experiences, this can be an effective
tool to utilize for creative productivity.
What Surrounds You?
Many have referred to it as a “sacred space.”
It could be your office or studio. Is your surroundings nurturing
your muse or hindering it? Is there clutter? Or is it open
and spacious, allowing your imagination to freely flow? In
the Feung Shui philosophy, it is believed that clutter may
cause one to feel sluggish and unmotivated. Is your space
a place where creativity can flourish?
Take a look around. What symbols decorate your area? What
kinds of pictures or artwork are hanging on the walls? What
items do you regularly glance upon? Do these items hold a
positive meaning for you, or do they represent aspects of
yourself you’ve out grown? The space we frequently create
in should be surrounded with symbols that support your success
and bring forth inspiration.
Scent
The sense of smell is one of the senses that are hotwired
directly to the brain. Scent instantaneously triggers memory
recall and a flow of thoughts closely intertwined with feelings
and emotions. This is why a single whiff of an aroma can unexpectedly
thrust us back in time and materializes an entire scene from
our past.
With aromatherapy, essential oils are used to evoke positive
emotions. For instance, essential oils such as Clary sage,
Citrus and Bergamot are used to boost creativity and inspiration.
Incense is another way to magically dissolve stresses of the
day and helps us become mindful of our present moment. What
particular scent or aroma transforms your creative space?
Music
Music has been used to shift moods for as long as we can remember.
We now know that music produces certain chemicals in our body
like serotonin (the “feel good” chemical). It
can increase or decrease blood pressure, effecting levels
of energy. We also know that music enhances the connection
between both sides of the brain, which aids the flow of information
during the creative process.
The type of music is a very personal preference. For most
of us certain styles, certain songs can elicit a specific
emotion. Music can also be spiritual for some and opens up
gateways into the imagination. Playing music that inspires
and moves you not only stimulates the muse, but also creates
an atmosphere, which can boost the creative experience.
Lighting
How is the lighting in your space? Does the fluorescent overhead
cast a greenish tint, leaving you feeling depleted? Or do
streams of natural daylight bathe it? Does the sun peek through
windows as it rises up to greet your creative spirit? Take
notice of how lighting effects your motivation and inspiration.
Lighting is essential when generating an atmosphere that nourishes
your creativity and plays a vital part in productivity. It
may require adjusting some fixtures in your office or studio,
changing some bulbs or find ways to allow more daylight in.
Time of day
For some artists, the nocturnal hours when the rest of the
world is sleeping, provides chunks of uninterrupted time.
For others, after a good nights rest, their creative energy
is refreshed and they are more ready to perform their craft.
What time of day do you feel you most thrive creatively? Are
there particular times when you feel most inspired? Or when
your energy is dwindling? Have you tried to force creativity
into a “9 to 5” slot, only to find it works against
you? Honoring your own natural cycle and utilizing it to your
advantage can prove to be more beneficial and productive.
When we integrate the senses as part of our ritual, overtime
the creative spirit is automatically awakened by a scent,
song, time of day or atmosphere.
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