3 KEYS FOR CREATIVITY AND FLOW STATES

Do you feel more creative when in a "flow state"?

Do you have an inner critic or voice saying "I'm not creative" or "I'm not good enough"?

Explore 3 key things about creativity and being in a "flow state" below... 

When I was attending graduate art school in 2005, I fell into a bit of a creative slump. One of my Art Professors at the time encouraged me to "strike while the iron is hot."

I remember her telling all of the artists in our graduate art program that we needed to consistently create artwork and produce something every day to ensure our creative juices kept flowing. While I know her intentions were good (and she was speaking from what worked well for her), I found her firm words triggered feelings of shame in me.

My inner child felt like it wasn't good enough. I tried as hard as I could to produce "work"; to churn out amazingly creative pieces and to deeply connect with the "muse" in my life. However, the love affair with my muse was seemingly absent. Quiet. Still. 

My professors words stuck with me for years (especially when I found myself in a similar "dry spell" creatively). Strike while the iron is hot. What iron am I supposed to be striking? Why did it run cold in the first place? I'm a failure as an artist, I thought. I'm not creative, I thought. However, after years of experiencing this cyclical dance of creating, I began to notice:

my creative process came in waves; it ebbed and flowed.

Similar to everything in nature, my creative output appeared to have it's own seasons. When I wasn't doing something creative, my thoughts and creative juices were incubating. It reminds me of trees in the winter. Upon first glance, trees may seem barren and frozen, however beneath the surface they are soaking up nutrients that will help them grow, expand, and flourish when the sun comes out and the timing is right. 

Maybe you've experience similar seasons of creating in your life? Maybe you have the same inner critic and voice saying "I'm not creative" or "I'm not good enough." I believe:

1. Everyone is creative in their own way

2. Everyone has a different process of expressing their creativity

3. Creativity is healing and fundamental to our self-care and well-being

So what does creativity mean to you? How are you creative in your life?

Creativity is defined as "the ability to make new things or think of new ideas." Creativity isn't always equated to artwork, and instead Creativity = Innovation. Process. Ideas. Expression. Thinking of creativity in this way, you may find it easier to recognize ways you think of new ideas, express yourself, or give back to the world. For one person, creativity may look like painting, drawing, writing, collage, photography, or dance; for others, creativity may look like gardening, hiking, working on cars or home repair; and for others it may also look like solving math problems, creating software apps, sharing new ideas at a work meeting, solving a problem in a different way and sharing the results with your peers.

Creativity comes in a variety of shapes and forms, however one thing is common: 
Creativity is often linked to being in a Flow State: an "optimal state of consciousness where we feel our best and perform our best.” Psychology Today wrote an interesting article about the connection between Creativity and Flow states here. When we're expressing ourselves creatively, we are often in a Flow State, and this state feels so effortless that we may not give our efforts enough credit. Flow States enhance our creativity, because we're in an altered state of consciousness. Our breath is deepened. Our focus is precise and clear. Time passes quickly, and it's easy for us to lose ourselves in the moment. 

So how can we enhance our likelihood of being in a Flow State and enhancing our Creativity? I'm glad you asked. There are many ways we can enter into this flow state, and I'll share 5 of my favorite top tips to help you tap into your creative spirit in my next Blog. Be sure to subscribe below!

I hope this has sparked ideas for you regarding what creativity means in your life, and please know if you're in a season of rest that you're exactly where you need to be! If you'd like to tap into your creative spirit, connect in a flow state, and share in a non-judgmental space, I hope you'll join us for one of our upcoming Art and Yoga Workshops or online expressive arts and mindfulness e-courses. 

If you want to be the first to receive our expressive arts inspirations and exercises, art and yoga schedule, self-care tips, and updates through our newsletter and blog, sign-up here:

💜 EXPLORE CREATIVE SELF-CARE AT HOME 💜 ...Be the first to know... get class updates, tips, announcements, and more by joining my newsletter below.

p.s. I'd love to hear when you feel you're in a flow state and how creativity manifests in your life! Please share in the comments! :) 

Mindful Art and Self-Care Blog by Mindful Creative Muse

Welcome to the Mindful Creative Muse Blog!

In our busy world, finding relaxing moments and space for creative self-care has never been more crucial. That's why I'm thrilled to share the Mindful Creative Muse Blog – your sanctuary for exploring the sweet blend of mindfulness and creative art. Our blog is dedicated to offering you a wealth of resources for mindful art, art journaling, and expressive art exercises that serve as a bridge to your inner self.

Whether you're in your studio at home or seeking a peaceful retreat in the corner of your living room, our blog is designed to guide you through various creative practices, including drawing feelings, painting emotions, sad drawings, and drawing anxiety, as well as simple exercises to practice art as meditation. These practices are not just art activities; they are gateways to understanding and embracing your emotional landscape.

Begin Again with Mindful Art

Join us for a journey of renewal and self-discovery with simple mindfulness and art practices to begin again. These mindful art activities are designed to welcome you back into your creative flow, gently encouraging you to reconnect with your inner mindful creative muse. Whether you're picking up a brush after a long hiatus or finding new ways to express your innermost thoughts, our blog offers guidance to help you navigate this journey.

Mindful Art in Your Studio at Home

Transform your home studio into a sanctuary of mindful art. Dive into intuitive painting, watercolor painting, abstract painting, and more, as we explore techniques that encourage spontaneity, curiosity, and emotional expression. Our blog provides tips for setting up a mindful art space in your home, where you can freely explore the depths of your creativity without judgment.

Expressive Art and Mindfulness Activities

Discover the therapeutic power of art journaling as a means to capture your thoughts, emotions, and daily experiences. This practice not only nurtures your creative skills but also enhances your mindfulness, self-awareness, and emotional resilience. Through guided prompts and exercises, you'll learn to articulate your feelings through drawing feelings and painting emotions, creating a visual diary that reflects your growth journey.

Community and Connection

Our blog is more than just a collection of activities; it's a vibrant community of like-minded individuals passionate about mindful art and creativity. We hope you’ll comment and engage with fellow creatives, ask questions, and exchange insights on navigating the challenges and joys of the creative process. Our community is a supportive space where you can connect with other creatives and find inspiration in their stories and experiences.

Join the Conversation

I'm beyond excited to have you as part of our Mindful Creative Muse Community. Your voice, your art, and your journey matter. Engage with the blog by liking, commenting, and sharing your thoughts. Share it with a friend you may feel could use these sweet reminders, too! Let's deepen our connection through social media, where you'll find even more inspiration and community support on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter (X), and our YouTube Channel. Follow us for daily doses of creativity, mindfulness, and encouragement to keep your creative muse alive (you’ll find our social media links below).

Happy Creating!

In our Mindful Creative Muse Blog, we're committed to creating an environment where you can embrace your inner critic, de-stress, relax, and nurture yourself. Through mindful art activities for adults and community support, we aim to help you increase self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-expression. Reignite your creative muse with us, and let's embark on this transformative journey together.