As I began to write this article about creativity, I struggled. I sat staring at a blank screen looming large in front of me. The only thought that came to me was, “I got nothin!” After what seemed to be a long period of time, I decided I needed brain food. So, I retreated to the kitchen for a snack.. “Still nothing.” In an attempt to clear my head and not force it, I decided to take a little break. So, I organized a kitchen cabinet, did a load of laundry, got the mail, watched a television program, and chatted with a friend on the phone, all the while feeling the relentless blinking of the cursor on the blank page burning a whole in the back of my head. It was taunting me. With each steady blink of the cursor, it was becoming quite clear that I was blocked!
By simple definition, the word block conjures up all sorts of panic, especially in relation to creativity. Block n. - an obstacle, obstruction, or hindrance
I would venture a guess that everyone has felt blocked in their lives, whether creatively or otherwise, at some point and time. This only stands to reason given that our lives, and especially our individual creativity, are all about flow.
That being said, as I contemplated my blank screen and flashing cursor, I began to think about flow. In my minds eye I pictured a beautiful mountain stream flowing effortlessly. I took in the entire picture. Suddenly I realized that my stream was flowing despite the obstacles and blocks in it’s way. As a matter of fact, it was beautiful and perfect as a result of adapting and being part of the blocks in its path.
Maybe a creative block isn't all that bad. If there wasn't something to stop up and force us to try something new it would be so easy to fall into a rut. We might never pursue any variation or new path that might take us further than we thought possible or lead us to something amazing. We would surely become stale. So, I say, “Embrace the block! “
Acceptance is step 1. But, how do we work past the block? One thing is certain, sitting back and doing nothing will leave us stuck so the solution is simple: Keep going! Sometimes we just need a nudge in the right direction.
Spring is nature’s rejuvenation and growth period. Taking our cue from nature, now is the perfect time to renew our individual flow. Whether you are feeling the effects of a creative block, or just want to incite new energy into your world, incorporating some or all of these tips into your life will no doubt stimulate your creative juices!
REST. - Rest is vital for rejuvenation. So to start off, I suggest a day of rest. Give yourself a pass to do nothing but lounge, nap, sleep, eat and play. Banish any guilt and indulge.
HANG OUT. – Make time to interact with like-minded, positive, inspirational people. This is like charging your batteries. We all need a boost from time to time and friends can be a great boost!
LET GO. - Let go of all your pre-conceived notions. – Restraining or attempting to direct flow can only lead to frustration. Have you ever tried to redirect flowing water with your hands? You may see a momentary diversion in its path, but as soon as you move, it continues on. So ride the wave and see where it takes you!
BE. - Take a moment to simply be. – Absorb your surroundings. Try this at different places. When was the last time you stopped in the lobby of your office, or in the aisle of your local grocery store, or in the noisy gym of your child’s school and really noticed your surroundings. Take it all in. The sounds, the smells, the sights.
ALTER YOUR PERSPECTIVE. - Choose a mundane everyday occurrence and consciously choose to see from a different perspective. If you are cooking or cleaning, try doing these tasks as a child would. If you are struggling through reports and problems at work, try embracing your job as if you had just started after being unemployed. If you are moving the grass, imagine the view of the world from a bugs level.
BREAK THE RULES. - Great creatives and great thinkers all have one thing in common. They break the rules in interesting ways. If you follow the rule book you'll be safe, mundane and ordinary - just one of the crowd. This doesn't have to be big, scary endeavors, and I am by no means suggesting you break the law. Think about the self-imposed rules that you place on yourself. Can any of these restrictions be lifted just once? Could you try eating cocoa puffs or a brownie for breakfast? Could you wear those crazy colored galoshes to the store? Could you climb a tree and see your neighborhood from a birds view?
TAKE PICTURES. – Carry a camera with you for one day. Take a picture every 30 minutes. It doesn't matter what, or where, or how. Just take a snap shot. At the end of the day you will have captured a story. You might be surprised what these images might inspire.
Most likely, if you have done any or all of these things, you will notice a shift. It might be small or great. The pendulum of comfort can swing greatly. But it is within this swing that the sweet spot is found. So don’t shy away from change. Embrace the sense of being a bit discombobulated and know that growth and great things come from change.
“BLOCK HAPPENS!” ….but it is a good thing!
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