This past Saturday I had every intention of facilitating a custom
workshop that I designed for the Motown Writers Network called
“Momentum for Your Muse.” My body had other plans. It completely shut
down on me and I was so sick that I could not move for over 24 hours. I
still hope to facilitate this workshop at some point, but in the mean
time I want to leave you with a series that highlights the main points
and ideas from the workshop. This workshop was designed for writers, but
it can be applied to any creative or business process. I’ll give you
one small chunk to focus on each week to keep the momentum going for
whatever project you are focused on for the New Year.
Make Mental Space
“We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is,
knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” –
Ray Bradbury
Our minds are often so cluttered with thoughts, ideas, tasks,
responsibilities, drama and worries that little space is left for
creativity. For most of us, the mental noise begins before we even wake
up. We begin to go over our to-do list, we mull over things that
happened the day before, we think about everything that has to be done
and how little time we have to make it all happen. Whether it is a
business plan, a workout plan, a recipe or a book, we must find a way to
clear our mental space to be able to create.
Deep Restorative Breathing
Clearing you mind may be as simple as taking a series of deep
restorative breaths. Breathe in deeply for a slow count of four through
your nose and breathe out of your mouth deeply for a slow count of four.
I recommend at least four of these deep breaths, but do as many as you
need. Go ahead…try it now...
How did that feel?
Meditation
Those deep breaths can lead to another common practice which is
meditation. This is one that I have yet to master, because I find it
extremely challenging to sit still. There are many books, blogs and
even classes on how to meditate, but the simple definition is the
practice of concentrated focus. This focus can be on your breathing, a
sound, an object or visualization. It can be used to contemplate or
reflect. While meditating, be mindful not to let the millions of
thoughts flood your brain again, that is why it is important to choose a
focus.
Prayer
“Creativity is God’s gift to us. Using our creativity is our gift back to God.” – Julia Cameron
Another practice similar to meditation is prayer. Ask for
forgiveness, give gratitude, as for what you want or need including the
mental clarity and inspiration to be able to create. After the prayer,
take a moment of time in still silence. We often pray and then keep it
moving instead of waiting and listening for guidance, direction and
instruction.
Journal
In the book, The Artist’s Way, the author, Julia Cameron
suggests that we write what she calls Morning Pages every day. These are
three pages written in a journal or notebook about any and everything
that is on our minds. These writings are not meant to be creative or
profound (though they may end up that way), they are just meant to take
all of the stuff that is in our minds and put it on the page to clear
that space for creativity.
This week I challenge you to try one or all of these methods to make
mental space for that which you desire to create. Next week we will
explore how you can spark or ignite that creativity once the space has
been made.
