The human system – the physical, physiological and mental – is complex and fascinating. Yet, to think of the millions of hours spent researching the body and mind, we still do not have many answers.
There is much we assume, and often incorrectly. Possibly it is that we are accustomed to a sense of on-command and instant gratification that we believe we can will ourselves to do almost anything instantaneously. We may have success in completing mundane tasks, both physical and mental, yet it’s the creative ones we can struggle with.
Not to be confused with deliberately working at something, the process of creativity requires us to be in a state receptive to thoughts and ideas outside of our everyday thinking. John Cleese, the British comedian, referred to the state of the open and closed mind. We operate primarily in the closed mind state; this is what we use in the tasks we do each day. In this state, we are intentional.
To attain a creative state, we need to achieve an open mindset. It calls on us to be playful and to place ourselves in unfamiliar settings where we can allow ourselves to explore. New relationships will bring many creative endeavors thanks to us permitting ourselves to discover and be receptive to new thoughts.
Most modern-day cultures, including the work environment, stifle creativity. We get up and typically work 9 to 5 at the same desk. We expect to take the eight-hour shift and leave the day feeling drained. Routine is cherished but does not create innovation and instead fosters mediocrity.
The risk we often fall into is getting stuck in a closed loop—the one where we react to circumstances and situations, and we almost begin to thrive on this. Yet, none of this truly allows for any creativity.
We need to be deliberate in making the time to be creative. Do something completely different: take a walk, read a book, garden, or just sit and take in the surroundings with intention. Or, as we call it – relax. You may be surprised where the mind takes you as it opens, and the likelihood of you feeling refreshed, inspired, and invigorated is relatively high. We can all be creative; we may just be doing it wrong.
