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Creativity-Training Through
The Senses
by Lisa A. Riley,
LMFT
 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.
Also published on ezinearticles.com
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