Often the best things in life cannot be forced into existence. It is not easy to think creatively. Sometimes the creation flows, bringing us endless smiles. Other times we are hanging on a thin rope over the edge of a black chasm, groping helplessly for that sliver of light that will bring our creativity back.
Creative thinking is composed of three key elements:
- Absorption
- Reflection
- Inspiration
We start by absorbing books, music, movies, conversations with friends, and activities with family. Thinking of ourselves as a large pool, absorption is the process of filling up with so many ideas or concepts that our creative reservoir reaches maximum potential.
With all the new ideas, considerations, and dilemmas flowing through our mind we are ready to sit back and reflect. Meditation frees the mind to examine how best to use our creativity. Process it before we move forward on a particular creative path, whether that be writing a blog post, drafting a novel, painting a picture. The possibilities of creativity are endless.
Inspiration at last kicks in. Our brain is overflowing with ideas. Some good and some not, yet we can move forward. The reservoir is full and ready to take pen to paper, plan to the drawing board, hands to the loom.
Question: What have you done to break into creative thinking?
I have drawn my own creatures and written down inspired story snippets, but it is difficult to come up with names for said creatures without them sounding too long and complex. Some names have occurred that seem to work, but other times they just sound like jibberish. :-/
Thanks for the tip, Mr. Appleton. I appreciate it.
No problem! I hope to provide more helpful tips in future posts 🙂
I usually just start writing. Whether I’m writing about a specific character and his experiences or about a culture as a whole, I find that it helps me get my ideas down so that I can organize and go through them later. It’s also a great way for me to come up with some new stuff.
Anywho, I’m really looking forward to some more tips!