| Unblocking the Blocks...to Creativity By Debbie Ellison “We must realize
that a creative being lives within ourselves, whether we like it or not,
and that we must get out of its way, for it will give us no peace until
we do.” What do you do when a creative block comes at you? Get out of its way! Or more precisely, get out of your own way. Instead of allowing blocks to destroy your creativity, listen to Sark, author of Creative Companion: How to Free Your Creative Spirit – “What do you do with creative blocks? Build a castle!” Societal Brain Washing It’s difficult to be creative in a society that constantly tries to squeeze you into a cookie-cutter mold (hey, Cookie, it’s time to break out!), that beats conformity into every fiber of your being (don’t conform – deform), that says you’re “crazy” or “weird” or “abnormal” if you have innovative ideas different from the “normal” (when they say you’re weird, say “thank you”), that condemns you for flying opposite the flock (it’s the only way to fly). From childhood ever after, we are told we can’t, it’ll never work, color within the lines, the sky is blue and grass is green. These are a few of the many reasons we are not creative:
As children, we are vibrant and alive, curious, creative, imaginative, boundless and boundary-less. We are unlimited potential, doing what we feel in the moment without judgment, constraint, or worry about what others may think. Somewhere along the way, “vigor mortis” sets in – rigidity that kills our vigor – death to the right brain! Society does its best to squelch our exuberance and creative energy. The good news is…it’s still there beneath the surface – waiting, eager to burst forth. All you need to do is tap into it. What blocks your creativity? As a faux finisher, conforming to the tried-and-true techniques keeps you on the periphery of greatness. To be a true creative artist – one who stands out from the “flock” - you must fly a different direction. Creativity Blocks – Killing Me Softly There are three areas that stop the creative flow. When you are feeling blocked, when your ideas are stifled, and you just can’t get the right finish for your client, check out these areas. Physical Blocks We all have areas that are particularly sensitive, where we feel tension and stress. When you are in a fearful or uncomfortable situation, do you feel pain in your neck, clenched jaw, queasy stomach, dry mouth, tight shoulders, shortness of breath, [fill-in-the-blank]? When you are feeling blocked, close your eyes and scan your body, starting at the top of your head and moving slowly down to your feet. Note where you feel tension or physically blocked. Faux finishing is physically demanding and stressful. To release stress and overcome physical blocks, take time to exercise, relax, stretch, and breathe. Deep breathing releases stress, alters brain frequencies, and enhances clarity of mind and creativity. Your breath is the one thing that is always with you, so utilize its healing power. Any time you are feeling tense or blocked, close your eyes and breathe in through your nostrils to the count of four, silently saying “in.” Breathe out through your mouth to the count of four, silently saying “out.” The in-breath should be the same length as the out-breath. Breathe from your diaphragm. Place your hand on your stomach. Your stomach should expand as you breathe in, and contract as you breathe out. Do this 3 or 4 times. It’s so simple, but it really works! Emotional Blocks Blocks can also be due to emotional factors. Close your eyes and reflect on your emotional state. Do you feel emotionally blocked in any way? Is there someone you haven’t forgiven (including yourself)? Are you angry or resentful toward someone and not telling them? Open your eyes. Write down where you feel emotionally blocked. A good way to overcome emotional blocks is meditation. Meditation takes you on a journey to the silent space within, bringing you in tune with your innermost feelings. You free your mind and your emotions to create from your heart, to begin from “Point Zero,” as Michele Cassou calls it in her book of the same name. She writes, “To create you do not need to come up with a plan, but rather take away all plans to give natural originality, style, and wisdom a chance to manifest from your intuition.” A simple meditation is to concentrate on your breathing. Sit in a comfortable position with your eyes closed. As you breathe in, say to yourself silently, “In,” and as you breathe out, say to yourself silently “Out.” If a thought comes into your mind, simply be aware of it. Say to yourself silently, “Thought,” and very gently, let it go, as you return your attention to your breath. Continue breathing and letting go of thoughts. Eventually, your breathing will become almost imperceptible, thoughts will lessen, and you will be totally relaxed. Ideas and paint will flow effortlessly from your mind and from your brush. Cassou employs a method she calls “the crazy lady.” If you are feeling emotionally blocked, try her technique. “You can use imaginary people to fool yourself into feeling again,” she says. “For instance, if a crazy lady came through the door right now and painted on your painting, what would she do? I have used the services of the crazy lady for years…Once I asked a student for whom nothing seemed to work, what her sister would paint. She had no sister, but that did it. For days I would ask what her sister would do, and an answer would come instantly, while she herself was totally blank.” (Life, Paint and Passion) Mental Blocks Is your mind cluttered with negative thoughts? Telling
yourself negative things is a What judgments are you making about yourself or others or about ideas you or others have? What stereotypes, preconceived ideas, or prejudices hold you captive? Prejudices and judgments prevent you from seeing beyond what you believe is possible. In Life, Paint and Passion, Michele Cassou and Stewart Cubley advise artists to ask these questions when they judge themselves and their work instead of letting the colors, designs, and images flow:
Who Me, Creative? Creative people believe they are creative; less creative people don’t. I’m-not-creative people think creativity belongs only to the Einsteins, the Shakespeares, the daVincis of the world. To tweak what Henry Ford once said, “Whether you believe you are creative or not, you’re right.” Everyone is creative – believe it and thrive. Nay-Sayers, What Say Ye? The world has too many nay-sayers, people who constantly see what is impossible or wrong rather than what is possible and right - “You can't do that.” “You don't have the talent.” “Why don’t you get a real job?” Say “Nay!” to nay-sayers. When you see one coming, don’t walk – run! They are dangerous – they are the anti-artists. Listen not to those who “no”…because they speak untruth. They steal your dreams and smash your schemes…like old age snatches youth. Beware, I say, of those who nay - they’re everythere and where. Those who know “no” will try to conform you…and maybe deform you, and make you the same…as them. So when they say NAY! turn away and say “Hey! My dreams ain’t as flimsy as that!” You Can’t Do That! The number one block to creativity is listening to other people. Someone will always assure you that you can’t do something. Most people will never fulfill their dreams for one reason: Someone will talk them out of it (that “someone” could even be you!). Break the rules, be different, use your brush and paint in a way that no one else has ever thought of, fly against the flock. And if “they” say you’re weird…say “thank you!”
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