Spark Your Creativity

We all have them.  Those times when we really need to write, or do other projects that engage our creativity, but we just seem to come up blank.  Here are some ideas that may help spark that creativity, help you concentrate and get that project done.

Scent is one of the most powerful tools we can use for approaching any situation in our life whether it be a crisis or just a “mood”.  My very favorite scent is peppermint.  Pliney, the great Roman naturalist, said Peppermint awakens the conscious mind”.  Sometimes starting my day with a bath using peppermint scented soap not only wakes me up, but gives me clarity of mind.

Rosemary is a great scent to help with concentration.  Orange, grapefruit or any other citrus can help with concentration, but they also lift your spirits.  You can’t be creative when you’re down in the dumps or worrying and fretting over the state of the economy or your daughter’s first boy friend, or what you’re going to have for supper.

If you lack confidence in yourself try clary sage, ginger, grapefruit or myrrh.  You’re your own worst critic and this can often drag down your confidence.  If you’re feeling confident you’re much more likely to produce superior work.

Ginger, cedarwood, cypress, lavender, lemon, rosemary are among the scents that can help you concentrate on your work.

Introducing aroma into your work space not only adds to your creativity, it can flood your mind with a sense of well being, and in this day and age who doesn’t need that?

Some people burn scented candles for this purpose, but I’m not comfortable with flame even in a container candle when I’m writing or beading, so I use “sniffy” bottles to bring scent to the work station.

Take a small bottle and fill it with rock salt then soak the rock salt with essential oils.  Use one scent  per bottle, then if you want, open several bottles at once.  Pass the open bottle under your nose and inhale deeply.  Then set the open bottle near your work station.  You may not consciously smell the aroma, but it will still affect your mind.

Of course scent is purely subjective and one that I find inspiring may not have the same effect on another person, so use scent that appeals to you.

Music is another way to spark your creativity.  Some studies have shown that listening to baroque music such as Pachalbel’s Canon is soothing and relaxing. I find New Age music to be of help to me also.  Some people may find that the sounds of water, a racing river, babbling brook or ocean waves, to be of assistance.

Meditation is a wonderful way to clear your mind and allow the ideas to flow.  Try taking a few minutes before you start to set up your work area with scent and music, then spend some time in meditation.

Some people thrive on routine and others find routine is too constricting.  All of the suggestions above are just that - suggestions.  Try them all, try them one at a time, see what works for you, but keep one thing constant.  Always meditate before starting.