Are your surroundings encouraging or destroying your
creativity?
By Lise Richards
Years ago I blamed all of my abandoned creative projects on the
stinginess of my muse. Nowadays I’m much more realistic. As easy
as it may be to blame a mythological being; I’m the first to realize
that when I need to get out of my routine, shake things up, make
lasting changes, and get moving artistically, the first place
I start is with my surroundings to make sure it is nurturing my
creativity.
Why focus on my surroundings? Because I believe your surroundings
are a direct reflection of your thoughts. Everything begins with
a thought — so if my space is chaotic, cluttered and stagnant — what
does that say about my chances for successful creative projects?
We are all connected to our homes in ways that are not always
clear to us on the surface. When you are feeling stuck and unable
to move forward and all the coaching and creative prompts aren’t
working; following the next few action & awareness steps may be
just what you need to get back on your creative track!
- Be present & take notice — Creating an awareness of your
surrounds is enough to get you started.
- Take Notice — Do a quick scan of your ceilings, walls, windows,
floors and furniture. Jot down everything that makes you sigh,
pout, or want to close your eyes in disgust. This can be something
as small as a pull in your carpet, an old pair of curtains; or
something larger like the wall color. This isn’t about writing
down every detail; instead, it’s an intuitive process that gives
you a very high-level idea of what you’d like to see change.
- Creative Flair — Decide on where you’d like to begin,
and then
do it artistically. Think outside the box and come up with some
creative alternatives to your current issues. When making changes,
there are some key areas you really must address. Read on about
ways to deal with organization, space, and inspiration in your
plans!
Crucial Points about Organization, Space & Inspiration
Organization — Clutter and disorganized living can wreak havoc
on the creative process. Having an organized space feels much
the same as having a clean canvas to start your next painting
project. It gives you the feeling of freedom. You’re better equipped
to address your new possibilities.
Lack of space can make you feel closed in, and shut off from
the things you need to get going. Opening a space up gives you
room for experimentation. Pare down furnishings. Be sure to give
yourself some walking (and dancing) room and set yourself free!
Uninspired spaces are rooms with no music, creative quotes, photos,
new ideas, books or color. Keep things around you that inspire
you to act boldly. Include items that encourage you to sing, dance,
paint, etc. Remove heavy window treatments and open yourself up
to the world and a new perspective.
For me, creativity rarely comes in waves of frantic activity.
It now moves along in quiet shifts. But whenever the frenzy shows
itself, I know that changing perspectives, shifting my viewpoint
and giving myself room within my space to be creative will allow
me to forget about the whims of a very selfish muse.
Be Creative! •
© Lise Richards 2006
 About the Author | More by Lise Richards
As a lifestyle & creative arts designer, Lise Richards' mission is to help people live more creatively in artistically designed spaces. Are you ready for a creative change to your environment? Then join Lise for a workshop or teleclass. Visit www.artisticlifestyling.com, www.artisticlifestyling.blogspot.com and www.liserichards.com for
more information.
06/14/06
|
