“Creativity is a great motivator because it makes people interested in what they are doing. Creativity gives hope that there can be a worthwhile idea. Creativity gives the possibility of some sort of achievement to everyone. Creativity makes life more fun and more interesting.” ~ Edward de Bono
The Right Brain
Being creative makes us feel more alive, awake and confident. When we are more creative, we shine brighter. We see limitations and struggles with new eyes. We feel more like our authentic selves. We are in alignment with our unique, and expansive, creative center. With creativity, we do not need to ask someone to do my powerpoint presentation for me because we can do everything ourselves.
However, more often than not, we are so in the groove of our busy lives that our days fly by at lightning speed and we barely tap into the right brain. Time goes by and we often lose connection to our creativity.
15 Easy Ways to Stimulate Your Right Brain
Here are 15 simple ways to stimulate your right brain and integrate more creativity into your daily life.
1. Daydream
Ask yourself the question, “What do I feel alive by?” Take some time to allow your mind to consciously wander in answer to the question. Notice where your thoughts take you. Go where they go. Be guided by your inspiration and creative, spontaneous self.
“Daydreaming allows you to play out scenarios where you miraculously save the day. You play out scenarios in your head that are kind of crazy, and then you personally, heroically resolve them.” ~ Mark Waters
2. Take More Photos
Make it a mission to take more photos throughout your day. When you hold the intention to take photos, it trains your eye to look for the beauty in the unexpected. The art in the world around you. Notice color, shape and texture. Notice what you are drawn to and capture it.
3. Eavesdrop
Take those opportunities when you are waiting in line to stretch your creativity muscles. Listen to those around you with a tender ear. Honor and notice the precious humanity in others. Imagine a poem or image coming out of their words.
4. Breathe deeply
So often we are disconnected from our breath. Make it a practice to check-in, notice your breathing and allow your breathing to expand your creative center. Breath and expand. Notice what you are experiencing somatically and notice what smells are around you. Notice what the air feels like. Sink into the experience of your senses. Allow images or words to arise from within you.
“Shallow breathing is the root of all evil but conscious deep breathing restores and secures our souls.” ~ Desmond Green
5. Doodle
“We are visual creatures. When you doodle an image that captures the essence of an idea, you not only remember it, but you also help other people understand and act on it – which is generally the point of meetings in the first place.” ~ Tom Wujec
Doodle, scribble, outline words or images, make swirly lettering. Do this whenever you have a paper and pen in hand. Allow your creativity to infiltrate your to-do lists, discarded envelopes and napkins. Get in the habit of having fun with putting creative energy into the world.
6. Chew your food
Take the time to slow down and really chew your food. Notice where the flavors and textures take you. Remember Marcel Proust’s famous image of eating a madeleine cookie and being transported back to childhood. When you eat, slow down, digest and let your imagination simmer.
7. Create an inspiration list
Keep a list of what inspires you. Maybe on your list is a book you want to write, or a blog you want to start, a meal you want to prepare or a card you want to send. Notice these things, love these impulses. Put them down as a running list and start taking action. Write that card, cook that meal, start writing.
8. Write about not knowing what to write about
Writing is one of the most powerful tools we have to unleash our creativity. If you are stuck or feeling uninspired, write anyway. Write about not knowing what to write about. Write about wanting to feel more creative and alive. When you do, the words open up new possibilities and inspirations. Allow the writing practice to reveal the light that is already inside of you.
9. Move
Move, stretch, sway. Do what feels good for you. Allow your body to guide you. Move into the places that feel stiff or are holding tension. Move into the places that feel expansive and good. Moving releases all kinds of good stuff in our brains. It helps us think clearer, with more confidence and imagination.
“If you don’t move your body, your right brain thinks you’re dead. Movement of the body will not only clear out the “sludge,” but will also give you more energy.” ~ Sylvia Brown
10. Do something spontaneous
Creativity is all about honoring spontaneous creative impulses. Practice spontaneity by doing something out of the ordinary. Write a kind note to your waitress on the check. Take the scenic route to your destination. Take out some paper and write whatever is inspiring you, even if you are in a setting where you normally wouldn’t do so. Leave an inspiring quote on someone’s windshield. Try something new.
11. Write down your dreams
Our dreams are such a beautiful representation of our creative soul. Love this part of yourself that is bubbling with image, color, emotion, and creative expression. Write down your dreams. Whatever you remember. This is an exercise in honoring this creative part of yourself but it also helps you think outside of the box and it helps you think in symbol and metaphor.
12. Notice color
It is so easy to go through our days and everything goes by in an almost black and white blur. Notice color. Notice vibrancy around you. Notice the beauty of nature. Become inspired by the colors that paint your world.
13. Set the intention
Decide you want to feel more creatively alive. Shift your perspective to seeing the world this way. Notice and be with your desire. It will guide you.
14. Let books fall from the shelves
Notice the synchronicity that happens all around us. Notice the book that caught your eye the bookstore, show up on your friends coffee table and then be mentioned on your favorite blog. Notice when you were daydreaming about your creative aspirations, then challenge, which is in alignment with your thoughts, appears in your Facebook feed. Follow these pearls.
15. Feel creative
What does it feel like to be your highest creative self? Feel into this question. Notice how your body shifts and how your feelings change. What is this like for you? Hold this space, love this space. This feeling is already in you. It is already you.
I would love to hear what inspires you and what activates your creativity. You can share your insights in the comment section below 🙂
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Jackie Johansen
Jackie Johansen is a writer and soul seeker. She is passionate about how writing has the capacity to create huge, positive change in ourselves and others. She writes at Finally Writing, where she combines personal development with actionable writing strategies to help you write the words that will inspire the world. If you are ready to unleash your inner writer and get writing from the inside out, head over to Finally Writing for inspiration and strategies.
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