I recently taught a yoga class titled “Flow Into Creativity,” which also included journaling. What motivates me to plan and teach this class is my own current lack of creativity. Disease is rampant in our communities, and apparently everywhere. This winter has been particularly disappointing – no snow, weird temperatures, ice and mud, disgusting. Not our typical Vermont winters for endless outdoor adventures. Many of us feel a little frustrated and uninspired. But the wonderful thing about creativity is that it’s something we can nourish and thrive within. You don’t have to be in a beautiful new environment to experience creativity or original ideas, no matter how dark and bleak things may seem, creativity can be sparked where you are. The secret to creativity is to give your mind space, quiet and inspiration to nourish it and let it go.
Have you been feeling a little stagnant in your life and wished you had more passion, enthusiasm and creativity in your life? Today’s post is for you – here are some journaling tips to spark creativity and get you out of trouble.
Journal Tips to Inspire Creativity
What are your creative scars?
The first step to opening up your creativity is acknowledging and letting go of any insecurities, fears, or sorrows from your past. One of my favorite teachers, Ivorie Jenkins, calls these “creative scars.” We all have past experiences that stay with us and often times someone said years ago that can stay with us forever. They may not be malicious, but they strike a chord, and it snowballs into that little voice in the back of our head that makes us doubt ourselves or fear taking risks. These creative scars can stop us from being creative, so it’s important to acknowledge and deal with them.
For example, I grew up knowing that writing was my passion and something that came naturally to me. I remember being proud of my writing, but doubting myself when I was criticized by my teachers. I would start to wonder if I was really “good” at writing. In the end, I had to believe in myself. Those insecurities are still there, but I have to keep coming back to what I know inside, which allows me to open and share this creative outlet with others.
What motivates you?
what makes you happy What lights you up? What unleashes your inner passion? What does it feel like to breathe fresh air? Think about what makes you feel truly alive and in awe of the world around you in your life. Maybe it’s an art form – dance, drama, painting, ceramics, poetry or writing. Maybe it’s nature—flowers, trees, rivers, the ocean, or the moon. Maybe it’s music or sports – concerts, playing an instrument or sports. Think about what is missing in your life that you need to bring back.
What does inspiration feel like to you?
Have you heard the phrase “fake it”? Sometimes you just need those creative feelings to ignite the spark. Think of a time in your life when you felt passionate, energized, and inspired. How does it feel in your body, mind and soul? Write down that magical feeling so the next time it starts blooming inside of you, you won’t miss it!
diary notebook
How do you practice your creativity?
Creativity is not something we can come up with when we need it. This is something we need to practice and make space in our lives. If you are inspired by dance, you must dance, and if you are inspired by art, you must paint or create. Sometimes, when our creative outlet becomes our job, it starts to feel like that, work. So keep it fresh, try a new type of dance, writing or music, and have fun. Practice with friends or colleagues and you’ll be inspired by their craft too!
How to share inspiration?
Some of us keep our creativity all to ourselves out of fear that we won’t be good enough. But each of us has a gift that we can share with the world. Consider your creative talents and how you can share them with others. If you love doing pottery, can you teach classes or sell your creations? If you like dancing, can you have a community dance? You may be in a place where your creative outlet is only for you, and that’s okay!
What is something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done because you were afraid?
Dream big! What thing keeps running through your mind but you’re always quick to push it down? Maybe you make excuses that it’s not realistic, or that you don’t have the time, or that you’re not good enough. Take a moment to consider the possibility of this happening. Maybe you’ve always wanted to write a book, or maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to sew. Maybe you’ve always wanted to join your local co-ed hockey team, but you feared you weren’t good enough. The world is your oyster! There’s never been a better time to put yourself out there. Instead of thinking about the worst possible outcome, what is the best thing that could happen?
What actions can you take to allow this creative expression to blossom?
Take action! What steps can you take to realize your hopes, dreams and creative ambitions? If you want to write a book, commit to writing something (anything!) for 10 minutes a day. If you want to be an actor – audition for a local play. If you want to make jewelry, head to JoAnn’s and get yourself a starter kit. Read books, watch videos, sign up for classes, make connections and go for it! Life is too short, don’t do what you love!
More Tips for Finding Ideas
- Keep a small “idea journal” or “idea notes” folder on your phone when an idea pops into your head. We often lose these brilliant ideas because we move so fast today. Reflect on your creative notes often to see if there is something you want to achieve.
- Meditate or make time for a quiet walk or rest. Surprising or maybe not so surprising — when we allow our minds and bodies to rest, we can better access our creative space. Meditation allows us to free up space in our heads to be in tune with our true selves and gain access to such powerful wisdom and ideas. The same thing happens when we take a peaceful walk or nap in nature. You may feel like you’re being unproductive or a waste of time, but you’re actually creating space for your creativity to flourish.
- read.I like big magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. She is so inspiring and has some really powerful ideas around bravery, curiosity and freedom in inspiring a creative way of life. like!
- try new hobbies. Stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something that excites you can bring creativity in the process.
What helps fuel your creativity these days? We’d love to hear the comments below.
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