Val Andrews's Blog - Posts Tagged "creative-visualization"
Writing nonfiction: a personal journey
Like most people, my creative journey began as a child. Drawing, painting, and playing on a mini keyboard, I would follow my creative bliss. But when I entered my pre-teens, my creative impulses got snuffed out by a belief that what I was creating was stupid, so I stopped all forms of creative expression.
Several decades later, and with a devastating personal loss, I engaged with my creativity again. It started with a friend’s suggestion that I attend art therapy to help me through the grief I was struggling with. Another friend took me to a weekly Buddhist meditation group. The combination of the creative work and spiritual work rapidly improved my wellbeing and I’ve continued to notice the inextricable link between the two. There is something about clearing the mind in a calm, meditative space that opens it to receiving fresh ideas and inspiration for creativity.
Clearing the mind makes way for the myriad ideas to fall from the ether. I like to think of ‘the ether’ as the great oneness of all things. As philosopher Alan Watts would say: “I am a unique expression of the oneness of all things” and I wholeheartedly agree. I also believe that every creative output (i.e., a story, a chapter, a painting, a piece of music etc.) has its own identity as a unique expression of the great oneness and that anyone can access it.
Silencing the inner critic during those moments of inspiration is essential, to ensure it does not kill the creative expression before it has taken its first breath. But when the creative energy has been completely expunged, it usually helps to invite the inner critic back into the studio, because it can offer guidance on what we can do better.
The creative process is, of course, different for everyone and it can change over time. It never ceases to amaze me how fluid creative energy can be and how people perceive their own creativity. It was from this place of fascination that I asked several creative people in my network to share with me the nuances of their creative practice.
From those interviews, my first solo book was born. Titled: "Art for Happiness: Finding your creative process and using it", the book helped me, and my readers, to understand some of the common themes in the lives of professional creatives, including:
* A regular creative practice was vital to their wellbeing because of the joy, satisfaction, and sense of agency it brought to their lives.
* There was a clear interdependence between: personal well being, spiritual peace, and creativity.
* Being in nature was consistently mentioned as having the power to elevate all three: wellbeing, connection with spirit, and creativity.
* Other sources of creative inspiration included the work of other artists, musicians, writers, dancers, and poets etc.
* Childhood memories were also mentioned as a strong source of inspiration. Whether those memories were ‘good’ or ‘bad’ did not seem to matter, they were still a source of inspiration.
* A willingness to experiment, coupled with self-belief and a commitment to continuous improvement shone through as enabling factors for the professional creatives I interviewed.
Around the time I published that book, my spiritual practice was evolving, and I became interested in creative visualisation. While contemporary interpretations of the term focused on visualising one’s future success, I was more interested in exploring how the discipline of creative visualisation can enhance a person’s creative practice. From the interviews I conducted, and the academic research I undertook, I learned:
* Creative visualisation exercises, like dreams, can reveal our inner guides as they lead us through a scene or experience.
* Aspects of our own subconscious, these guides can be called upon to provide inspiration for our creative work whenever we need them.
* The act of capturing what we have seen during a creative visualisation exercise can bring an extra layer of texture to the inspiration we’ve drawn from the exercise.
* It is the act of writing about it, drawing it, speaking about it etc. that calls forth our own interpretation of what was visualised, and therefore exercises our creative thinking.
* Letting the vision sit alone for a while after we have captured it can give the vision some time to percolate through our conscious mind before we start to bring it to life in our creative practice.
A year or so after publishing "Creative Visualisation: Access your Imagination and Enhance your Creative Practice", I found myself reflecting on the life event that had brought me back to my creativity. Finally, I felt ready to confront that phase in my life, to re-acquaint myself with the pain, and write about it. But writing my own experience was not enough. I was also curious about the ways other people use their creative practice as a method of recovering from grief and loss. And I wanted to pull those findings into a book that would be useful to anyone struggling with grief. This meant the book had to be short, sweet, and easy to read because people who are in deep grief usually find it difficult to absorb more than a few sentences at a time.
So that’s how the book "Beyond Blue: Creative Approaches to Releasing Grief and Flying Free" was born. Although it’s a short book, it offers a summary of the research on grief: the types of grief, the phases of recovery and the possibility of personal growth beyond grief. The people I interviewed for the book included professional writers, artists, and an art therapist. Key themes that emerged from our interviews included:
* Creative work offers a sense of agency to the person doing the work. The very act of holding a pen, or a paintbrush, or pressing the fingers onto a keyboard can offer the creator a sense of control. That feeling of control can be incredibly therapeutic for someone who is suffering from a loss or other trauma.
* The sensory and tactile aspect of making music, painting, weaving, or any other artform, offers an embodied mode of accessing difficult feelings. More so than talking about difficult events, expressing the feelings in a nonverbal way can be a faster and more direct route to releasing difficult feelings.
* The experience of being in the moment, fully present to what is being created, allows the creator to gently separate from, and observe, the difficult feelings associated with the grief.
The subject of the creative work can offer the creator a means of reframing the connection they once had to what has been lost.
* Reframing has therapeutic value during the process of recovery because it helps the griever to put some distance between the loss and their feelings about it.
* Creative work calls upon all aspects of the self – the intellectual, physical, and spiritual – and therefore offers the opportunity for integration between those aspects.
The research I had undertaken to write these three books unsurprisingly included reams of findings from publishing psychological studies, some of which I had quoted and referenced in my books. When I looked back on that discrete bulk of intel, I sw a fourth book emerging: one that would present a summary of that material.
Titled "Inspired Creativity: Insights from Experts on the Psychology of Creativity", the book felt like a closing of the loop of the journey of exploration and discovery I had been on.
Looking back on the 4-year period in which I write those 4 books, I now understand the key role they played in helping me to integrate the parts of myself that had been obliterated by grief and trauma. The physical, spiritual, creative, and intellectual dimensions of my psyche were finally reunited, and they continue to work together to help me live my best life while doing what I love.
Several decades later, and with a devastating personal loss, I engaged with my creativity again. It started with a friend’s suggestion that I attend art therapy to help me through the grief I was struggling with. Another friend took me to a weekly Buddhist meditation group. The combination of the creative work and spiritual work rapidly improved my wellbeing and I’ve continued to notice the inextricable link between the two. There is something about clearing the mind in a calm, meditative space that opens it to receiving fresh ideas and inspiration for creativity.
Clearing the mind makes way for the myriad ideas to fall from the ether. I like to think of ‘the ether’ as the great oneness of all things. As philosopher Alan Watts would say: “I am a unique expression of the oneness of all things” and I wholeheartedly agree. I also believe that every creative output (i.e., a story, a chapter, a painting, a piece of music etc.) has its own identity as a unique expression of the great oneness and that anyone can access it.
Silencing the inner critic during those moments of inspiration is essential, to ensure it does not kill the creative expression before it has taken its first breath. But when the creative energy has been completely expunged, it usually helps to invite the inner critic back into the studio, because it can offer guidance on what we can do better.
The creative process is, of course, different for everyone and it can change over time. It never ceases to amaze me how fluid creative energy can be and how people perceive their own creativity. It was from this place of fascination that I asked several creative people in my network to share with me the nuances of their creative practice.
From those interviews, my first solo book was born. Titled: "Art for Happiness: Finding your creative process and using it", the book helped me, and my readers, to understand some of the common themes in the lives of professional creatives, including:
* A regular creative practice was vital to their wellbeing because of the joy, satisfaction, and sense of agency it brought to their lives.
* There was a clear interdependence between: personal well being, spiritual peace, and creativity.
* Being in nature was consistently mentioned as having the power to elevate all three: wellbeing, connection with spirit, and creativity.
* Other sources of creative inspiration included the work of other artists, musicians, writers, dancers, and poets etc.
* Childhood memories were also mentioned as a strong source of inspiration. Whether those memories were ‘good’ or ‘bad’ did not seem to matter, they were still a source of inspiration.
* A willingness to experiment, coupled with self-belief and a commitment to continuous improvement shone through as enabling factors for the professional creatives I interviewed.
Around the time I published that book, my spiritual practice was evolving, and I became interested in creative visualisation. While contemporary interpretations of the term focused on visualising one’s future success, I was more interested in exploring how the discipline of creative visualisation can enhance a person’s creative practice. From the interviews I conducted, and the academic research I undertook, I learned:
* Creative visualisation exercises, like dreams, can reveal our inner guides as they lead us through a scene or experience.
* Aspects of our own subconscious, these guides can be called upon to provide inspiration for our creative work whenever we need them.
* The act of capturing what we have seen during a creative visualisation exercise can bring an extra layer of texture to the inspiration we’ve drawn from the exercise.
* It is the act of writing about it, drawing it, speaking about it etc. that calls forth our own interpretation of what was visualised, and therefore exercises our creative thinking.
* Letting the vision sit alone for a while after we have captured it can give the vision some time to percolate through our conscious mind before we start to bring it to life in our creative practice.
A year or so after publishing "Creative Visualisation: Access your Imagination and Enhance your Creative Practice", I found myself reflecting on the life event that had brought me back to my creativity. Finally, I felt ready to confront that phase in my life, to re-acquaint myself with the pain, and write about it. But writing my own experience was not enough. I was also curious about the ways other people use their creative practice as a method of recovering from grief and loss. And I wanted to pull those findings into a book that would be useful to anyone struggling with grief. This meant the book had to be short, sweet, and easy to read because people who are in deep grief usually find it difficult to absorb more than a few sentences at a time.
So that’s how the book "Beyond Blue: Creative Approaches to Releasing Grief and Flying Free" was born. Although it’s a short book, it offers a summary of the research on grief: the types of grief, the phases of recovery and the possibility of personal growth beyond grief. The people I interviewed for the book included professional writers, artists, and an art therapist. Key themes that emerged from our interviews included:
* Creative work offers a sense of agency to the person doing the work. The very act of holding a pen, or a paintbrush, or pressing the fingers onto a keyboard can offer the creator a sense of control. That feeling of control can be incredibly therapeutic for someone who is suffering from a loss or other trauma.
* The sensory and tactile aspect of making music, painting, weaving, or any other artform, offers an embodied mode of accessing difficult feelings. More so than talking about difficult events, expressing the feelings in a nonverbal way can be a faster and more direct route to releasing difficult feelings.
* The experience of being in the moment, fully present to what is being created, allows the creator to gently separate from, and observe, the difficult feelings associated with the grief.
The subject of the creative work can offer the creator a means of reframing the connection they once had to what has been lost.
* Reframing has therapeutic value during the process of recovery because it helps the griever to put some distance between the loss and their feelings about it.
* Creative work calls upon all aspects of the self – the intellectual, physical, and spiritual – and therefore offers the opportunity for integration between those aspects.
The research I had undertaken to write these three books unsurprisingly included reams of findings from publishing psychological studies, some of which I had quoted and referenced in my books. When I looked back on that discrete bulk of intel, I sw a fourth book emerging: one that would present a summary of that material.
Titled "Inspired Creativity: Insights from Experts on the Psychology of Creativity", the book felt like a closing of the loop of the journey of exploration and discovery I had been on.
Looking back on the 4-year period in which I write those 4 books, I now understand the key role they played in helping me to integrate the parts of myself that had been obliterated by grief and trauma. The physical, spiritual, creative, and intellectual dimensions of my psyche were finally reunited, and they continue to work together to help me live my best life while doing what I love.
Discover the Power of Imagination with "Creative Visualization: Access Your Imagination and Enhance Your Creative Practice"
In a world where creativity is a prized asset, finding ways to unlock and enhance our creative potential can be life-changing. Enter "Creative Visualization: Access Your Imagination and Enhance Your Creative Practice," a transformative guide that promises to revolutionize your creative journey. This book is not just another read; it's a toolkit designed to empower artists, writers, innovators, and anyone seeking to elevate their creative practice.
Creative Visualization: Access your Imagination and Enhance your Creative Practice
THE ESSENCE OF THIS BOOK
"Creative Visualization" delves deep into the art and science behind creativity and visualization techniques, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of how to harness their imaginative powers. The book's theoretical foundations offer a solid grounding in creativity literature, setting the stage for practical applications that can be seamlessly integrated into everyday life.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
* Theoretical Foundations: Gain a concise overview of creativity literature, helping you understand the science behind visualization and its impact on creative thinking.
* Practical Techniques: Discover multiple creative visualizations and guided meditations designed to enhance your creative abilities. These exercises are meticulously crafted to tap into your subconscious mind, fostering a deeper connection with your inner creativity.
* Workplace Creativity: Learn about the characteristics of creative workplaces and how they influence inspiration and practice. This section is particularly beneficial for professionals looking to cultivate a more innovative work environment.
* Meditation and Creativity: Explore the profound link between meditation and creativity. The book offers practical methods to harness this connection, enabling you to unlock new dimensions of your creative potential.
* Skill Development: Develop key skills such as focus, concentration, and the ability to engage all five senses in your creative endeavors.
SKILLS THAT WILL BE DEVELOPED:
* Overcoming Barriers: Techniques to release fear and self-doubt, allowing for a freer expression of ideas. This section is crucial for anyone who has ever felt stuck or overwhelmed by creative blocks.
* Harnessing the Inner Critic: Learn how to turn your inner critic into a valuable ally. Instead of hindering your progress, your inner critic can become a stepping stone to greater success.
* Integration of Insights: Practical tips for capturing and integrating insights from your visualizations into your actual creative work. This ensures that your newfound creativity translates into tangible results.
* Envisioning the Future: Exercises to visualize and construct your creative future. These exercises help you shape a clear and purposeful path forward, aligning your creative goals with your personal and professional aspirations.
READER TESTIMONIALS:
* Empowering Imagination: One reader emphasizes the power of imagination and the practical exercises provided to strengthen it. They highlight the book's ability to benefit readers in numerous ways by unlocking the potential of their minds.
* Profound Personal Growth: Another review praises the book's blend of ancient meditation techniques with modern applications. They appreciate the emphasis on personal exploration and reflection, noting how the book fosters deep personal growth and unlocks untapped creative potential.
* Merging Imagination with Reality: A reader shares their journey of channeling negative emotions into productive outcomes. They found the book's guidance on goal setting and harnessing imagination invaluable in transforming their creative practice.
* Reviving the Creative Engine: One testimonial highlights how the book caters to various creative needs, from reigniting a sputtering creative engine to managing an overactive mind. The reader found the insights on creativity, chaos, and harmony particularly illuminating.
BENEFITS OF EMBRACING CREATIVE VISUALIZATION:
* Enhanced Creativity: Unlock new ideas and perspectives that can elevate your creative projects.
* Greater Focus: Develop the ability to concentrate deeply on your work, leading to higher quality outcomes.
* Personal Growth: Transform your approach to creativity and life, achieving a harmonious balance between imagination and reality.
* Overcoming Blocks: Learn to navigate and overcome creative blocks, ensuring a consistent flow of inspiration.
Step into a world where imagination knows no bounds with "Creative Visualization: Access Your Imagination and Enhance Your Creative Practice." Whether you're an artist, writer, or innovator, this book will provide you with the tools to transform your creative vision into reality.
Check it out here: Creative Visualization: Access your Imagination and Enhance your Creative Practice
Creative Visualization: Access your Imagination and Enhance your Creative Practice
THE ESSENCE OF THIS BOOK
"Creative Visualization" delves deep into the art and science behind creativity and visualization techniques, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of how to harness their imaginative powers. The book's theoretical foundations offer a solid grounding in creativity literature, setting the stage for practical applications that can be seamlessly integrated into everyday life.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
* Theoretical Foundations: Gain a concise overview of creativity literature, helping you understand the science behind visualization and its impact on creative thinking.
* Practical Techniques: Discover multiple creative visualizations and guided meditations designed to enhance your creative abilities. These exercises are meticulously crafted to tap into your subconscious mind, fostering a deeper connection with your inner creativity.
* Workplace Creativity: Learn about the characteristics of creative workplaces and how they influence inspiration and practice. This section is particularly beneficial for professionals looking to cultivate a more innovative work environment.
* Meditation and Creativity: Explore the profound link between meditation and creativity. The book offers practical methods to harness this connection, enabling you to unlock new dimensions of your creative potential.
* Skill Development: Develop key skills such as focus, concentration, and the ability to engage all five senses in your creative endeavors.
SKILLS THAT WILL BE DEVELOPED:
* Overcoming Barriers: Techniques to release fear and self-doubt, allowing for a freer expression of ideas. This section is crucial for anyone who has ever felt stuck or overwhelmed by creative blocks.
* Harnessing the Inner Critic: Learn how to turn your inner critic into a valuable ally. Instead of hindering your progress, your inner critic can become a stepping stone to greater success.
* Integration of Insights: Practical tips for capturing and integrating insights from your visualizations into your actual creative work. This ensures that your newfound creativity translates into tangible results.
* Envisioning the Future: Exercises to visualize and construct your creative future. These exercises help you shape a clear and purposeful path forward, aligning your creative goals with your personal and professional aspirations.
READER TESTIMONIALS:
* Empowering Imagination: One reader emphasizes the power of imagination and the practical exercises provided to strengthen it. They highlight the book's ability to benefit readers in numerous ways by unlocking the potential of their minds.
* Profound Personal Growth: Another review praises the book's blend of ancient meditation techniques with modern applications. They appreciate the emphasis on personal exploration and reflection, noting how the book fosters deep personal growth and unlocks untapped creative potential.
* Merging Imagination with Reality: A reader shares their journey of channeling negative emotions into productive outcomes. They found the book's guidance on goal setting and harnessing imagination invaluable in transforming their creative practice.
* Reviving the Creative Engine: One testimonial highlights how the book caters to various creative needs, from reigniting a sputtering creative engine to managing an overactive mind. The reader found the insights on creativity, chaos, and harmony particularly illuminating.
BENEFITS OF EMBRACING CREATIVE VISUALIZATION:
* Enhanced Creativity: Unlock new ideas and perspectives that can elevate your creative projects.
* Greater Focus: Develop the ability to concentrate deeply on your work, leading to higher quality outcomes.
* Personal Growth: Transform your approach to creativity and life, achieving a harmonious balance between imagination and reality.
* Overcoming Blocks: Learn to navigate and overcome creative blocks, ensuring a consistent flow of inspiration.
Step into a world where imagination knows no bounds with "Creative Visualization: Access Your Imagination and Enhance Your Creative Practice." Whether you're an artist, writer, or innovator, this book will provide you with the tools to transform your creative vision into reality.
Check it out here: Creative Visualization: Access your Imagination and Enhance your Creative Practice
Unlock your Creative Potential with Creative Visualization
In the fast-paced world of professional development, finding innovative ways to tap into your creative potential can be a game-changer. Whether you're an artist, writer, innovator, or professional striving to enhance your creative capabilities, Creative Visualization: Access your Imagination and Enhance your Creative Practice offers a comprehensive toolkit designed to unlock your full creative potential.
A Deep Dive into Creativity and Visualization
"Creative Visualization" provides a rich exploration of both the art and science behind creativity and visualization techniques. This insightful guide takes you on a journey through several critical areas:
(1) Theoretical Foundations: The book starts with a concise review of the literature on creativity and creative visualization, establishing a strong theoretical base for practical applications.
(2) Practical Techniques: It introduces multiple creative visualizations and guided meditations specifically crafted to enhance your creative abilities, offering a hands-on approach to creativity.
(3) Workplace Creativity: Delve into the characteristics of creative workplaces and discover how they influence practice and inspiration.
(4) Meditation and Creativity: Understand the profound link between meditation and creativity, with methods to harness this connection for your benefit.
(5) Skill Development: Learn strategies to develop key skills such as focus, concentration, and the ability to harness all five senses in your creative endeavors.
(6) Overcoming Barriers: Techniques to release fear and self-doubt, allowing for freer expression of ideas.
(7) Harnessing the Inner Critic: Transform potential obstacles into stepping stones for success by learning how to use your inner critic to your advantage.
(8) Integration of Insights: Practical tips for capturing and integrating insights from your visualizations into your actual creative work.
(9) Envisioning the Future: Exercises to visualize and construct your creative future, helping you shape a path forward with clarity and purpose.
Why This Book is a Must-Read
Creative Visualization: Access your Imagination and Enhance your Creative Practice is a powerful toolkit designed for anyone looking to enrich their creative practice through innovative techniques. The book's practical exercises are rooted in centuries-old meditation techniques combined with contemporary applications, offering a blend that is both timeless and relevant.
Reader Reviews Highlight the Impact
The book has garnered glowing reviews from readers who have experienced its transformative power. Here are a few highlights:
* Power of Imagination: "I really like how this book shows us the power of our imagination and also provides exercises on how to strengthen it."
* Accessing Inner Resources: "The author recognizes that each individual possesses a vast reserve of internal resources and imagination, waiting to be explored."
* Personal Growth: "By incorporating the principles of creative visualization, readers can experience profound personal growth and unlock their true creative potential."
* Practical and Transformative: "This excellent book is for anyone who wants to be creative but feels that their creative engine is sputtering or stopping."
* Bridging Imagination and Reality: "A transformative guide that empowers artists to tap into the untapped potential of their minds."
These testimonials reflect the book’s ability to not only enhance creative practice but also to provide a meaningful and practical approach to personal and professional development.
Embrace Your Creative Journey
In a world where imagination knows no bounds, Creative Visualization: Access your Imagination and Enhance your Creative Practice stands as a beacon for those looking to enhance their creative practice. This book offers a unique opportunity to delve into the depths of your imagination, overcome creative blocks, and integrate new insights into your work.
Get your copy of "Creative Visualization: Access Your Imagination and Enhance Your Creative Practice" today and take the first step towards transforming your creative vision into reality. Whether you are seeking to enhance your professional skills or simply unlock your creative potential, this book is your guide to achieving profound results. Available on Amazon, worldwide.
A Deep Dive into Creativity and Visualization
"Creative Visualization" provides a rich exploration of both the art and science behind creativity and visualization techniques. This insightful guide takes you on a journey through several critical areas:
(1) Theoretical Foundations: The book starts with a concise review of the literature on creativity and creative visualization, establishing a strong theoretical base for practical applications.
(2) Practical Techniques: It introduces multiple creative visualizations and guided meditations specifically crafted to enhance your creative abilities, offering a hands-on approach to creativity.
(3) Workplace Creativity: Delve into the characteristics of creative workplaces and discover how they influence practice and inspiration.
(4) Meditation and Creativity: Understand the profound link between meditation and creativity, with methods to harness this connection for your benefit.
(5) Skill Development: Learn strategies to develop key skills such as focus, concentration, and the ability to harness all five senses in your creative endeavors.
(6) Overcoming Barriers: Techniques to release fear and self-doubt, allowing for freer expression of ideas.
(7) Harnessing the Inner Critic: Transform potential obstacles into stepping stones for success by learning how to use your inner critic to your advantage.
(8) Integration of Insights: Practical tips for capturing and integrating insights from your visualizations into your actual creative work.
(9) Envisioning the Future: Exercises to visualize and construct your creative future, helping you shape a path forward with clarity and purpose.
Why This Book is a Must-Read
Creative Visualization: Access your Imagination and Enhance your Creative Practice is a powerful toolkit designed for anyone looking to enrich their creative practice through innovative techniques. The book's practical exercises are rooted in centuries-old meditation techniques combined with contemporary applications, offering a blend that is both timeless and relevant.
Reader Reviews Highlight the Impact
The book has garnered glowing reviews from readers who have experienced its transformative power. Here are a few highlights:
* Power of Imagination: "I really like how this book shows us the power of our imagination and also provides exercises on how to strengthen it."
* Accessing Inner Resources: "The author recognizes that each individual possesses a vast reserve of internal resources and imagination, waiting to be explored."
* Personal Growth: "By incorporating the principles of creative visualization, readers can experience profound personal growth and unlock their true creative potential."
* Practical and Transformative: "This excellent book is for anyone who wants to be creative but feels that their creative engine is sputtering or stopping."
* Bridging Imagination and Reality: "A transformative guide that empowers artists to tap into the untapped potential of their minds."
These testimonials reflect the book’s ability to not only enhance creative practice but also to provide a meaningful and practical approach to personal and professional development.
Embrace Your Creative Journey
In a world where imagination knows no bounds, Creative Visualization: Access your Imagination and Enhance your Creative Practice stands as a beacon for those looking to enhance their creative practice. This book offers a unique opportunity to delve into the depths of your imagination, overcome creative blocks, and integrate new insights into your work.
Get your copy of "Creative Visualization: Access Your Imagination and Enhance Your Creative Practice" today and take the first step towards transforming your creative vision into reality. Whether you are seeking to enhance your professional skills or simply unlock your creative potential, this book is your guide to achieving profound results. Available on Amazon, worldwide.
