September Greetings!
This month’s newsletter is about creativity. I was “playing” with several new formats for the version of this that I send out through a service and none of them worked for me. This was my first try with this new creative endeavor, so I applying all of the five tips for enhancing my creativity that I mentioned in the article below.
P L A Y is a key component of doing anything for the first time–especially if it’s in an area where you lack knowledge and expertise. Whenever doing anything new that may be difficult or intimidating, it’s good to remind yourself that Edison failed many times before successfully creating the light bulb.
Enjoy the process–and keep on keeping on!
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves.” ~ Carl Jung
Creativity is closely connected to the Children/Creativity area of the Bagua. This is also the area related to your own Inner Child–the part of you that gains vitality from play and fun.
When you start to play, you will often start to love doing even the most hated task. The trick is to turn anything you’re doing at any given moment into play. Even the most mundane task can be turned into a game.
You can be engaged in a grueling work project, important homework for a class, or even cleaning out your closet, and as long as you are able to add the element of fun, you are connecting to your inner-child.
Adding the fun part often requires an act of will. And, you will be rewarded because each time you add intention, along with a good dose of focus, you will grow personally.
We each have something inside of us that loves to create. As Jung states in the quote above, honoring the play instinct is an inner necessity. We feel great when we move out of our logical mind and tap into the part of the brain that is associated with play.
Now how about creating your art? There are Feng Shui principles that can enhance your productivity—especially when you pay attention to the Metal element.
5 Tips For Boosting Your Creativity
- One of the attributes present when Metal is in balance is the enhancement of boundaries. And, boundaries keep you from scattering your energy and help you to focus. When creativity and art are involved, the boundaries usually have some leeway to shift :~) However, they are still there and as your idea evolves and your creation comes to life, you may lose some of the boundaries related to your original idea.
As an artist (this can include writers, cooks, inventors, sculptors, painters, or really anybody) you start with an idea. This can include color, taste, or the message you want to convey. In the case of visual art or art for a commercial purpose, simply a space you want or need to fill. Or, the purpose can be entirely dedicated to having an emotional release or for personal growth.
Your original idea or purpose may even change as your creation unfolds. Cooks may realize additional ingredients are needed. A painter may suddenly know that a slight color accent will enliven their creation.
- All creative acts are related to vision. This can be either inner or outer vision–or a combination of both. This type of vision is related to the Fame area (To read about the Fame area & art)
Another Feng Shui enhancement is to clean your windows. Windows and the ability to clearly visualize are related to the Fame area. When they are clean, open easily, and are not blocked by furniture, you can invite inspiration and clarity to whatever you’re doing.
- Also, clean your desk and other horizontal surfaces to facilitate the flow of inspiration and ideas. An open space invites creation!
- If you’re feeling stuck, follow the well-known Feng Shui rule: Move 9 or 27 items. This can turn into a full-blown clutter clearing session. However it usually means simply filing some papers, putting away a few items, or rearranging some furniture.
- You can also, enhance your Children/Creativity area with something related to whatever you’re trying to create. This can be as simple as adding an affirmation and placing it in an inconspicuous place or placing an actual picture or symbol depicting what you’re trying to achieve.
May you be blessed with abundant creative energy, joy & fun!
Suzanne
© 8/26/14 • Suzanne Metzger • Feng Shui Consulting Services