{"id":33822,"date":"2015-10-01T17:33:57","date_gmt":"2015-10-01T21:33:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wanderlust.com\/?p=33822"},"modified":"2015-10-02T13:28:44","modified_gmt":"2015-10-02T17:28:44","slug":"yoga-for-creativity-inspiration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderlust.com\/es\/journal\/yoga-for-creativity-inspiration\/","title":{"rendered":"Yoga for Creativity: Inspiration"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is part one of a four-part series running across wanderlust.com and YOGANONYMOUS about the different stages of creativity.<\/em><\/p>\n

Inspiration, throughout history, has been known by many names: the muse, the spark, divine guidance, or creative unconscious. All imply a sudden arousal of creativity that to a certain degree exists beyond the mind, yet enters consciousness at some point of open receptivity. This primary\u2014and primal stage\u2014of the creative process, and the language used to describe it, points to the great mystery of inspiration: Where do our ideas come from?<\/p>\n

There are several different theories on where notions originate. Dr. Helen Abadzi, an education specialist and cognitive neuroscientist with the World Bank, has a scientific perspective on the matter. She describes<\/a> the two cerebral functions necessary for creativity as our ability to use our memory effectively and quickly toward the aim of planning and executing something, in combination with a state of mental rest, which helps us forge unexpected connections.<\/p>\n

What are unexpected connections? Ever have an amazing thought pop into your head in the shower or when you laid down to rest? Those a-ha moments<\/a> can inspire some of our greatest ideas.<\/p>\n

To break down Dr. Abadzi\u2019s analysis into an analogy: Just as the seeds and buds can only burst through their shells and pods after the necessary combination of external and internal factors\u2014light, water, hibernation, and genetic coding\u2014creative inspiration needs the same combination from the artist. The creator must commit to their memory banks what they have seen, felt, heard, and experienced\u2014paired with deep introspection and quiet\u2014to allow new ideas to burst forth from the space, emptiness, and stillness.<\/p>\n

Yet, in a world obsessed with instant information and gratification, with superhuman expectations of productivity and result, there is immense pressure for \u201ccreatives\u201d to live in a permanent creative upswing. When we internalize these social pressures anxiety<\/a> comes forth.<\/p>\n

Though it is healthy to let the artistic fields lay fallow, and human to expect occasional creative blocks<\/a> or uninspired moments, societal expectations are hard to step outside of. If we are constantly filling up with information and exposure, when do we find time for the seed to take hold, germinate, and blossom?<\/p>\n

Luckily, we can use the ancient art of yoga<\/a> to support and enhance this aspect of our creative practice. Finding respite from the world in order to integrate input and allow the mind to do what it does best\u2014imagine, explore, and innovate\u2014is as easy as practicing Pratyahara<\/a> (control of the senses).<\/p>\n