In the modern world, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by the relentless pace of life—constantly bombarded by information, deadlines, and distractions such as television and computers, we can watch anything we want and it can be hard to pull away from this constant distraction!
It can be difficult to feel creative, let alone expansive, when we’re wrapped up in a cycle of productivity and distraction, our human mind loves to be distracted, it is possibly one of our biggest challenges in this human life, the Buddhist theorists might say. However, some of the most profound sources of creativity don’t come from pushing harder or thinking faster, but from slowing down and reconnecting with the world around us.
Nature, the vastness of the ocean, and the peace found in meditation all have the ability to unlock something deeper within us. They offer space to breathe, to think, to just be in the moment, and to imagine without constraints to observe our minds and bodies constant need to Crave or have an aversion to things, thoughts, moments in time.
By stepping into these expansive environments, we can open our minds and hearts to creativity in ways we never thought possible.
Nature as a Source of Inspiration:
There’s something uniquely powerful about stepping into nature—whether it’s a walk through the woods, a wander through a sunlit park, or simply sitting beneath a tree. The natural world offers us not only a retreat from the noise of modern life, but also a sense of awe that stirs our creativity.
The simple beauty of nature encourages us to observe, to wonder, and to connect. We know countless creatives, from artists to writers, have long turned to nature for inspiration.
The calming sights and sounds of nature help quiet the mind, making space for creative thoughts to flow freely.
This is not just a romantic notion; scientific research supports it. Studies have shown that spending time in natural environments can improve cognitive function and increase the ability to solve problems creatively.
Nature’s rhythms, like the rustling of leaves or the chirping of birds, invite us into a state of mindfulness, allowing ideas to arise organically without force.
Many famous thinkers have found that nature has a profound impact on their work. For example, the poet William Wordsworth often drew inspiration from his walks in the countryside, using nature as both a muse and this helped him access deeper reflection.
Thoreau’s time at Walden Pond was not just a retreat from society, but a space for creative and philosophical exploration. When we immerse ourselves in nature, we too can experience this same feeling of expansiveness—where our daily concerns fade away, and new ideas can blossom.
The Ocean as a Symbol of Boundlessness:
The ocean, in particular, holds a unique place in the realm of creativity, and in my heart, Its vastness represents limitless possibilities, and its rhythmic ebb and flow mirror the flow of breath.
There’s a reason so many people find their thoughts drifting and their creativity expanding when they’re by the sea. The ocean is not just a beautiful backdrop—it actively affects our mindsets. Research suggests that being near water can lower stress levels, increase feelings of calm, and improve our cognitive function. The colour blue is thought to stimulate creativity.
For many, the sound of waves crashing against the shore has a meditative effect, helping to quiet the inner noise and bring a sense of peace. The horizon, stretching infinitely into the distance, reminds us of the endless potential that lies within us. The ocean invites us to let go of rigid thought patterns and to allow ideas to emerge organically.
As we watch the waves roll in and out, we might find ourselves more open to creative possibilities, seeing the world not in terms of limitations, but of infinite potential.
At the moment in the world where we are fed so much information and fake news it can feel restrictive and at times scary. Nature reminds us we are a small speck in this huge vast creative process of nature. We can experience feeling held almost like in a therapy session , in a quiet moment with nature if we feel really safe and comfortable, for example under a tree or by the sea.
Meditation and Mindfulness:
While nature and the ocean offer a rich external environment for creativity, meditation offers an internal space to cultivate expansive thinking. Meditation helps quiet the mind, creating a sense of stillness that allows us to access deeper layers of thought.
Through practices such as mindfulness or focused breathing, we can detach from the clutter of everyday life and allow our minds to wander freely. It is often in these moments of stillness that the most creative insights appear.
Scientific studies have shown that mindfulness meditation can improve cognitive flexibility, which is essential for creativity. By training ourselves to observe thoughts without judgment, this can help us break free from conventional thinking and approach problems in new ways. We are more able to think expansively, fear can drop away as we become more clear on our purpose, even just in the moment, this can help calm the nervous system.
Meditation also reduces stress, which is a known creativity killer. Stress keeps us locked in tension and restricts our ability to relax and be present. When we meditate, we move into a state of calm that opens the door for creativity to flow without interference, by regulating our whole inner system and allowing for peace in the moment, quite is a need for many creatives.
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Personal Reflections:
For me, I’ve found that my most creative moments often come when I’m out in nature, especially by the ocean, or in the woods or during moments of stillness through meditation. When I step away from my busy life and let go of the pressure to create, ideas seem to come to me with ease.
Creativity actually requires us to just be, sometimes just time and space, this might look like staring out the window! My father used to say to my mum; “If I’m just staring out the window for ages, don’t presume I’m not working, I am!”
Whether it’s the sound of a gentle breeze through the trees or the soothing rhythm of my breath during meditation, these simple moments open up a space for expansive thinking, allowing my creativity to bloom.
Creativity is in all of us, we just need to give ourselves the time to let it flow.
I have had times in therapy over the years where a client has not been able to talk, I have said to them; “ lets just sit together” and I will meditate with my eyes open looking down, sending them Metta, ( a meditation of loving kindness where you will repeat in your mind; ‘May you be happy, May you be safe, May you be healthy’) this just sets up a space of feeling held and safe, but it also allows me to regulate my nervous system in a situation where a person could be in so much pain or fear they feel they can’t express it.
I offer a client pens and paper and each time I have done this eventualy they have begun to draw.
This is a form of therapy that allows for someone to express their pain or fear without having to say the words, as saying the words can bring up the fear again, they may also write. We then talk about it. This is a form of creativity, we are energetic beings and it’s important for us to be able to touch into differnt ways of seeing, feeling and expressing.