Creativity HACK: Unleash your inner Picasso with the help of this tip!

Friday: Mindfulness by Miles FROM THE DESK OF MILES EVERSON: Happy Friday, everyone! Welcome to today’s edition of “Mindfulness by Miles!” In these articles, I write about health- and mindfulness-related practices, book reviews, and future of work (FoW) topics. My goal is to help you develop and improve the skills you need to grow in both your career and personal life. Today, let’s talk about mindfulness and creativity. Continue reading to know the connection between these two and how you can effectively use mindfulness to enhance your creative endeavors. CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

Creativity HACK: Unleash your inner Picasso with the help of this tip! Imagine this: You’re sitting in a sun-drenched room. There, a blank canvas lies right in front of you, yet your mind is as empty as the page before you. At that time, it’s as if creativity is an elusive butterfly fluttering out of reach. Have you ever experienced that? If your answer is yes, don’t worry. I’m sure many of us have experienced that too. That’s why today, we’ll tackle one of the secrets to unleashing the maximum creativity within you. So, without further ado, let’s get into the captivating world where mindfulness meets creativity, a fusion that ignites the spark of imagination like never before! Unlocking the Creative Magic: How Mindfulness Unleashes Your Inner Artist Mindfulness and creativity are two powerful practices that complement each other in various ways. Mindfulness, which involves being fully present and aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, sensations, and the surrounding environment, has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental well-being. Meanwhile, creativity is the ability to generate new ideas, concepts, and solutions, and is highly valued in various fields such as arts, sciences, business, and everyday problem-solving. Here’s the thing: Some of you might think mindfulness is just one of those buzzwords thrown around by yoga enthusiasts and self-help gurus… but it’s more than that. It’s an ingredient that adds flavor to the often bland dish of your daily routine. Basically, mindfulness is about being fully immersed in the now and accepting the moment without judgment. That's precisely where the magic happens. Besides, when you’re mindful, you’re not just brushing through life like a hurried commuter trying to catch the next train. You’re there, you’re aware, and your senses are heightened. That heightened awareness isn’t just some abstract concept. It’s the key that unlocks the door to a world of unbridled creativity. The more you’re fully immersed in the present, the more you’ll start noticing the subtle hues of the sky, the rhythm of the raindrops, the whispers of the wind, etc.—details that might have slipped past you before. These “seemingly insignificant” observations become the building blocks of your next masterpiece. Allow us to further explain how mindfulness enhances creativity: Enhanced Focus: Mindfulness helps in improving focus and concentration, enabling individuals to delve deeper into their creative tasks without being distracted by irrelevant thoughts or external stimuli. Stress Reduction: By calming the mind, mindfulness creates a conducive environment for creative thinking to flourish. Stress often hinders creativity, so reducing it can open up space for innovative thoughts. Emotional Regulation: Mindfulness encourages the acknowledgment and acceptance of emotions without judgment. This helps individuals navigate through the highs and lows of the creative process more effectively. Overcoming Creative Blocks: Mindfulness techniques foster a non-judgmental attitude towards oneself and one’s creative work. This enables individuals to move past self-doubt and negative thought patterns that may inhibit their creative expression. Improved Self-Expression: Mindfulness aids in understanding one’s thoughts and feelings better, which then leads to improved self-expression through various creative outlets like writing, painting, music, etc. Now, let’s talk about the infamous creative block—that dreaded moment when the well of ideas runs dry, and you find yourself staring at a blank page for hours on end. In such a scenario, mindfulness can serve as a beacon in the dark by helping you navigate through the labyrinth of self-doubt and criticism. By embracing the present moment, you let go of the burdens of past failures and the anxieties of future expectations. You’re left only with a clear mind, ready to explore uncharted territories of imagination. … and it’s not just about the process but also about the product! Mindfulness allows you to infuse your creations with a piece of your soul. It’s why a painting isn’t just strokes on a canvas but also a reflection of the artist’s inner world… It’s why a melody isn’t just notes strung together but also an echo of the composer’s emotions… It’s why a poem isn’t just letters and words put into paper but also a product of the writer’s self-expression and storytelling… Simply said, mindfulness helps you channel your innermost experiences into your art, making it resonate with others on a deeper, more profound level. Below are some mindfulness tips to enhance your creativity: Set aside time each day for a mindfulness practice such as meditation, deep breathing, or mindful walking. Embrace moments of silence in your day to clear your mind and allow creative ideas to emerge more easily. Approach your creative work without judgment. Focus on the sensations, movements, and emotions involved in the creative process. Be grateful for your creative abilities and for the opportunities to engage in creative pursuits. Reflect mindfully on your creative work to identify patterns and approaches that enhance your creativity. So, the next time you find yourself in a creative rut, take a moment to breathe. Embrace the stillness, and watch as your creativity unfurls its wings and soars to new heights. In the gentle dance between mindfulness and creativity, that’s where the true magic happens. By incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine, you’ll be able to cultivate a mindset that is more conducive to creativity and innovation. What’s more? Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, mindful breathing, and mindful observation can all contribute to the development of a more creative and insightful perspective. I hope you find today’s topic helpful and insightful! Have an awesome Friday! — In line with MBO Partners' continuous dedication to supporting you and your business, we want to notify you about an opportunity to access potential tax credits of up to USD 32,200. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provides specific provisions for self-employed individuals, known as the Self Employed Tax Credit (SETC), for which nearly everyone with Schedule C income qualifies. This acknowledges the unique challenges faced by those who work independently especially during times of illness, caregiving responsibilities, quarantine, and other circumstances. There are two criteria you must meet to qualify for receiving the tax credit of up to USD 32,200. Click here to see how you can obtain the SETC to know more about this. Act NOW! This credit will expire on April 15, 2024, so we encourage you to submit early to see if your business qualifies. Also, if you know others who may qualify for the SETC, you may share these details with them.