Carry a notebook wherever you go to track all your great ideas

Writers know they must carry a notebook at all times: you never know when inspiration will strike.

In her book, Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert eloquently and poetically describes this process:

“I believe that our planet is inhabited not only by animals and plants and bacteria and viruses, but also by ideas. Ideas are disembodied, an energetic life form. They are completely separate from us, but capable of interacting with us…”

(referring to poet Ruth Stone) “Growing up on a farm in rural Virginia, she would be out working in the fields when she would sometimes hear a poem coming toward her – hear it rushing across the landscape at her, like a galloping horse. Whenever this happened, she knew exactly what she had to do next: She would ‘run like hell’ toward the house, trying to stay ahead of the poem, hoping to get a piece of paper and a pencil fast enough to catch it. That way, when the poem reached her and passed through her, she would be able to grab it and take direction…’”

It seems that inspiration strikes when you least expect it – and there’s proof.

Psychologist Mareike Wieth and her research team find that people are much more successful solving “insight problems” that require a high level of creativity at times of day when they are least alert.

This means that morning people should tackle more left-brained activities in the morning such as responding to emails, putting spreadsheets together or cleaning the house. Once your brain is more relaxed later in the day, you’re more able to get ahold of those wonderful, creative ideas.

We often assume that when our circadian arousal is at its peak, we’ll perform better at whatever we put our minds to. Thus, why morning people carve out time in the morning, and night owls stay up late to get their work done. Now, there’s evidence that certain actives benefit from us not being in our most alert state. Sometimes when we’re exhausted, overwhelmed or confused, the best writing, art or ideas spring forth.

Have you ever noticed after a glass of wine or a cup of tea, you’re relaxed, and creative ideas simply seem to appear? Sometimes it’s in the most random of times such as in traffic, while you’re frustrated, or in the middle of the night.

Although it’s near impossible to force yourself to be creative at a certain time and space, creating a ritual to get out of your head is a great start. You can try this by doing gentle yoga stretches, going for a walk outside or meditating and lighting incense. Create a routine so you’re more relaxed, and don’t have any expectations as to what might happen. Have a recorder or notebook with you at all times for when inspiration strikes.

Are you ready to explore another medium to capture your creativity on a moment’s notice? On November 11, 2017, personal transformation expert and Rewire Me founder Rose Caiola will be hosting a workshop, “Self-Discovery Through The Lens of a Camera,” together with visionary photographer Laurie Klein.

Experience a healing journey through the lens of a camera. All you need is your smartphone and a willingness to tap into your creative expression. Click here to reserve your seat!