According to Wikipedia, creativity is a phenomenon in which something new and somehow valuable is formed. The created item may be intangible (an idea, a scientific theory, a musical composition, or a joke) or a physical object such as an invention, a literary work, or a painting.

The Chopra Center presents 5 ways to improve creativity through meditation:

• Time alone in which emotions can be felt in a meditative way. Such reflection uses the brain differently and involves a different network—such inward focus produces our best ideas. Intuition arises from the unconscious, from spontaneous information processing systems, and plays an important role in how we think or reason when we are not engaged with the outside world. For example, often when I walk alone and see an animal or feel the moisture of rain drops, I feel exhilarated.

• Concentration. Research results have associated mindful meditation with many cognitive and psychological benefits such as improved task concentration; sustained attention; empathy and introspection; enhanced memory; and improved learning. An excellent example of this is the FACE meditation described in an earlier blog (Feel the feeling; Acknowledge it; show it Compassion; and Expect a positive outcome, which is backed by scientific evidence of its effectiveness).

• Tips to increase creativity through meditation: be playful; plant seeds of new ideas; and trust they will grow. Often when I wake early in the morning and meditate, I remember seeds of new ideas that occurred in dreams.

• Try guided meditations—many are available online. Googling “guided meditation." will produce a long list.

• Be mindful outside of meditation—take notice of how you eat, how you speak to others, and how you walk. For example, do you eat too fast? When you are with others do you do all the talking, or do you allow them to talk as well? 

I have discovered a number of ways to tap into and enhance my own creativity. Sometimes I wake in the night with a new idea for a book or blog, or dreams will often present new ideas, and I immediately write them down. Other experiences that help to access my creativity include: hearing others describe pleasant or unpleasant things (it is amazing what you hear when really listening to others—such as tales of woe, joy, disappointment, etc.); attending a movie or play; exercising my body; listening to music; and certainly meditating in silence. I know there's been a breakthrough when I've been feeling stuck in my writing and suddenly have an “aha." moment—it's like a light goes on in my head.

I have often wondered how others with whom I am acquainted—especially authors—tap into their creativity and what helps them do so.

Dear reader, it is my hope that in one way or another you are aware of and expressing your creativity. Sharing what helps you accomplish this would be much appreciated!