INSPIRING CREATIVITY

I've recently felt that I've not been as creative as I used to be. I wasn't sure what I could do, then I remember an exercise that I learned in school. I tried it and it was amazing.

Do you ever hit a creativity block? You can't think of a new idea for your shop, new marketing, or new way to photograph that will make your shop stand out. You know it needs something but you can't put a finger on it. Try this little exercise to open your mind to the ideas that you have buried in your subconscious.

Read this story, then retell in to yourself with your eyes closed. If you can't remember it perfectly it's not important to remember every detail. I you are a perfectionist (some of us are) record it and play it back with your eyes closed, head down, relaxed. Maybe you have a partner or friend with a more inspiring voice, have them record it. You can even change the scene a bit if you like, but don't add to many details, the lack of detail is what brings new ideas to mind. 

Have Paper and Pencil next to you.  Relax, close your eyes and start the story.

You are in the woods. It's a beautiful day, the air is crisp and the sky is clear. You can see it through the trees. You take a deep breath to take in all the wonderful scents of the forest.

You start to walk, not even knowing where your walk might take you. The ground is soft with moss, but you are also crunching fallen leaves with each step. The walk in the woods is exhilarating. You haven't felt this energized in a long time. The sounds and smells of the forest

inspiring you to explore.

Ahead in the distance you see what looks like a house. As you get closer, the house becomes clearer. Unusual, that there is a house in the middle of these woods. You reach it and the door is open. You call out, but no one answers. Curiosity has the better of you and you look in the door.

The interior is beautiful. There are wonderful paintings on the wall. In front of them, there is a piano with a large sculpture on it. You are drawn into the house to take a closer look. There is a chandelier over the piano. You've never seen anything like it.

There is so much beauty in this room, it's hard to describe. But your curiosity has gotten the better of you. You wander around the house. All of the rooms are open, and full of the most amazing things. You come across a room with a closed door. You reach for the handle and turn it. You can't believe what you have found there. You walk up to it and pick it up. Turn it around in your hand to see and feel it. It's amazing. This is just what you were looking for to inspire you.

Open your eyes when you are ready and start writing down everything that comes to you. You mind should be flooded with all kinds of wonderful ideas.

I suggest you try this story first, but you can change scene to whatever you think might inspire you. You could be on a beach or in the desert. Maybe you'd like to be on a tropical island or in the cold antarctic, whatever place might give you new insight.