by Jo Cook Artist | Contemporary Australian Artist and Sculptor, Noosa

Can Meditation Make You More Creative?

I started meditating a number of years ago when I found myself overwhelmed with my thoughts looping negatively in overdrive. Meditation turned out to be the antidote I needed. I read recently though that meditation can have profound impacts on creativity and from a personal perspective I would have to agree. As an artist I’ve often become frustrated with myself for not ‘doing’ enough or creating enough. I have learned that some of my most profound breakthroughs emerge from the times I am intentionally still and present. Meditation has created the space for intuition, insight and originality to surface naturally.

The Connection Between Meditation and Creativity

Becoming a meditator can feel like trying to tame a wild horse and it is has taken time to find the type of meditation that works for me. It has been well worth the journey though, as meditation is known to reduce mental clutter and allows a deeper awareness and inner relationship with yourself. Over time this allows creativity to thrive in openness rather than pressure.

Creativity Doesn't Come From Thinking Harder

I know that many of my best ideas have arrived when my mind relaxes. Meditation has been a way to cultivate this receptive state intentionally on a daily basis. And don’t get me wrong, I don’t sit in lotus position for 2 hours daily before sunrise. If I can sit and meditate in an intentional way for even 10 minutes each day, I am deeply satisfied with myself.

Meditation and the Artist's Inner Critic

As an artist it can be easy to play the comparison game, the imposter syndrome game and the self-doubt game. For me, meditation has been a way to observe the thoughts that flourish in these games without becoming trapped by them. Over time this has allowed me to become intentional, focused and liberated so that I can experiment and grow.

Final Thoughts

Creativity and meditation both invite us to slow down, be present and reconnect with what matters most. My paintings and sculptures emerge from this same space of reflection, intuition and connection.

Wishing you grace, ease, contemplation and creativity.

Jo

 

 

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