Find your inspiration within

5 things worth exploring when in need of awakening your inner creativity

Welcome to Happy Surprises, your free weekly newsletter! If you find inspiration and joy in this creative space, why not share it or try one of the creative prompts? Thank you for reading.

At the beach by now, away from the sun as it’s scorching in September, and we’re experiencing a local heat wave.

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I’ve been lost in thoughts this week, aside from some occasional doodling, which still serves as a creative outlet. Nevertheless, I find myself caught in a loop of not knowing what to do next as I work on the design for my upcoming 100-day art challenge, set to kick off on September 22nd—or should I call it a project, given that the process has already commenced?

I think I know what my theme is, but then it changes within a few days, so I'll get back to you later on that.

What's certain is that it will involve art on paper, and it's going to be colourful as I kick it off with gouache paint.

I need some bright artwork on my wall, and bold, bright colours are calling me, how about you?

So as I'm still brainstorming ideas and working through my vision, I notice that I'm absorbing everyone else's art and project ideas. I seem to be distancing myself from my own art and feeling a bit overwhelmed because I have too many ideas.

So, I thought I would share 5 things worth sharing that I recommended when you’re disconnected, stuck, and when in need of awakening their inner creativity and get some clarity.

Becoming your inspiration is a creative process that you keep coming back to spark creative flow at your pace.

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#1 Stillness

You can find a moment of stillness even if it's just for 5 minutes, but for me, nothing beats swimming in the open sea. While I was swimming this morning, I had a moment of clarity that I have yet to add to my notes.

Stillness can be daydreaming, engaging in solitary activities, or meditating to gently release your thoughts, let the giggling conversation in your head pass by.

I don’t about you, but I have to catch myself when I go on my day absorbed in busyness and consumed by worries about the future, leaving me feeling overwhelmingly distant from mindfulness—essentially it's the opposite.

• Practicing stillness involves slowing down and cultivating mindfulness in your everyday life. It enables your mind to flow freely, which is a great state for thinking creatively, nurturing fresh ideas, and more.

Personally, I find the morning to be the optimal time and setting for experiencing stillness. Nevertheless, regardless of your location, it's essential to regularly set aside time for stillness, whether it's just a moment or longer. The key is to stay connected to your inner stillness regularly.

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#2 Patterns

Explore uncharted paths and new places or galleries to unveil hidden treasures.

Pattern interruption is about breaking away from limiting patterns of thoughts, behaviours, and routines. We’re creatures of habit and often get stuck in our comfort zone, the familiar, thus creative rut.

• Do you always take the same route to the shops? Explore a new route

• Do you pick up your phone first thing in the morning? Switch up your routine by kicking your phone out of the bedroom.

You need to find the cue that triggers the autopilot activity or behaviour, recognising that you are about to do something before you do it. Switch up your routine by kicking your phone out of the bedroom.

Prompt:

Try drawing with your non-dominant hand. Rather than your brain checking out, it is interrupting your unconscious mind and making way for the cue, new behaviour, or activity. This will connect the missing dots, give you a clear frame of mind, and allow space to spark creativity, ultimately becoming your own inspiration in the process.

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#3 Movement

Going outside for some fresh air is always a great idea!

Unfortunately, sitting behind a computer staring at a screen all day is so common for our daily life and though we know the importance of it, we don’t!

• Consider breaking into a dance... Wait, really, Susan? Yes, try it with your favorite inspiring song playlist, and I promise it shakes away the cobwebs of routine and invites the creative spirit to spark new ideas and a fresh sense of joy.

• Give yoga stretches a try to refresh your body and mind, and will help move stagnant energy and get new ideas flowing.

• Go outside for a walk. Instead of scheduling a meeting at a cafe, why not opt for a walking meet-up with your friend? By stepping away from your usual tasks and the stress that often fills your mind, you create space for clarity.

Prompt:

Go for a walk without your phone! Walking allows your thoughts to flow in and out, fostering creative thinking. Even a brief ten-minute walk, walking opens up room for fostering creative thinking, sparking fresh solutions to problems, and boosting your positive energy.

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#4 Doodling

Simple doodles that don’t require too much time & of course you can also doodle with watercolour.

There's no secret that I love to draw and paint, but what you might not be familiar with is that I doodle more when I am feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and need to try to get out of a creative funk. And I can't express enough how powerful of a tool it is to explore.

So although doodling may seem like you're scribbling meaningless marks on paper while you're passing time on a Zoom call or talking on the phone.

Doodling is calming and self-soothing mindfulness activity you can do anytime and anywhere.

Doodling initiates the ability to think differently, unlocking our brains from constraints by allowing the mind to run free and express feelings. It's such a fun way to spark inspiration and get your creative juices flowing.

Prompt

🖊️ So grab a piece of paper and pen or marker. You can start with a single mark in the center of your paper, and then gradually spiral outward, adding patterns, or shading or just keep it simple. There's no rush, take your time and you can let your imagination flow freely.

If you do try it, I’ll love to hear how you go in the comments below!

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#5 Look Within

Collecting my original artwork from the past helps me get a clear insight into what I love and wish to explore further. Seeing florals and vibrant colours, being consistent elements, spark curiosity to continue that direction — or has it become my comfort zone?

Prompt:

Open your photo albums, sketchbooks, journal, Pinterest, or Instagram profile - choose one or try them all. Take a moment to immerse yourself in what you see, as if you were a stranger in your own world.

Here are some questions to ask yourself, without judgment but with curiosity:

What recurring themes or objects do you notice?

What pieces inspire you and stand out?

What are you proud of?

Are there any colours that consistently appear?

Do you see any patterns in the subjects of your work?

Which feelings or vibes do you often find in your creations? Are there any surprises?

Has your style changed or evolved over time?

Are there certain periods or moments in your life that seem to inspire your creativity more than others? Is there a particular piece that you could revisit and explore with more depth?

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Over to you, which of these 5 things are you most likely to try out?