Space is where miracles occur

In a time where productivity is at an all-time high, I am much more interested in creativity.

There are so many problems needing creative solutions, challenges waiting to be met with creativity.

Creativity can be elusive. We’re made to believe that it’s an attribute you either have or you don’t.

But creativity can be cultivated.

In the 1920’s, psychologist Graham Wallas combined years of observation of the process that artists, inventors, and innovators used, and he distilled it into a 4 stage process described in his book, The Art of Thought.

The 4 stages of creativity are:

1. Preparation

The artist or innovator might gather materials, information, and inspiration. This uses both internal processes of thinking deeply and engaging with ideas, as well as external processes of going out to collect data, resources, materials, or expertise.

2. Incubation

This is the phase where the artist shifts their focus off the problem or project and allows ideas to slowly simmer. There is an important interplay between the conscious mind and unconscious mind in this stage, as the conscious mind wanders and allows the unconscious mind to engage. Einstein called this “combinatory play.”

3. Illumination

After a time of incubation, the insight arrives to conscious awareness seemingly out of nowhere. This magical ah-ha moment may arrive while going for a run or walk, swimming laps, or taking a shower.

4. Verification

The artist may now test the idea and bring in more critical thinking and judgment based on experience to refine the work before it takes shape.

This process sheds light on how the conscious and unconscious mind work together.

Accessing your inner knowing is a key part of living a created life.

There are times when you don’t think you have the answers. But you can apply the creative process to access your inner knowing.

Here’s how:

1. Preparation - Ask yourself a powerful question. Some examples could be:

“How can I use my gifts to make a difference?

“What could be possible if I don’t listen to the fear?”

“What would I do if I knew the answer?”

This sets the stage and primes your unconscious mind to get to work..

2. Incubation period - Go do something else.

Create space. Get out in nature. Go for a walk. Maybe even just go about life. Do a load of laundry. Wash the dishes.

3. Illumination - This is the ah-ha moment.

There is nothing for you to do here, except wait for the insight to arrive during the incubation period. You can’t force it. It is your unconscious mind at work after you give it the space to do it’s magic. When the insight arrives, it will seem as if it comes from nowhere.

4. Verification - Test the insight.

When the insight comes, it arrives from your unconscious mind. Your conscious mind may try to dismiss it, because it likely arrives without the conditioning of fear or the voices of others who would say it’s crazy.

Don’t dismiss it. Test it. Does it align with your values? Does it make your heart leap?

It may just be what you need to move forward.

………………..

Where do you need to apply this process, and what is the powerful question you are asking yourself? Drop me a note to share.

Love,

Audrey