Welcome to the sixth issue of Creative Intentions. With this newsletter, I hope to inspire all creative types to learn about their personal creativity and how to grow from their creative work. Each week, for twelve weeks, you can look forward to a feature article with information, tips and ideas surrounding the realm of creativity.
Feature Article Topic:
Creativity and Body Awareness
Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates, Chi Kung, Reiki, Aikido, Authentic Movement, Massage, Body-Mind Centering, and on and on. What do these names all have in common? They are all ways to get back into the body. They are also meant to foster the mind-body connection, and help to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote health. What’s the big deal, you ask? You want to know, “how is being aware of my body important for my creativity?” It’s actually quite important.
Our bodies are amazing. They help us to sense how much to eat, sleep, and exercise. Our bodies help us to sense the invisible, such as the energy of another person. Our bodies also tell us when we are on to something good when we are creating. For example, you might get a chill up and down your spine, or your body might physically stop you where you are at, so that you go and write down the brilliant idea that just came to your mind. Unfortunately, our western culture has really torn us away from having a good relationship with our bodies. We are constantly bombarded with messages in the media telling us that our bodies are not good enough, that we must alter our bodies in some way. I do not believe this. I believe that the body is a gift to us as human beings. The body is wise. We are born with this body wisdom. The body guides us in the direction that we need to go. However, one must relearn how to listen to the body’s wisdom. That is where the above forms of bodywork come in.
Bodywork is a way to get in touch with your body, the mind-body connection, and often the spirit, as well. It certainly is not necessary to start up a new exercise program or pay a lot of money to get in touch with your body, but as I mentioned before, western culture makes it challenging to listen to the body’s wisdom. Fortunately, there is a recent surge of these mind-body practices, such as Yoga, Tai Chi, etc., which makes their cost and accessibility very reasonable. For example, there are several videos and DVDs on the market for Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and even Belly Dancing. If disciplining yourself to practice at home is too difficult, then taking a class might be a better option for you. I also am a big believer in walking as a way to open up the creative energy inside the body. “Somehow movement serves to remove the silt that blocks creative waters from flowing freely” (Discovering the Body’s Wisdom by Mirka Knaster, p. 47). By the way, Discovering the Body’s Wisdom is an excellent resource for information on various bodywork methods; the book helps you to choose an appropriate method for your personality, body ailments, etc.
Suggestion:
This week, focus on befriending your body. Treat your body as a precious gift. Be conscious of the mental messages you send to your body. Also, try some form of movement, whether it is walking, dancing, or Yoga, as a way of releasing blocked creative energy. Be kind, loving, and accepting of your body, while attempting to become aware of its wisdom.
Just for fun, here is a brief post I created about belly dancing with a collage of pics.
http://courageouslycreating.blogspot.com/2009/10/belly-dancing.html
Announcements:
July 26, 2010 Issue No. 7 will feature an article on
Creativity and the Writing Process
Another resource to look for on amazon.com is:
Discovering the Body’s Wisdom by Mirka Knaster
Enjoy your beautiful, wise body!
© BrianaCreates 2010 All Rights Reserved
Briana: Artist, Writer, Teacher, and Creativity Coach
Contact at bmriskin@earthlink.net
Blog http://courageouslycreating.blogspot.com/
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/brianacreates/
Twitter http://twitter.com/BrianaCreates
2 comments:
Thank you so much for this post! As I beging the process of divorce, I'm feeling completely paralyzed. I needed this reminder....and will make sure to get back to my walking again starting today. xo
Yes, leapandtwirl4, walking is GOOD for the soul. I send you calm and healing.
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