Six Ways Meditation Can Boost Creativity

Meditation can be beneficial for anyone.  It gives us an opportunity to become more present with ourselves just as we are.  When we are mindful, we show up for our lives.  We don’t miss them in being distracted or in wishing for things to be different. 

Drawing on this sense of mindfulness can boost creativity.  By finding happiness in every moment of your waking life, your mind opens to wonders and possibilities.  Conversely, when you are living in fear, anger, regret and worry, that is all you know.

Taking away the negatives boosts creativity.  Here’s how:

1. De-stressing – Being mindful of your life forces you to concentrate on something other than your worries.  As writers, we put ourselves out there, risking rejection and criticism on a daily basis.  Meditation soothes these rough edges and creates a safe, stress-free place. 
2. Clarity/Focus – Focusing on your breathing teaches you to focus on your projects.  Once you get rid of the mind clutter, you’ll see everything else more clearly.  This will take time, though.  As time goes on, the more clarity you will realize.
3. Perspective – When you spend time being aware of nothing but your breathing, thoughts and feelings, you’ll begin to see how trivial your daily worries really are.  Life will be put into perspective.  So let go of the small stuff. 
4. Patience – We are bombarded with messages every waking moment of our lives, whether it’s driving to work or watching television in the evening.  Thinking about nothing is difficult.  It takes patience to bbe successful in training your brain to resist thoughts. 
5. Eases Anxiety – With meditation comes a calmness of the mind.  Internal chatter will eventually ease.  And when internal chatter eases, so does anxiety.
6. Improves Concentration -  Meditation strengthens cognitive control.  By quieting other brain functions, your ability to concentrate is enhanced.   

There are many benefits to derive from meditation,  But like anything else, it takes practice.  Be patient.  Be consistent.  Set aside a time every day to meditate.  Don’t break from this time and don’t let anything distract you.

Do you meditate?  What is your favorite time of day?  Where do you meditate?