Nature as a tool for creativity

It is summer and that means that many of us are getting out of the house.  Summer is a great time to experience nature, whether it is visiting a partk, hiking, swimming or other activities.   

But, did you know that nature can help unblock you as a tool for creativity?  It has been scientifically supported that spending time in nature can enhance your creative potential.  According to recent research, it appears that when the brain takes a break off of stimulants such as cell phones, computers, television, etc. becomes much more open to creative thinking as well as problem solving. 

How can you take advantage of nature's healing power on the brain to unblock your creativity?  Try this exercise as a way to deal with old messages about your creativity or what blocks you by helping you bring new new insights which may lead to unleashing your creative potential:

1. Ask yourself, "What old issue do I feel confident (or want) to face, and gain new insight?"
2. Go outside for a stroll or a walk.  Maybe bring a small notebook and a pen with you. Put your cell phone away or turn it off so you can really create a feeling of being one with nature.  
3. Start noticing when an animal, creature, plant, rock or scene (beautiful or otherwise!) attracts your attention.
4. Pause and take a moment to consider why you noticed it.  If you want to use your cell phone for a useful purpose or have a camera, you might want to take a photo or video of it to record the experience.
5. Sit down or when you get back home, write down answers to the following questions:  What special qualities did you notice? If what you've noticed was trying to tell you something, what would it be? What new insight can you gain into your old issue - what message is there for you?
6. Finally, if it feels right, offer thanks for this experience - knowing that more insights may come as your subconscious mind reflects on your experience.  
7. Continue to schedule times through out the summer and fall to repeat the exercise and see how this affects your creative thinking and how it may unblock your experience. 

Leave any comments below regarding how this exercise worked for you!