How to Relieve Writer's Block using Backbends and Downward Facing Dogs!

How to Relieve Writer's Block using Backbends and Downward Facing Dogs!

Can Yoga Promote Creativity?

Firstly, let me just say the title was an exercise of creative play with words. Yes, asanas do help relieve writer's block - but let me explain that in the paragraphs below, and I'm not just referring to writer's block with reference to writing but other forms of creative expressions as well.

When I introduce SoulArist as a solution to unleash one's creative genius, everyone nods in agreement to the creative writing programs, poetry and drama workshops.

However, I get curious looks, to downright skepticism, when I tell people about Yoga classes for children and adults as a tool to improve one's creative expression.

These are the types of responses I usually get:

"Yoga? Wow, you really are diversified" OR

"Yoga? How does that help with writing?" OR

"Yoga? Oh, like healthy body, healthy mind thing right?"

Of the three, the third is probably the closest to understanding the value Yoga adds to one's creativity.

YOGA is NOT just an ancient art of twisting yourself into unnatural positions so we look great in our Instagram feeds - its just a fortunate by product.

YOGA is actually a science of the body and mind. The asanas, or physical postures are HELD for a certain amount of time / breaths to help blood circulation, hormone regulation and move the energy/prana/chi in our body.

The practice of each posture impacts the various muscles, organs, and subsequently our brain activity. The breathing helps steady the mind and bring the neural activity down to an alpha level. All of this just from the Asanas OR postures. Alpha brain waves can also be achieved through aerobic activities (i.e. exercise).

At the end of a Yoga session, when we practice withdrawal of the senses through Shavasana (a resting and restorative asana) - it takes us from alpha wave into theta wave. For those long time Yogis who then practice Dharana (stillness) and Dhyana (meditation) - the chances of hitting a Gamma wavelength is very high - if not guaranteed.

Theta and Gamma are the same wavelength most artists are in when they are "In The Zone". Incidentally, scientists have recorded Gamma brainwaves by Tibetian monks and long time meditators who are well into their practice and experiencing a state of stillness.

To find out more about brain waves and what they do, here is a link to a good brief read on what the function of each brain waves is https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-is-the-function-of-t-1997-12-22/. One thing to note on the findings in this area is that - there are lots of new updates in the field - scientists are approaching the study using various techniques and technology - so suffice to say, western science is scratching the surface on the full range of what Yoga can do for the human brain.

Below is a quick reference of the various brain waves.

Image Source: Pinterest (partial), info (Wikipedia)

So, my reason to include Yogic practices as a tool for inner balance and creativity is aimed specifically at getting my students and participants into a state where they can naturally tap into the creative potential that lies within them.

By no means does this imply that you need to have a one hour yoga session before commencing an art project, no. The regular practice simply helps build muscle memory to "feel" the zone and build the confidence and emotional awareness to get there. Usually it takes a certain level of focus and calmness. Sure - we can also create masterpieces at our most passionate moments - but those pieces are possible because the energy is harnessed in a way the artist is able to direct it through the right channels/tools.

When I first learnt self-hypnosis - that state in which I "FELL" into hypnosis was a palpable difference - entering the theta wavelength felt like a serious dip, like a switch was flipped and my mind just turned quiet.

But through the years of meditation, and other practices that helped still the mind - I was naturally at peace and was more attuned to this creative wavelength. Which meant creativity was not at the mercy of a magical muse who came knocking once in a while - nor was it a GIFT from the heavens for a select few - it was available at my fingertips, should I CHOOSE to act on it.

The truth is we are ALL creative beings at our core. We are constantly creating, generating and expressing ourselves and ideas - just try eavesdropping in conversations at the bar or coffee shops or sitting on a couch - we all have brilliant ideas!

What really trips us up is our ideas about ourselves, our expectations, capabilities, education, training and ALL the internal dialogue that builds an un-scalable wall, until we talk ourselves out of it saying - "Oh, I'm not a creative type".

Yoga is not THE only way to get to this state of course - Qigong, Tai-Chi and other such art forms that engender stillness as a natural consequence of the practice will help build this "creative muscle". So, if you ever find yourself in need of a little inspiration - try a session of Yoga, Tai Chi or just go out for a slow jog/run or walk in nature. Get the blood flowing, feel the rhythm of your body and soon enough - you will be in the zone.

The best part about a regular physical activity is the natural entrainment that tunes us to this brain wave and helps us achieve it at will much more quickly.

However, we don't usually create our masterpieces whilst doing these activities. So, here are 3 easy tips to manage your way through the wavelengths and getting yourself into the zone.

Assuming we are starting from Beta where the mind is alert but may be buzzing with lots of thoughts.

Step 1: Get into an Alpha Zone

This is quite easy to achieve, stepping out for a walk in the park or nature or find a quiet spot. Then start focusing on your breath - doing a form of in and out breath count will help in staying focused, longer outs than the ins is a good rule of thumb - followed by extending the count.

Example: In (3 counts), out (5 counts) - 5 rounds. In (4 counts), out (6 counts) - 5 rounds and so on and so forth.

The key is to keep it simple and comfortable. Discomfort is a sure fire way to get distracted from the practise.

Alternatively some white noise, or ambient noise generators can help with this task too, followed by a little breathing technique. Though the brain may be in the alpha wave - it also helps to then put the mind to work by bringing the image, thought or idea of interest to focus.

Step 2: Get into a Theta Zone

Though creativity can start in the Alpha, Theta on the other hand takes one deeper into this process, by engaging active visualisation during the creative process. Imagine if you will, seeing, hearing or feeling the object of your creation in your mind whilst you paint, write, compose or choreograph. It's almost like being transported into another world.

For this - a slightly deeper relaxation / meditation or hypnogogic state would help. One way is to consciously relax the body, allowing the mind to drop all and any thoughts and just focus on the breath for about a minute, and then lightly focus on one sense at a time like sound or temperature (visuals can be distracting).

Once completely relaxed you can try engaging in active visualisation - like walking into a white room and then adding the narratives that help build the components - piece by piece. Or sitting in a scenic setting and hearing the kind of music, or even staring at a canvas and watching the art come to live.

Step 3: Staying in the Zone

It is not necessary to reach a Gamma state. Most artists oscillate between an Alpha and Theta for the set creative project time - in really intense states touch the Gamma wave. As mentioned earlier, Gamma is a little more transcendental in nature and you may even touch this without putting much effort - given that you remain in that calm and receptive mode.

Instead what would be more beneficial would be to minimise all distractions for a set period of time - like putting the phone on silent or on flight mode, or being in a space where you will not be interrupted. It helps to practice some breathing and relaxation techniques in between breaks. And of course, not to over do it.

Setting twenty minute intervals may help with the focus and circumvent those self-sabotaging thoughts that tell us we have other life engagements to attend to and induce anxiety and panic. In other words - time management.

(Updated content (15th April, 2018) - info and link to types of brainwwaves, and three tips to getting into the zone)

Image credit: Pexels

I have written a short note on Facebook on Gamma brain waves previously with additional link to mindvalley - here's the link to the note https://www.facebook.com/notes/soularist/pilots-buddhist-monks-and-creative-problem-solvers-drop-the-box-altogether/1733920336631001/

To find out more about SoulArist and our initiatives, please visit www.soularist.com

I was going to use the website to post my blogs and podcasts or meditation/awareness practices. However, with the discovery of Steemit, I will be redirecting the flow of these posts to start here at Steemit and then to the website. I am new to this whole new program, so please bear with me as I find my footing with this - with the help of all my fellow steemians here no doubt ;)

I am very grateful for the support and encouragement from @maverickfoo @elizacheng @bitrocker202 @curie. Thank you for introducing me to a revolutionary world of self-expression. One that is mutually beneficial, engenders greater awareness and provides entertaining intelligent banter #awesome