Yoga to enhance Creativity

It happens to most of us, I am sure. We adjust our schedules, make sure we’re well fed and rested, tidy up our surroundings so that there’s nothing else to do-but create. Yet, when we sit down to actually make it happen, our minds are as blank as the white screen we sit staring at. 

We can’t force creativity. Sometimes all we need to do is relax, take a break, and let the wisdom bubble up naturally.  

In my case, while sometimes a cup of coffee or a walk out in the fresh air can get things moving, nothing is more effective at boosting my creativity than a good yoga session. Practicing yoga has changed my life and art dramatically. After my morning yoga practice, with my friends, the day ahead is like a fresh canvas to paint on.

Yoga not only helps to find ease in the body, quiet the mind, and get in touch with our true nature, it can also be a way of helping our creative self. This is why yoga is such a gift for an artist. 

Creativity arises naturally in states of stillness and presence, which can be elusive when we are distracted by daily preoccupations and scattered thoughts. When we practice awareness in asana, pranayama, and meditation, we learn to let go of the distractions of the mind.

Yoga practice helps us overcome creative blockages in our mind and body and significantly enhance energy, focus, and originality. No matter what kind of art you call your own, your yoga practice can more fully connect you with your creative mind, body, and soul, says my yoga master.

Creativity is all about finding new ways of solving problems and approaching situations. This isn't a skill restricted to artists, musicians or writers; it is a useful skill for people from all walks of life. If you've ever wanted to boost your creativity, yoga poses that help get the creative juices flowing are: Pigeon pose, Eagle pose, child’s pose, corpse pose, Downward-facing Dog pose, and of course meditation.