Stay curious
Do you sometimes find it difficult to come up with new and fresh ideas? Do you go through creative blocks? Do you find it difficult to create work you are truly happy with? The artist will probably have to grapple with these things at some point on their creative journey...
You should know that this is all totally normal and most creatives have to go through these periods at least a few times. In my experience the one thing that can guide you through it is your curiosity.
Lets face it, life ain't no walk in the park. We all have our problems, things we would like to change, things we are worried about, we've all experienced hurt in some way or another. Nobody is free from pain and suffering.
But even with its struggles and difficulties life can be beautiful, depending what you focus on. A beautiful life is one that makes you feel fully alive, is full of inspiration and creates a deeper, more connected environment for us to live in.
But we can't really enjoy it if we don't have an outlook that allows us to appreciate what surrounds us. When we approach life with curiosity we see a new world and possibilities that are normally not recognised. It takes a curious mind to look beneath the surface and discover these new realities.
Being curious keeps the mind active. Probably because it means we'll always be asking questions and in search for more information. Curious people are open to learning and discovering. The more you are mindful of what you can learn in any given situation, the more you will breeze through your struggles with effortless grace.
When you find that you are running out of ideas and not knowing where to go with your work, I'd recommend putting your curious hat on. This could mean working on a new hobby, learning a new language, reading a book for pleasure, playing music, or ditching the GPS and taking a walk and trying to get lost.
This is something Einstein called 'combinatory play', and it’s the key that gives our imagination the time to make those disparate connections that excite and surprise, which is exactly what we need to gain inspiration and new ideas. Don't be afraid to do something new or try something you usually wouldn't. Give yourself permission to play out of your comfort zone. It’s when we are flexible in our approach to life we can enjoy and experience it with unbound possibilities.
The future belongs to the curious, it's what makes us come alive. So keep questioning and learning, it's the one thing that will keep you hungry for life.
S.
The important thing is not to stop questioning… Never lose a holy curiosity.'
Albert Einstein
** Don’t forget to subscribe below for more!