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High Thoughts: What Are They, and Are They Possible While Sober?
Mental Health

High Thoughts: What Are They, and Are They Possible While Sober?

The world is full of natural substances that alter the perception of reality, from ayahuasca to psilocybin. Humans' connection to these substances, and their relationship to consciousness, continues to be a mystery. While these drugs can lead to out-of-body experiences and altered states of consciousness, marijuana has more mild, but no less profound, effects.RELATED: Can Microdosing Psychedelics Boost Your Mental Health?Marijuana smokers can experience strange shifts in perception, from visual or auditory hallucinations to changes in the perception of time. Other anecdotal stories talk of the benefits of enhanced creativity and flow. And for many people who get high, marijuana intoxication leads to a shift in their usual thought processes.That usually lands as a sense of profoundness, often finding the peculiar and novel in the mundane. Known as high thoughts, these revelations can have a lasting impact, but only seem to occur while under the influence. What’s that all about? Here, we’ll explore the causes of high thoughts, the potential dangers of smoking weed, and how to transform your thinking while sober.Why You Think Differently While HighTo explore why high thoughts happen, we’ll start with a brief introduction to the science of getting high. The main substance in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), a type of cannabinoid. The brain and body consist of cannabinoid receptors and the body’s natural cannabinoid chemicals anandamide and 2-AG (2-arachidonoyl glycerol). In combination, this creates what is known as the endocannabinoid system (or EC system).The EC system influences a lot of physiological processes, including stress regulation, metabolism, and pain. They’re found in vast amounts in the brain, and play a role in the communication of information between neurotransmitters — the chemicals that carry information between cells. A large collection of cannabinoid receptors are found in the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for mood regulation.RELATED: 9 Foods to Improve Your Mood and Cognitive FunctioningWhen someone smokes marijuana, THC is absorbed by the lungs, enters the blood, and eventually attaches to cannabinoid receptors, altering the normal flow of information. In addition, another chemical, cannabidiol (CBD) can reduce any stressful impact of THC. The subjective result is often feelings of joy, relaxation, or euphoria. Smoking marijuana also affects the reward circuit of the brain, releasing the feel-good hormone dopamine. Emerging from the abundance of chemical changes, and the immediate experience of the high, are high thoughts. These thoughts range from the profound to the absurd, the hilarious, and the mind-bending.The Link Between Marijuana and CreativityThe shift in perception is something that many marijuana users end up enjoying. High thoughts might be existential — such as questioning the meaning of life, pondering the expanse of the universe, or imagining what alien life might appear like. Others may be a different way of looking at the mundane, or normalized behaviors of society, with a fresh set of eyes. All high thoughts are underscored by a sense of creativity.If this is something you experience, it’s likely that you won’t be overly interested in the science behind this process. Part of the mystery of consciousness is its subjective nature; objective science can’t fully explain many subjective experiences that are “real,” from love to the imagination, to thinking itself. What they can do is detect patterns in biology, and create theories from there.Despite its common anecdotal support, science has failed to find a strong link between marijuana and creativity. Some studies have even found that divergent thinking — a spontaneous, non-linear way of thinking which is linked to high creativity — is impaired by marijuana. However, a recent study found another effect that could be responsible.An Enhanced Perspective on Thoughts?When participants under the influence of marijuana intoxication were studied for the Journal of Applied Psychology, researchers found no direct correlation with enhanced creativity. But even though creativity remained roughly the same, those that were high reported higher levels of joviality, a state of relaxation, and openness to ideas. The researchers speculate that the feeling of enhanced creativity was connected to the way people were relating to their thoughts.This could take high thoughts into the direction of metacognition, or thinking about thinking. Metacognition is linked to spiritual disciplines that practice self-awareness or contemplative practices. When in a certain receptive state, it could be that people become more receptive to the quality of their thoughts, not dismissing them out of hand, but entering a state of beginner’s mind, and approaching thoughts with greater curiosity, a quality that has been linked with metacognition.The Shadow of Weed SmokingSmoking weed isn’t a utopia. For a balanced perspective that doesn’t demonize or romanticize, it’s important to keep in mind the shadow of marijuana as well as its perceived benefits. All those chemical changes in the brain can lead to negative thoughts or intrusive thoughts. To balance positive experiences of enhanced creativity, relaxation, or philosophical reflections, smoking weed has the potential for negative experiences, from anxiety, paranoia, or a loss of motivation. Marijuana users also have increased cerebral blood flow, which could indicate narrow arteries. In addition, marijuana use has been connected to reduced memory and impaired cognition, especially in adolescents, whose brains are still developing. Long-term use has even been linked with an IQ reduction of around 5 points, including reductions in functioning memory and attention.It goes without saying that, despite the increase in legalization, and any potential positive benefits, such as high thoughts, marijuana is still a drug that has to be handled with care. Which begs the question: is there a way to experience high thoughts, away from being high? Can you get the benefits, without having to smoke?Can You Have High Thoughts While Sober?The short answer is: yes. It’s implied by the name itself, high thoughts, that this way of thinking is only the result of being high. While it may not be straightforward or as easy to recreate the effects of smoking marijuana on your way of thinking, there are certain practices that can help. Number one is the practice of meditation. Meditation has been found to increase divergent thinking (the marker of creativity), and enhance people’s receptivity to novel ideas.The joviality that has been linked to higher creativity can be mirrored through a sustained meditation practice. Mindfulness, in particular, is the practice of cultivating attention, open mindedness and becoming switched on to information that usually passes us by. Research has shown that meditating for just 10 minutes per day can improve how likely you are to acknowledge the novelty of ideas.Part of this level of receptivity requires a perspective shift. We’ve already touch upon the power of curiosity, which in itself is a quality of meditation. Become deeply curious about your thoughts, without judgment. That might require stepping out of autopilot, and creating a radical shift in your levels of self-awareness.Who Observes Your High Thoughts?One practice to try, which is trippy in its own sense, is to observe your thoughts as if they’re not your own. What if you were just aware of yourself, and all of the thoughts arising were not “you”? What if every memory, self-commentary, and future fantasy, was being produced all by itself? Can you become curious about it, not making it personal, but viewing it as a scientist?This is a spiritual teaching in itself, through practices like Advaita Vedanta and Buddhism, that encourage the individual to transcend their individual ego. But if you’d like a more visceral change, breathwork is an option. Some techniques are said to release DMT, due to the way in which they mimic psychoactive substances, creating a natural high.After all, isn’t that what high thoughts are all about? Stepping outside day-to-day, sober thoughts, into the world of stoner thoughts? Taking a different perspective on things that once seemed so set in stone, but no longer do, while stoned? Perhaps it’s not about the thoughts at all, but about the thinker. And as the thinker, you’re in control of how you relate to your thoughts. If that’s not a high thought, I don’t know what is.KEEP READING How To Boost Your Dream Recall For Higher Creativity

Solitude: How You Can Benefit from Alone Time
Self-Development

Solitude: How You Can Benefit from Alone Time

On average, we spend most of our time interacting with others. Whether it's in a professional capacity at work, at home with our family members or roommates and even while running errands like picking up groceries, interacting with others is a large part of where our time is spent.While there are plenty of benefits to being social and maintaining relationships, it's important to note that spending time alone is essential to our mental health and well-being as well.Spending time alone offers a much-needed break from constant social interactions, allows us time to decompress and explore our own thoughts and feelings about our experiences.This article will explore the importance of being alone, the benefits of alone time and how to ensure you use your alone time to your personal advantage.Why Is Alone Time Important?(Getty)There are a few reasons why spending time alone is so important. Here are a few core reasons why alone time plays an integral role in our lives.Alone time offers time for creativityDepending on the type of work you do, engaging in a group brainstorm may be something you're accustomed to doing. While building off the ideas of others and collaboration certainly has its place and benefits of its own, exploring your own personal creativity through your own unfiltered outlet is important to do as well. Being creative on your own allows you to tap into your own personal tastes and interests and gives your mind a break from the constant input and assessment of others. In fact, one study found that highly creative people tend to purposely disengage from social activity for certain periods of time in order to do this. Alone time improves personal developmentConstantly being surrounded with the presence of others means you're always engaged with other people's thoughts, opinions and perceptions. For example, think about the way you determine the activities you engage in when you're with someone else or in a group of friends. You're likely to do what the majority wants to do rather than what you truly want – especially if no one else is interested in the activity or hobby you'd like to try. Spending time alone allows you to tap into the things that interest you, which expands your personal growth and development. Alone time increases your social energyHave you ever had a week that's been particularly packed with social plans? Maybe it was a full week of work followed by after work happy hours, children's activities and family engagements. If that week left you feeling exhausted, you're not alone. Engaging in social activities has its benefits – but spending all of your time conversing and interacting with others will likely leave you feeling exhausted and depleted of energy if you don't have or make any time to recharge.Spending time alone allows you to give your mind a break from constant conversation and interactions with others. For example, allowing yourself a few hours of alone time before the start of a busy week can leave you feeling recharged and ready to engage and speak with others – rather than exhausted by the idea. Why Does It Feel Hard to Spend Time Alone?If spending time alone is good for us, why does it sometimes feel hard to do? Here are a few reasons why it may initially feel hard to spend time alone.(Getty)You haven't had much experience with spending time alone. Anything you begin to do for the first time can feel challenging – and spending time alone is no exception. If you're constantly used to being in the presence of others, suddenly spending a large amount of time by yourself can bring negative feelings to light. Being cut off from the constant stimulation of others can feel upsetting. In this case, it may be best to start with short amounts of time and gradually ease your way into spending more time solo. You feel that being alone is a bad thing. We've been conditioned to believe that being alone is a bad thing. Sitting alone in a park, eating out at a restaurant solo or even seeing a movie by yourself tends to get looked down on in society. If this is the case, spending time in a non-public venue may be the best starting point before venturing out. You have distressing thoughts when you're alone. If you haven't spent much time alone and have gone through something hard or distressing recently, being alone can eliminate distractions and cause these unprocessed thoughts and feelings to present themselves. Though it may be uncomfortable, it's important to sit with these thoughts and process them instead of continuing to distract yourself with constant social interaction. How to Spend Time AloneSpending time alone can be easier said than done – especially if your work life and living situation leave little room for doing so. Here are a few tips to help you get started and benefit from alone time.Take a walk. Taking a walk forces us to be present in the moment. It gets us out of the house and away from others and eliminates distractions (especially if you opt to leave your phone at home). Taking a walk is also an activity that's socially acceptable to do solo, so it can be a great starting place for those who feel uncomfortable with the social stigma of being alone.(Getty)Set time aside. Find time within your schedule that you can block out to be alone each day. This can be as minimal as blocking off a lunch hour on your calendar where others know not to disrupt you or taking the long way home from work to have an hour to yourself before returning home to roommates and family.Stay away from your screen. Whether in public or private, it's important that alone time isn't spent on a screen scrolling through social media. Make a plan. In order to minimize distractions and benefit from alone time, plan what you're going to do during the block of time you've set aside. This can be reading a new book, taking a walk in a new neighborhood or engaging with a new solo hobby.Summarizing SolitudeSpending time alone is just as important as social activity when it comes to our mental and emotional health and well-being. It's important to strike the right balance between spending time with others and allowing ourselves to rest, recharge and process our thoughts and feelings on our own. In order to capitalize on the benefits of alone time, consider starting small – especially if spending time alone initially feels uncomfortable or unappealing. Learning to enjoy your own company can be a process – one that takes time and intention. But doing so not only has personal benefits but helps improve your social interactions and relationships with others as well.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s Theories Can Change Your Life
Motivation

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s Theories Can Change Your Life

The evolution of psychology comes in waves. As if moved by an unseen force, throughout each wave of development, there are a number of pioneers who help to shape the field. In the 19th century, there were the likes of William James and Wilhelm Wundt. Revolutionary thinkers such as Signmund Freud, Carl Jung, Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, and Viktor Frankl followed.In the late 1990s, mainstream psychology evolved to focus on what ancient Greek philosophers called eudaimonia, or “the good life.” Rather than looking at pathology and maladaptive behaviors, leading thinkers started to explore what makes humans thrive. Is there a science to the good life, and if there is, could this understanding be distilled, and taught to others? These questions are the foundation of positive psychology, a wave of psychology that emerged in 1998. Positive psychology is defined as “the scientific study of positive human functioning and flourishing on multiple levels that include the biological, personal, relational, institutional, cultural, and global dimensions of life.” Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi was a psychologist who shaped the field, alongside Martin Seligman. Csikszentmihalyi’s theories set the foundation for the field of self-help and coaching. His insights around motivation, productivity, and creativity, have influenced millions. You’ll likely be familiar with his theory of flow. But Csikszentmihalyi’s less-known, wider philosophy provides guidance for living a fulfilling life and achieving eudomia.Who was Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi?The pioneers of psychology are often motivated by their own life experiences. Viktor Frankl’s most influencial work was forged in the fire of the holocaust. Carl Jung was carried by the rich experiences of his unconscious, and grappling with the images and emotions that almost consumed him. For Csikszentmihalyi, the fallout of World War II became a source of inspiration.Born in 1934 in Fiume, previously part of the Kingdom of Italy and now Rijeka, Croatia, he was surrounded by people who struggled to find meaning in life following so much destruction. Reflecting on his early life experiences with the balance between environment and fulfillment, he said:“The war was creating a lot of anxiety everywhere, and as a ten-year-old I saw the whole world I took for granted crumbling. I realized, however, that when I played chess, I completely forgot what was going on, and for hours I had a great time. I felt completely involved, my mind was working, I had to be alert, and I had to process information about what was happening. I didn't have any chance to be distracted or any chance to worry about anything.”Csikszentmihalyi’s time playing chess planted the seed for his life’s work. He was driven by a curiosity to know how people achieve happiness and fulfillment, regardless of the circumstances they found themselves in. When he was 22, he moved to the US to further his study, marking the beginning of an impressive academic career, where he taught at various universities, including the University of Chicago, and Claremont Graduate University.What set Csikszentmihalyi’s work apart was his ability to share his scientific discoveries in an accessible way, setting the tone for a new style of self-help. Csikszentmihalyi published numerous academic papers and books. He created the concept of flow in 1975, but the release of Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience in 1990 cemented the term into popular culture. Although his theory of flow is still his most popular, the psychologist’s decades of research contains other points of wisdom to learn from. Below are his three most life-changing theories, and how you can integrate them into your life.1. How to access flow state(Getty)The realization Csikszentmihalyi had when playing chess became a fully-fledged theory into the nature of happiness. During his research, Csikszentmihalyi studied a wide demographic of people, from artists to athletes, who demonstrated high levels of self-fulfillment. What began as a study of motivation became a scientific explanation of a state most people can relate to: being in the zone.Csikszentmihalyi defined the experience as “a state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience is so enjoyable that people will continue to do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it.” He noticed that there were various qualities people demonstrated when in the state of flow, including:Complete absorption: this includes hyper-focus on the task directly in front of you.The merging of action and awareness: the feeling of becoming “one” with what you’re doing.Selflessness: the loss of the sense of an individual “ego.”The paradox of control: a sense of both being in control, and at the mercy of forces outside of yourself.Timelessness: where the sense of time disappears.Intrinsic motivation: the activity has its own inner sense of reward, away from outcomes or achievement.The theory of flow is so powerful because it goes further than just identifying the experience; it provides understanding around the type of conditions that make flow state possible. Csikszentmihalyi highlighted three key criteria to access flow:Structure and direction: this includes clear goals, and the ability to identify progress.Clear and immediate feedback: knowing how to adjust as demands change enable the experience to continue.A balance between perceived challenge and perceived skill: this is the sweet spot between the level of challenge, and the level of ability.Part of living a fulfilled and happy life depends on how you can integrate flow into your daily routine. It’s a state that has been linked with higher levels of creativity, greater levels of achievement, improved levels of concentration and focus, and an enhanced life’s purpose. All of this comes within the boundaries of living a creative life.2. How to live a more creative life(Getty)In 1996, Csikszentmihalyi released Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention, which was based upon researching over 100 successfully creative people, from multiple fields. Similar to Abraham Maslow’s research on self-actualisation, Csikszentmihalyi learned through understanding the experiences of others, and synthesizing common patterns into workable theories. His work on creativity offers valuable guidance to live a more creative life.In his book, Csikszentmihalyi notes that people are born with a conservative tendency and an expansive tendency. The first is related to self-preservation and survival, and doesn’t take any effort. The second is related to curiosity and exploration. It requires deliberate cultivation and is essential for creative work. That’s why Csikszentmihalyi stresses the importance of self-control and structure for creative fulfillment.From studying the lives of highly creative people, Csikszentmihalyi’s theory distilled a number of steps for a more creative life. In other words, how to cultivate the expansive tendency. These are:Cultivating curiosity and paying attention: this is the essence of mindfulness, or applying a beginner’s mind to everyday experiences. The more curious, the more open to creative ideas. Can you step outside of autopilot, and become fully open to the newness of all experience? Can you switch up your routine?Creating flow in everyday life: set yourself the right level of challenge and enjoyment. Believe deeply in the value of what you wish to accomplish, and make the process itself rewarding.Habits of strength: this involves setting the right environment for your creativity to flourish. Be disciplined with your schedule, and know when your creative juices flow most easily. But be cautious of overworking — Csikszentmihalyi notes that many creative ideas come during times of relaxation.Integrating personality traits: this involves the cultivation of opposites. If you’re an analytical, logical thinker, aim to develop your intuitive, emotional qualities. Creative work requires a balance of openness and disciplines, which means the full integration of many different personality traits.Applying creative energy: Csikszentmihalyi encourages people to look at the world, identify problems, and then to spend time working on solutions from as many perspectives as possible. This not only encourages you to expand your mind, but makes the best use of the creative energy you have.Stimulating divergent thinking: this type of thinking comes up with multiple solutions, being flexible and diverse in those solutions, and joining dots across various experiences, disciplines, and fields. True originality is rare, but is a skill that can be developed when creative living is carefully cultivated.Similar to other psychologists, such as Jung and Maslow, Csikszentmihalyi also acknowledged that creativity is at the center of a life of purpose. Consider the different ways you can become more deliberate, and structured, in your level of creative fulfillment. This doesn’t have to look any set way — creativity applies to all areas of life, including work, relationships, hobbies, and even relaxation. 3. How to fulfill your highest potential(Getty)Csikszentmihalyi’s theories all center around his core motivation of understanding optimal human happiness. His theory of flow state has been somewhat removed from its original conception, commodified and absorbed into the desire for hyper-productivity and output. It’s a disservice to Csikszentmihalyi to only apply his theories to work or study.His less-known follow-up to Flow offers a deeper exploration of Csikszentmihalyi’s wider philosophy. Released in 1993, The Evolving Self looks at how each of us can grow into our potential, and what is required of society. Csikszentmihalyi explains how the development of consciousness, and the transcendence of both biological and cultural programming, is essential for our future survival:“To know ourselves is the greatest achievement of our species. And to understand ourselves — what we are made of, what motives drive us, and what goals we dream of — involves, first of all, an understanding of our evolutionary past. Only on that foundation can we build a stable, meaningful future.”The Evolving Self is arguably Csikszentmihalyi’s most ambitious work. He highlights the need for society to both encourage individual expression, through creative living, whilst integrating a diverse set of beliefs, experiences and ideas, in order to further humanity. That involves the acceptance and tolerance of individual uniqueness, combined with the desire to step outside of individualistic thinking, in order to contribute to society.He calls for educational reform, for children to be taught the value of interdependence. “It should be an education that trains the mind to perceive the network of causes and effects in which our actions are embedded,” he writes, “and trains the emotions and the imagination to respond appropriately to the consequences of those actions.”Integrating a LegacyCsikszentmihalyi’s legacy will live on for generations. His thoughts and ideas attempt to understand the very functioning of human happiness, far beyond creativity or productivity, into the realm of deep fulfillment. It’s worth keeping this in mind when applying his theories. How can you find flow, become more productive, and more fulfilled, whilst serving the needs of humanity?This doesn’t have to be elaborate or groundbreaking. It requires a mindset of interdependence, and a willingness to put aside selfish desires for the greater good. The paradox is that this way of living is guaranteed to add more meaning and fulfillment. In Csikszentmihalyi’s own words: “what really matters is not whether your name has been attached to a recognized discovery, but whether you have lived a full and creative life.”

Sacral Chakra: How to (Playfully) Heal a Blocked Sacral Chakra
Motivation

Sacral Chakra: How to (Playfully) Heal a Blocked Sacral Chakra

What would life be without pleasure? Enjoying a delicious meal, relaxing into the warm embrace of a lover, breathing in the scent of flowers, gazing at the golden hue of a mid-summer sunset, listening to your favourite artist and getting lost in the music… It’s hard to imagine a life without these simple joys provided through the physical senses of taste, touch, smell, sight. Unfortunately, when embarking on a path of awakening, there’s a risk that sensory pleasure is viewed as bad or wrong. A lot of spiritual practices emphasize the need for fulfilment outside of “simpler” pleasures, which become addictive or lead to the never-ending thirst of desire.So while it’s true that attachment to sensory pleasures is what the Buddha identified as a cause of suffering, it doesn’t mean there’s no place for desire and enjoyment through the senses. Using the chakra system as a guide — the psychic energy flow running through the body — this article will clarify the role of pleasure in the path of wholeness by focusing on one of our favorites of the seven chakras: the sacral chakra. Note: Click here for more information on the crown chakra or the heart chakraWhat is the sacral chakra?The sacral chakra, or Svadhishthana in Sanskrit. It’s the second chakra in the seven-chakra system and one of the “lower” chakras, aligned with Earthy, human qualities. The sacral chakra is one of the energy centers located just above the root chakra, below the belly button and above the pubic bone. It is strongly linked with the sense of taste (the tongue) and reproduction (the genitals). A balanced sacral chakra is thought to be responsible for qualities such as creativity, sexuality, and sensuality. In other words, the sacral chakra awakens and is associated with pleasure.The second chakra: the dwelling place of the selfTwo beautiful translations of the original Sanskrit term — “dwelling place of the Self” or “where your being is established” — give a better understanding of the sacral chakra’s role. It’s responsible for feelings of safety and belonging, and the way you identify with the world and others. It plays a big role in intimacy and the expression of needs and desires.In Anodea Judith’s comparison between the chakras and Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the sacral chakra is linked to safety and security, a level above survival. It’s the pivotal bridge of connection between the self and the world. The sacral chakra is also an energy center associated with qualities such as movement, fun, and feeling. It’s represented by the colour orange and the element of water, a symbol for the quality of flow and harmony experienced when the chakra is aligned. Even orange foods are associated with the sacral chakra! Signs of a blocked sacral chakraDesire, particularly sexual desire, is one of the easiest energies to suppress. Self-judgement and shame are two common causes of a blocked or imbalanced sacral chakra, along with a belief that sensory pleasure is somehow “wrong.” (Henrik Sorensen / Getty)For people who have experienced addiction or an over-indulgence in sensory pleasure, it can take time to harmonize and balance this chakra and regain your emotional and physical health in this domain.Anodea Judith, the author of Eastern Body, Western Mind, notes guilt as one of the main symptoms of a blocked sacral chakra. Deficiency in the sacral chakra can lead to numb or blunt emotions, while an excessive sacral chakra leads to promiscuity, indulgence, or excessive emotions. Other common symptoms (which include physical symptoms) of a blocked or underactive sacral chakra include:Fear, particularly the fear of deathA lack of sexual desire or disconnect from libidoDisconnect from true feelings and desireDifficulty in expressing needs to othersEmotionally reactive or over-sensitiveA lack of creativityThere is an important distinction to note between needs and desire. As Judith explains, “needs are necessities, and desires are accessories.” Needs are fundamental to wellbeing and health, while desires are enjoyable additions. Understanding the distinction between the two plays a significant role in healing and finding ways to balance your sacral chakra. The benefits of aligning the sacral chakraWhen the sacral chakra is aligned and in harmony, it cultivates qualities such as playfulness, humor, and fun. When there is a good energy flowing through the sacral chakra, it can also affect relationships. It’s the portal to greater depth and intimacy, and embodied sexuality. Plus, it’s a vital buffer between understanding your authentic needs and desires and expressing them in the world. For that reason, it has an important role in manifestation, the process of bringing desires into reality.Intimacy doesn’t only exist in relationships with other people, but the whole world. When the sacral chakra is aligned and alive, there’s a more intimate connection with the Earth and nature itself, accompanied by a certain level of reverence of the sacred quality of the physical world.And, of course, once aligned the sacral chakra acts as a powerful vessel to unlock your creative potential. That doesn’t only mean in artistic endeavors, such as making music, painting, or writing, but it applies to life itself. Life is art, and the sacral chakra is the palette from which your inner artist creates the life you want. An unbalanced sacral chakra can take away from that. How to regain a balanced sacral chakra As guilt is one of the biggest blocks to the sacral chakra, a great starting point is to rediscover your innocence. That’s why play is such a vital component in healing and unblocking the chakra — it reminds us to remain lighthearted, that the process of healing doesn’t always have to be serious or stoic. The emotional work of balancing the sacral chakra includes developing self-awareness to create clarity around your emotional landscape, not just in your physical body. With clarity comes self-understanding, and with self-understanding comes the ability to accurately express your needs and desires. Along with self-awareness, there is an element of emotional intelligence required in handling big emotions.That involves doing the necessary trauma work. The ethos of the sacral chakra is safety, and without healing and integrating difficult experiences, the body itself can feel unsafe or on high alert. As Bessel van der Kolk writes in The Body Keeps the Score:“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.”Relationships as bridgeRelationships are the bridge between self-understanding and safety. We all need nourishing, intimate relationships. That might require having the courage to open your heart, to be vulnerable, to take steps to move beyond fear, to trust others. These are all meaningful and challenging areas of work.(whitebalance.oatt / Getty)Additionally, balancing the sacral chakra involves connecting with sensuality. Can you treat yourself sensually? The social media age of Photoshopped bodily “perfection” and body image issues can create an objectified, impersonal relationship with the body. Sensuality is an antidote to this, a way to treat the body with respect through the senses — such as taking a warm bath or treating yourself to a massage.Get in touch with your desiresThis extends to sexual relationships. Balancing the sacral chakra might involve a reassessment of how you’re investing your sexual energy. Are you cultivating healthy, nourishing sexual interactions? Are you connecting emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, and physically? Are you in touch with, and embrace, your own sexual needs and desires?Re-ignite your creative energy centerLastly, balancing the sacral chakra involves re-igniting your creativity. As children, we’re all creative geniuses, but this spark tends to fade over the years. Practicing creativity under the attitude of play means not judging based on output, but just enjoying the expanded feeling that comes from exploring creative qualities within.In conclusion There’s no need to withhold or deny yourself excessively, as long as desires are tempered with the wisdom to know that they don’t lead to deeper fulfillment. You are here to have fun and play, and not take things so seriously. Awakening the sacral chakra (whether through chakra meditation techniques or other mechanisms) is a process of celebration. Celebrate the beauty life has to offer! Celebrate the wonder of the senses!Working to heal the sacral chakra is a practice that takes time, and requires patience, like all paths of growth. But it’s a worthwhile process, for there’s an abundantly rich world out there, with opportunities for delight on every corner. (Image Source / Getty)As long as the enjoyment of these delights is in check… Well, go have fun. Eat the cake. Kiss the lover. Dance the night away.

Writer's Block: 7 Tips to Help You Overcome Writing Blocks
Productivity

Writer's Block: 7 Tips to Help You Overcome Writing Blocks

Stephan King wasn't controlled by writer's block. At the height of his career, the bestselling author would sit at his desk every day, and wouldn’t leave until he’d written 2,000 words. King is one of the most successful and prolific living writers, having written 62 novels, five non-fiction books, and over 200 short stories. The dedication to his writing schedule and his endless creativity are awe-inspiring.As the saying goes, writers write. But as all professional writers know, it’s not always that straightforward. Whether you’re a pro or more of an amateur looking to take on a writing project in your spare time, encountering writer’s block is hugely frustrating. What separates those who struggle to get their ideas on the page from those like King, who knows how to write a book and produce volumes of content?In this article, we’ll explore where writer’s block stems from, and also provide 7 tips to overcome writer’s block and free your creative flow. Consistent writing makes a difference. So if you’re looking to write a novel, start a blog, or enhance your personal journal practice, look no further.What is writer’s block?Synapses are firing. You’re inspired. You’ve got an idea for a novel and you can’t wait to get going. All you need to do is translate the vision you have into words on a page. The time comes, you sit down, open a new document, and a blank page stares back at you. Then… Nothing. The words won’t come, your mind clams up, and that blank page suddenly seems to ridicule you. I’ll never become a writer, you think. Writers struggle with this all the time.Writer’s block is incredibly common, for amateurs and famous writers alike. The Royal Literary fund defines writer’s block as “a temporary or lasting failure to put words on paper. It can hit every writer, if only for a few minutes or a day or two, but it becomes a real problem when the writer is not reaching targets and when they feel incapable of completing a piece of work.”There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to combat writer’s block. Blocked writers might struggle to begin a passion project, such as a novel they’ve always wanted to write. It might be more about self doubt than you might think at first glace. Other writers might see it as the struggle to conclude a paper due the next day at college. Or, it might simply be getting stuck on one paragraph, or one sentence, or struggling to find just the right word that’ll make all the difference.Writer’s block is a vicious cycle. The more you struggle, the easier it can be to beat yourself up for not being capable of writing. That then adds pressure on the process, making it harder to start writing. Without breaking the loop of self-criticism, writer’s block can become a serious problem. However, as author Neil Gaiman explains: "I don't really believe in writer's block, but I absolutely believe in getting stuck. The difference is one is imposed on you by the gods, and one is your own damn fault. If you turn around and go, 'I am blocked,' this is just something writers say because we're really clever. It sounds like it has nothing to do with you: 'I would love to write today, but I am blocked. The gods have done it to me.’ And it's not true. Cellists don't have cellist block. Gardeners don't have gardener's block. TV hosts do not have TV host block. But writers have claimed all the blocks, and we think it's a real thing."In other words, it’s important not to give your power away to writer’s block as some mythical enemy, a curse that affected writers only. I’ve found this to be the case in my own experience, and it can lead to giving up, or accepting the block as fate. Instead, it pays to explore precisely what it is that caused you to stop writing and producing creative work in the first place. Only then can you begin to dig deep and find workable solutions.What causes writer’s block?The causes of writer’s block are fairly well understood. The good news is, the clearer you can define the problem, the easier it is to find a solution. Frank Smith, an acclaimed Canadian psycholinguist, identified three main causes of writer’s block in his 1982 book, Writing and the Writer — physical, procedural, and psychological:PhysicalI was never really one to pull an all-nighter in my student days, instead preferring to go to bed early, rest, and wake up early the next day to get going. But many writers do push themselves to write, even when exhausted, hungry, or feeling unwell. (Pollyana Ventura / Getty)If your body isn’t functioning as well as it could be, it’ll be harder to focus on writing or produce the best ideas, which requires a lot of focus and brainpower.ProceduralThis comes down to the writing process. Perhaps you’re stuck knowing what direction to take your lead character in, maybe you’re struggling to think of ideas on how to start an article, or you have too many ideas, and you’re overwhelmed. All writers require structure to counterbalance the often chaotic outpouring of ideas.PsychologicalThese causes are unique to each individual, but tend to come down to certain beliefs, fears, or self-critical thoughts. Smith notes that the biggest challenge for writers is separating the creative part of the mind from the judgemental part of the mind, a task made harder for writers because writing does have to be judged (or edited) at some point.Our main focus in this article will be psychological blocks. How to overcome writer’s block: Common hurdlesSome of the most common mental hurdles that contribute to writer’s block include:Fear of failureWriting is a pursuit of the soul. It’s mildly terrifying to share your writing with the world, especially if the story or the message is meaningful to you. The best writing comes from a place of freedom, as if the words write themselves. Yet, with pressure on your shoulders, it hinders this process. The fear of failure can be at the forefront, stopping the creative flow and preventing you from staying focused and creating new ideas.ComparisonWriters tend to be introverted types, at least to some degree. It’s an incredibly solitary act, with many hours spent alone, just you and the keyboard or pen and paper. At the same time, social comparison can surface. You might read a bestselling author, and feel a million miles from their standard. Or you might compare yourself to people who produce a high volume of content. Unprocessed emotionsElizabeth Gilbert is another high-profile writer who doesn’t believe in writer's block. She acknowledges that usually, the “blockage” is caused by an emotional issue. Gilbert has found that her number one cause of blockages is boredom. “Now, boredom is not nearly as glamorous and tragic a condition as ‘writer's block’ but boredom is usually what it is. Here's how I get out of it: I remind myself that a great deal of the creative process is about sitting through your boredom.”The self-criticImagine having someone standing over your shoulder, watching you type, criticizing your ability, or telling you you’re not good enough. You’d probably tell them to go away (likely in a less polite way). If your self-critic is active when trying to write, it’s essentially the same, and won’t be a surprise that the words are hard to find.PerfectionismThis is an extension of the self-critic, a way of viewing your ability, or originality, or ideas through the lens of perfectionism. As Anne Lamont, the famous writing teacher and author of Bird by Bird, warns: “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft.”7 tips for overcoming writer’s blockHopefully, you’re feeling more optimistic about overcoming writer’s block by having a greater understanding of its causes. The next step is to explore solutions. Below are seven tips that’ll get your creative juices flowing, and provide reassurance for the times when you get stuck.1. Schedule writing timeIf you want to take writing seriously, you have to view writing as both an art and a discipline. You can’t write a novel on wishful thinking or trying to find time here and there. You need a regular schedule, one that you can stick to most of the time. The time you set aside for writing has to be defended; it’s sacred.I’d recommend setting aside at least an hour each day to write. When you write depends on your natural creative rhythm — for example, I write best in the early hours of the day, with a second wind after lunchtime. But towards the evenings, my creativity sinks. Others get creative bursts late at night.Put the time in your calendar for writing, and make sure to show up. Don’t worry about how much or how little you write. The point is being consistent with your practice, through the highs and the lows of the process.2. Make writing a ritualOnce you’ve scheduled time, the next step is to add a ritual or routine to get you into the zone. As Stephen King says, “I have a routine because I think that writing is self-hypnosis. And you fall into a kind of a trance if you do the same passes over and over.” My writing routine consists of waking up, showering, meditating, making a fresh coffee, and then sitting down to write in my paper journal. I then write on my computer after dusting off the cobwebs.(Getty)Do whatever works for you. You might put on a specific music playlist, light incense, spin around on the spot five times before sitting at your desk. Specifics don’t matter, just make sure you set the environment to prime you to write. The build-up to sitting down to the page makes all the difference. 3. Get rid of distractionsOf course, it’ll be almost impossible to get into flow if you’re distracted by people talking to you, receiving notifications on your phone, or scrolling social media. When you write, you want to create as intimate a space as you can between you and the page. So switch off your phone if you can, and create an environment with minimal distractions. Rumour has it that when Victor Hugo was procrastinating on a writing deadline, he instructed his valet to hide his clothes and return them at the end of his writing session. Naked with nothing but his pen and paper, Hugo removed all temptations to get the job done. This is admittedly a bit extreme, but it’s a fun anecdote to show the value of hiding distractions.4. Be patient with the incubation processI write roughly 2,000 words per day. It’s taken me a while to be consistent with my output. When I wasn’t working as a professional writer, I’d occasionally consult my journal, staring at the page, unable to express what was alive in my mind. It took practice to become consistent, and that meant sitting down to write when I didn’t feel like it.When I started working as a full-time Staff Writer I had to write two or three articles per day, no questions. It was a teaching experience, reminding me of the need for discipline. But I was taught something else that remains true to this day: patience.If I tell myself I have to write freely and try to force words on the page, nothing happens. At least, it’s a struggle. But when I relax and trust the words will flow, I get struck by the “muse” and then the words pour out of me. It’s only through experience that I’ve learned to be patient with the incubation process, knowing that the words will come, eventually.5. Be self-compassionateSometimes, the words don’t arrive, even after the incubation period. That’s when I get frustrated or angry towards myself for not writing, which interrupts the natural ebb and flow of creativity, and I end up not writing at all. You’re human, not a robot. At any given moment you might have worries on your mind, you might feel tired, you might be struggling to remain focused — it’s all okay.Love yourself through blockages! Understand the paradox that forcing yourself to write by reprimanding yourself is more likely to stifle your creativity. The more you extend compassion to your writing process, the more likely you are to move through it. If you require some form of external motivation, think about setting yourself up for a reward after hitting your daily writing goals. It could be something as simple as a cup of tea or a muffin from a nearby shop. Incorporate whatever motivates you and becomes a positive part of your routine. 6. Ease the inner perfectionistPart of that process is working with the self-critic, and the inner perfectionist. One of my favorite writing mottos is “write drunk, edit sober.” While some writers take this a little too literally, it’s a useful metaphor that shows the importance of separating the creative part and the judgemental part, as Frank Smith noted.Easing the perfectionist comes in many forms. It means doing your best to ignore any snap judgments that arise as you’re attempting to put words to the page. It means finding a healthy balance when editing your work, and not getting stuck in trying to make the final product perfect.7. Adopt a growth mindsetOne way of looking at perfectionism is through the lens of the growth mindset. The pioneering work by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck shows the importance of the growth mindset in many areas of life, including learning new skills, self-development, and relationships. Whilst the fixed mindset may focus on the end result, and accomplishments, the growth mindset always looks to learn and improve.(Luis Alvarez / Getty)Applied to the process of writing, this has a transformative effect. Rather than judging writing harshly, be inspired to always refine and improve your craft. The “art” of writing takes a lifetime to master, and then there’s still more to learn. By focusing on the process, rather than the outcome, you’re much more likely to produce work that feels true to you.Thoughts on improving your writing processWriting can be the source of joy, meaning, and fulfillment. You can write without the intention to share with the world. But if you want to take the next step, thanks to the internet, there are growing opportunities to share your message, from blog posts to self-published eBooks. Content creation is a growing trend, and people will always be hungry for stories that describe fantastical adventures, deep thoughts, the internal conflict of characters, among many other creative choices. Writer’s block can be viewed as the enemy of the process. But in reality, it’s a chance to learn more about yourself. What gets in the way of your writing is likely a microcosm of patterns that affect your day-to-day life, from perfectionism to impatience. Anything you can manage to put down on the page (or your own personal blogging site) constitutes acceptance of the fact that you have both limitations and a great deal of potential. Life is an opportunity to learn, and the process of overcoming writer’s block is no exception. And, you never know — once you go through the process and the words start to flow, maybe you’ll end up writing about writer's block, and pass on your own tips to help others.HURDLES MAKE YOU STRONGERReady to get over the hump?

Appalled Mom Stands Up For 6-Year-Old Shamed By Teacher For Her Painting
Uplifting News

Appalled Mom Stands Up For 6-Year-Old Shamed By Teacher For Her Painting

A young girl's beautiful artwork went viral after a teacher told her it was "wrong."'You can't do art wrong'Gemma Leighton felt awful for her daughter, Edie, when she came home, dejected. The 6-year-old said the art teacher said she did her project "wrong."So, the caring mom took to Twitter to cheer her daughter up.In a post, she explained what the teacher had said, and proclaimed: "You can't do art wrong!""She was so upset as art is her favourite thing to do," the post continued. "Can you please show Edie some support and like her painting?"The artwork went viralThe post now has over 145,000 likes and some have purchased prints.Many of the comments shared how they, too, were discouraged from a young age but turned out to become artists later in life."Honestly, I am absolutely blown away from all the amazing positive comments about Edie's painting. I wasn't expecting such a response!" Thank you to all of you who have liked and left comments," the mom shared in another tweet. "You have made one little 6-year-old very happy indeed."Gemma LeightonIn another tweet, Edie thanked everyone for their support — and as a surprise to her mother, she shared that she planned to sell prints on an Etsy account."Edie would like to thank everyone for the kind and encouraging support," Leighton wrote. "She feels much more confident than she did this morning and will continue with her art."The Etsy page now has 34 sales.Don't stifle creativitySure, it's possible that Edie wasn't following the assignment to the 'T,' but telling a 6-year-old she's wrong is simply not a way to encourage her to be creative. It's amazing that despite this teacher's mishandling of her student, complete strangers reached out to show their appreciation of Edie. Hopefully, her love of art continues for years to come.More uplifting stories:Fierce Mom Tackles Man Peeping Into 15-Year-Old’s Daughter’s Bedroom11-Year-Old Genius Passes Up Higher Learning And It’s A Lesson For All ParentsMom Tells Son Not To Share With Other Kids And She Makes A Powerful PointWoman Finds Missing Child Using Tik Tok Hack All Parents Need To Know

Social House on Turning Pain Into Pop Art
Goalcast Originals

Social House on Turning Pain Into Pop Art

Social House, made up of Mikey Foster and Scootie Anderson, are a musical duo who first made their footprint in the music industry by writing and producing for stars like Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Trainor, NCT 127, and Ariana Grande -- for whom they co-wrote several songs on her platinum album Thank U, Next.Their move into the artist/performer sphere coincided with Grande's "Sweetener" world tour and she brought Social House on as her openers, where they performed their own songs like "Music in the Hamptons" and their newest single, "Boyfriend" -- featuring Grande.Even prior to their rise to stardom, Foster and Anderson have had a long history of seeking connection through music. When they finally met, two isolated, creative spirits forged an unbreakable connection by expressing their pain through their art.First, they had to fight their way out aloneMikey credits music with saving his lifeMikey Anderson's family was very poor growing. He recalls having to choose between utilities such as gas, electricity, and water. Everything changed when a member of his church saw his talented and gifted him a computer to make music.A whole new world was opened to him: "I had something to do. I had something that somebody had given to me and that was like a goal that I could have. Literally that inspired me to spend all my time and actually build a dream. Somebody else believed in this dream so now I can actually believe in it too. It was like that was validation I needed."Raised in a violent environment by parents who struggled with drug addictions, Mikey found a positive outlet in the music he was creating. "Music was the way I cried, it was the way I lived," he recalls. "I didn't know how to express myself other ways." On winter nights when the heat was off, Mikey would head into that mouldy basement room and find sanctuary in his music. "The ability to cry in a productive way, and the ability to put forth that energy towards good and meaningful that could actually grow the world." The strength he gained from the songs he made empowered him to do anything -- even to risk everything and move out to LA to follow his dreams.Scootie grew up idolizing his sister, a gifted singer in her own right An overachiever in school, Scootie Anderson was shy and struggled to connect with the people around him. He was an athlete, a student, and a performer in musical theater, but couldn't reach out on a personal level.Feeling isolated and left out when his sister ran away, Scootie turned to music for a sense of belonging. The only problem was: he only had one CD, and it was an anti-drug school-sponsored album. Still, it gave him a feeling of support and connection he couldn’t find elsewhere in his life. “It was therapeutic because somebody was talking to me," he shared.Scootie has brought this learning to his writing and producing work. Grande, in particular, has opened up about therapeutic effect that recording Thank U, Next had for her. She told Vogue the album "was this moment of self-realization. It was this scary moment of ‘Wow, you have to face all this stuff now. No more distractions. You have to heal all this shit.’""Experiences connect us all"As producers, Social House see it as their gift to help artists channel their pain and experiences into music: "No one can really tell a story better than the person going through it."When they were introduced to Grande, Mikey confesses he didn’t know who she was right away: "She was knitting a scarf on the floor in the garage and she just seemed extra cool."Who she was didn't matter -- what mattered was what she had been through in the last couple yers. Social House were able to help her channel those experiences into songs like "7 Rings", "Thank U, Next", "NASA", and "Goodnight n Go".Making something beautiful and uplifting out of a painful lived experience is pop music at its purest level.“The overwhelming amount of painful scenarios you go through helps you really help you connect with other people,” says Mikey. “I think that things that happen in your life, they happen for you, not to you. It’s really important to realize that because you could think life is here to crush you or you could think life is here to build you and make you stronger and make you more capable.”In their own music, they clearly live this ethos: "We put our experiences into songs because, just like we said, experiences connect us all. Everybody has gone through that one thing where it made them feel this type of way. It’s like: we’re with you. We feel you."Whatever form your self-expression takes, Social House are a reminder that channeling the painful and difficult things you have been through into something positive won't just help you -- it also helps others. "That’s what music is, entirely, right?" Mikey explains. "Just connection. Just telling somebody that it’s going to be okay, in your own way."

5 Simple Steps to Supercharge Your Creativity
Creativity

5 Simple Steps to Supercharge Your Creativity

In our world of contradiction, tension, struggle, and confusion, staying inspired and coming up with new ideas can be extremely difficult—maddening even. Though it's a special concern for those of us who must be creative for a living, but also for anyone who wants to leave their creative imprint on this world. Whether you're a writer, designer, dancer, chef, musician, comedian, or amateur mime, finding and maintaining inspiration can feel about as easy as trying not to blink or swallow while someone boldly points and laughs.Here are some ways you might consider jolting yourself from the humdrum downward spiral of panic, dread, or downright apathy that can sometimes arise when your creative juices are running low!5 steps to improving your creativity:1. PracticeCounter-intuitive though it may seem, when it comes to the concept of being creative, practice makes for (close to) perfect. Creativity is actually a skill you have hone. The act of creating entices your mind to, well, create more often. Fact: even the most fabulously creative trailblazers have to spend way more energy working at being creative than gliding along on their natural talents. Challenge yourself to put in the time and effort it takes to create every day, in whatever way works for you. Every morning or night, for an hour, or two, or whatever you’ve got to give.2. DaydreamSome of us like to continually flog ourselves for not living up to our own hyper-critical standards. But have you ever had a superior whose very presence made you less competent at what you were doing, out of sheer nervousness? Be kind and compassionate with yourself, and above all, have faith in your abilities! Show yourself you mean it by allowing yourself the time you need to zone out. Daydreaming has actually been shown to lead to creative problem-solving. When your mind is free to roam, it can access memory, emotion, and valuable stored knowledge. Should you come up with any ideas while zoning out, jot them down. A few ways to daydream with panache: walking, running, taking a bath, or going crazy on a giant trampoline.3. Switch your surroundingsHave you ever tried a new and unusual workspace, like your car? It can do wonders to feel like you’re going somewhere new rather than sitting still (although do be sure the car is parked). If you usually work in a library, try a busy cafe. You might spend a sunny day working in a charming park. In addition to switching it up, your main workspace should be a place you like spending time— where the only thing you do is create. Whether in a work or home office, make it comfortable, choose the right colors, and if clutter agitates you, keep it clutter-free.4. Reach outWhile creative people often feel they are playing a profoundly solo sport, the fact is that anti-social tendencies have their limit. Others who have undergone similar creative struggles and come out on the other side intact understand just how hard it can be. Don’t undervalue the personal connections you make as a source of real learning. If you’re not part of a community of creative thinkers, email people that inspire you and ask them out for coffee. You might be surprised by how many people would be happy to give an hour to a budding creative.5. Don’t be afraid to take risksCreating remarkable and compelling ideas others can connect with can only be achieved with some measure of confidence. It can be scary to stray wildly from what those who’ve come before you have deemed suitable, but sometimes being reckless is the only way your mind knows how to feel inspired, and if that’s the case, by all means, go with it and quit trying to fit into someone else’s preconceived notions. The late genius musician Prince is the perfect example. He broke musical industry norms, gender norms, and lifestyle norms, challenging virtually every “expert” that crossed his path. And he became a worldwide sensation, in large part because of his risk-taking.Do what you have to do to stay true, don’t doubt yourself, and the rest should fall into place!

Why You Should Harness the Therapeutic Power of Creative Writing
Creativity

Why You Should Harness the Therapeutic Power of Creative Writing

It is sometimes impossible to be objective about our feelings when we are in the thick of experiencing them. By putting them down on paper, we are turning our feelings into something tangible, something physical, and that can make accepting them or understanding them so much more manageable.Writing is a powerful tool because it allows you to open up a dialogue with yourself, without straying into the realms of anxiety or obsessiveness. Many professionals recommend journaling as a self-improvement exercise, and there is certainly a lot of merit to that proposition. Journaling is a deeply personal journey that helps us explore and dissect our feelings and emotions.After journaling, the next step toward self-improvement should be dipping your toes into the sometimes intimidating world of creative writing. Many people dismiss the idea of writing poetry or fiction because it might be too challenging, or ‘not their thing,’ or a waste of time, but in order to unlock the true therapeutic potential of writing, you should start exploring mediums like poetry or fiction.Creative writing can help enrich our relationship with the people and world around us. Of course, there is a huge difference between writing for self-improvement and therapy, and writing creatively to produce a work of art. Even a novice writer can reap the benefits of poetry - simply by exercising your mind in an unfamiliar way, or by approaching ideas and problems from a totally new angle. And if you hate your poem, feel free to burn it! Nobody ever has to see it.In many ways, the blank page is like your first trip to see a therapist.It is right there, in front of you, waiting to absorb all of your inner thoughts and concerns, both positive and negative. The blank page will never judge you or try to fix you. It will never impose its own beliefs or opinions on you. Plus, it won’t charge you 100$ for an hour-long session.Putting your thoughts and problems onto the page allows you to explore them from a different angle. We all know the difficult sensation of helplessness that appears when, no matter how much we think about a problem, we can’t seem to move any closer to a solution.The blank page, and whatever you fill with it, is a manifestation of your self. By writing, you are empowering yourself to explore every corner of your mind, perhaps even things that might be challenging to think about under normal circumstances. Writing can help you deal with difficult or traumatic events, or perhaps help you find new or hidden meanings in events that previously seemed unimportant to you.In essence, writing is an easy way to think about your problems and issues, while remaining totally in control of them, which is important since lack of control can be difficult for many people to grapple with. You are the one deciding what makes its way onto the page, how relevant or illuminating those words might be, and whether anyone else will ever get to see then. Reclaiming control over your thoughts by writing them down is an extremely rewarding experience! Literature and poetry can really help us understand many common social problems and anxieties that might be impacting us. By practicing writing, you might find that you have a new and more profound appreciation for novels and poetry. Remember, if you have felt or thought something, then somebody else has probably already written about it! There is an almost unlimited wealth of books and articles circulating in the world, just waiting to be explored.There is also something to be said for the social aspect of sharing and workshopping your writing. For some, the idea of sharing creative writing might seem ridiculous and scary. However, amazingly authentic bonds can be created between people who are willing to share their own writing and engage with the work of others. These experiences can be similar to group therapy, where important and complicated issues might be discussed, or alternatively, they can be great opportunities to learn how to better take and give criticism, and to work with people from different walks of life. In most cities, there are open writing circles that are happy to accept new members.Journaling and creative writing are both valuable tools, and one is not better or more useful than the other.In fact, a combination of the two is probably ideal. For example, a journal can be used to empty out a deluge of ideas onto the page. Stream-of-consciousness writing is a very powerful tool because it allows you to break down those mental walls that may have been put up in your mind to block out difficult thoughts. In that sense, journaling is very therapeutic in its own right.That stream-of-consciousness can then be further explored, and transformed, with practice, into beautiful lines of poetry or fiction. This process of transformation will allow you to see your thoughts and visions in a spectacular new light, and can be one of the most healing, inspiring, and peaceful experiences we can possibly hope to have.

5 Surprising Benefits of Learning to Draw
Creativity

5 Surprising Benefits of Learning to Draw

You might think of drawing as an artistic endeavor pursued by a select few who chase dreams of artistic greatness, but it’s actually much more than that. Anyone can draw, especially if they start with a simple training program like this Fundamentals of Drawing Bundle -- available in our store for $39, which is 94% off the cover price.And once you get started, you’ll reap all kinds of amazing personal benefits from this hobby. Benefits like...Improved MemoryAccording to several pretty comprehensive studies, drawing has a large impact on your short and long term memory capacity. In fact, it’s even better than writing, because it requires “seamless integration of semantic, visual, and motor aspects of a memory trace.” So if you struggle to remember the location of your keys or who the actor from that thing is, drawing might be a good way to get in better mental shape.Better CoordinationWhether you’re moving your pencil in long, slow strokes across the page or doing small, meticulous shading, the act of drawing is always improving the dexterity, mobility, and fine-motor skills in your hands. On top of that are all the ancillary tasks associated with drawing, like molding your soft erasers and tearing paper, which also improves your eye-hand coordination and other basic skills that help you in everyday tasks.It should go without saying that these benefits are even more important for children. Developing these skills in young minds helps raise their physical ceiling for these skills in later life.Communication SkillsBecause there are no words in drawing, sketching regularly forces you to think up new ways to communicate. Any artist will grow to more thoroughly understand facial expressions, body language, and the simple emotional impact of colors and shapes. The way this impacts communication skills are obvious: since you’ll be more in tune with what facial expressions mean when you draw them, you’ll be more likely to notice them in other people during conversations.Improved Problem SolvingDoodling, an inherent part of the artistic process, probably helps with your problem-solving skills. The act of putting lines on paper and allowing your brain to free-associate with color and change like that helps you imagine different solutions and perceive your life from different perspectives. All this can help spur the “A-Ha!” moments that allow us to perceive the solutions to life’s most perplexing problems.Stress ReliefDoodling, or drawing, stimulates blood flow to the front of the brain. Meaning that doodlers relax, forget their problems, and get all the low blood pressure associated with peace and wellbeing. One study found that 75% of people engaged in creating art found that they were more relaxed and peaceful than those who weren’t -- and best of all, it didn’t even matter if they were any good!If these benefits sound exciting to you, then there’s no reason not to grab your pencil, a scrap of paper and -- if you’re feeling particularly ambitious -- this Fundamentals of Drawing Bundle from the Goalcast store, on sale for just $39. Who knows, this could be the start of your new favorite pastime.