Creative flow is a concept that is often discussed in creative circles, but few people truly understand what it is and how it works. In this series, Amanda from Awakened Creators will explain the lesser-known aspects of creative flow that can be a real game-changer for your creative journey. If you prefer to watch the video, you can.
What is Creative Flow?
Creative flow is a state of being that emerges naturally when a creator is in harmony with all aspects of the creative process. This means that creative flow is not just a feeling that you get when you are actively creating, but rather a state of being that can be achieved throughout the entire creative process.
As Alan Watts said, we should remind ourselves often that we’re “a human being not a human doing.” Being is something that the great Eckhart Tolle talks about in his book, The Power of Now. In it, he says, “Give your fullest attention to whatever the moment presents. This implies that you also completely accept what is because you cannot give your full attention to something and at the same time resist it. As soon as you honor the present moment, all unhappiness and struggle dissolve and life begins to flow with joy and ease. You no longer depend on the future for fulfillment and satisfaction. Therefore, you are not attached to the results; neither failure nor success has the power to change your inner state of being. You have found the life underneath your life situation.”
This teaches us that the state of being is not concerned with the future or outcomes, which can often be the obsession of creatives. What is important is that we maintain and focus on a state of being, accepting each moment as it is. When we do this, creative flow emerges naturally.
How Does Creative Flow Emerge?
When we can tap into a state of heartfelt presence or being, we naturally align ourselves with the is-ness of the all. This is a place of love, unconditional and acceptance of what Is. It is only when we are in harmony with this Is-ness or in dissonance with it that creates those feelings of resistance or creative blocks.
Harmony is what happens when sound is vibrating in a way that creates a unity that moves together. It is the symphony of life. When we are in harmony with our creative process, we are in alignment with it. This is why here at Awakened Creators, we talk a lot about being in alignment.
The Creative Flow Process
Creative flow is not just about actively manifesting through our bodies, but also includes mental processing in order to conceptualize the inspiration that we’ve received, as well as inspiration and the spiritual element of receiving and surrendering. Resting and allowing inspiration to find you is also an important part of the creative flow process.
In order to truly be in a state of flow, we must accept all stages of creation. It is like a tree that is always in a state of flow no matter what stage of the process it is in, whether it is in the winter resting, hibernating, going within, or in the spring budding with new ideas, or in the summer and fall, ample and ready to share what is created.
Conclusion
Now that we understand what creative flow is, we can begin to explore the first aspect of the creative flow process: Where does creativity come from and what is inspiration? In the next video in this series, Amanda will explore these questions and more. Or if you prefer, you can read the article.
