When it comes to being creative, we first think of letting go of limitations, restrictions and all those logical, analytical activities of the brain's left hemisphere. Delving into the limitless world of our imaginative right brain is an important part of entering that exhilarating state where new ideas flow. But that alone doesn't achieve the balance we need for creative harmony.



The last few months have been hectic as I've set up a new business ? as a single parent, this isn't always a breeze. Apart from creating my own brand of training courses and seminars, we've built a lovely website containing many articles on holistic wellbeing. Even though this is the work that I'm passionate about and love to do, not everything runs smoothly all the time. Retaining the ?creative flow? is a must.

I'm sure many of you will know the feeling of ?life getting in the way? ? too many errands to run, bills to pay, autumn leaves to rake and complicated homework riddles to solve ? and the list goes on? So, how DO you retain the creative flow?

The answer is simple really ? through mind control!

The idea of mind control might seem opposed to having boundless creative energy, but it isn't at all.

Being creative means letting go - ?going with the flow? as that well worn saying goes. It's about allowing the delicate breeze of inspiration, imagination and ideas to tickle your fingers into a dance of many letters as the words flow onto paper (or into your PC files). And in order to let go enough for this subtle, elusive energy to come out to play, you first need mind control.

The mind control path to creativity means being able to leave behind the noise of incessant mental chatter, the harrowing images of ever growing un-ironed washing piles, the frantic pre-Christmas shopping shuffle and whatever else might be occupying your thoughts and undermining your creativity.

Take time out in the midst of the madness. Let go of the pressure of the to-do-list and the need for household perfection - and the guilt that may result from that - and take time for silence, for nature and for simply being with your Self. Once you learn to control your mind, you achieve the inner silence that allows something ?sublime? to happen.

Try my top three tips to quieten the mind and increase creativity:

#1 Find five minutes for yourself as early in the day as possible. Lock yourself away. Make it your time. If necessary buy some noise cancelling headphones! Sit in a comfortable chair, close your eyes, and relax. Imagine you are breathing in creative energy with each breath, and exhaling pure light.

#2 Walk. Become super-sensitive to what's around you ? bird song, traffic noise, laughter. Don't analyse or judge, just look, listen and use the rest of your senses.

#3 Play this creativity game. Pick up the nearest book. Go to page 12. Count to the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth words. I just did this and the words were ?order to achieve?. Pick, one two or three of these words, and use them to write about tomorrow. Don't analyse, just write.

?Tomorrow I'm going to order an omelette at the shoe repair shop. It would be good to see the look on the face of old Jenkins. Maybe he'll even crack a smile for once. You never know what you can achieve until you try.?

And then, enjoy going with that creative flow! Have fun?

If you don't really know how creativity is relevant in your life or you haven't quite found the outlet for your own creative energies - next time I'll share some ideas on finding the perfect way for you to express who you are.