5 Interesting Ways to Connect With Your Creativity

At Olander Earthworks, we value our connection to creativity. It got us where we're at now and helps guide us to where we want to go in the future. Experimentation and play is a huge part of our process as small business owners and creators of an artistic stress relief tool, but sometimes even we need a little help in flexing our creative muscle. We utilize a lot of techniques to recalibrate and here are a few suggestions we have for you if you need a creative boost (or maybe even a jumping off point if you're new to creative expression.

1. Try a new creative hobby or activity that you've never done before. It could be anything from painting to pottery to writing poetry. Try not to focus on the end result. Immerse yourself in the thrill of inquisitive discovery. 
2. Disconnect from technology and spend time with nature. Go for a walk or hike and allow your mind to wander. Be inspired by your surroundings. Soak in the textures, colors and sounds around you. Give yourself plenty of time to wander and pause as you complete your journey. Take notice of how the sun and wind feel on your skin as you take moments here and there for deep breaths and reflection.  
3. Collaborate with other creatives. Join a group or community of artists or writers that match your level of skill and interest and work on a project together. What parts of this experience feels connective and meaningful to your personal growth? Which parts might you leave behind next time? The process of collaboration is a journey and an evolution, not a one-time exercise.
4. Set aside a specific time each day or week for creative exploration. Make it a habit to dedicate time to your creativity, just like you would for exercise or meditation. Creativity is a muscle that needs discipline and practice. If it's not something you're used to doing, it may feel labored and hard for a while, but trust the process and keep going. 
5. Experiment with different techniques or mediums in your creative work. Don't be afraid to try something new and push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Creativity isn't about the end result, it's gaining the ability to let go of your pre-conceived notions about how things should be and letting yourself play.

Consider keeping a creativity journal. Record your thoughts and experiences as you play and experiment. How do you feel before and after you engage in each creative session? What themes come up for you? Have fun and keep in mind that creativity is a life-long journey that has many stops and starts. There's no one way to do it- the experience looks very different for each person.