Stretch Your Creativity
It is true that no matter discipline or task, the more we practise the better we get. But also the more you experiment, trust and step out of your comfort zone, the better the result. Same applies for creativity. You get that wave of creative energy if you've reached your edge and pushed beyond, into the unknown where something magic happens.
The benefits of yoga on creativity and self-expression are many. The mindful and present experience of calming your mind, finding perhaps some space and pauses between your thoughts, will give you higher consciousness and new insights. The sense of peace gained through being on the mat, have a big effect on your creative expression.
What is creativity for you?
For me it is everything in life. Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun!
Many moons ago, in my mid 20s, I ventured off to Denmark to participate in a 10-day meditation retreat called Vipassana. The name means 'to see things as they really are', and is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation. It was rediscovered by Gotama Buddha more than 2500 years ago. The technique taught is all about the observation of breath and bodily sensations and through the interconnection of body-mind become more clear of one's thoughts, feelings and judgements. Eventually (hopefully) resulting in a balanced mind full of love, peace and compassion.
Anyway, so I had a fairly playful attitude towards the whole experience but I remember after the first day of 6 hours of meditation, thinking "I will be bored out of my brain doing this for another 9 days!!"
It kind of worked exactly in that way. But on the contrary I also discovered the opposite to boredom, I remember being totally intrigued and fascinated by how free and interesting my non-thinking mind was.
So although I didn't sustain that level of peace for more than a day or so after leaving the retreat, I feel that when the body, mind and spirit are in harmony, our creativity flows with great clarity.
Yoga encourages me to be real. It helps me to connect with my true feelings and my deepest self. It also pushes me out of my comfort zone and makes me face my fears. If you ever try standing on your head, or twisting your body into interesting shapes, you will know it has an effect on your brain and your sense of yourself. We must realise that children are no different. They are even more receptive and open. So don't let anxiety or fear of failure or not getting it right, cripple your or you children's creativity.
Our YOGA & ART WORKSHOPS are the perfect opportunities to feel fully supported in the process of both yoga practise and creative art.
Namaste x Pia
