Creativity can feel fickle, inspiration flitting in and out of focus. But what if there were ways to cultivate a more fertile ground for those creative bursts? Today, let’s explore some techniques inspired by the principles of self hypnosis. You can get started on it straight away, without the learning curve. It’s like being hypnotised but without any of the concerns that might accompany hypnotising yourself. Just now, give yourself permission to experience these as powerful tools. Get ready to sharpen your focus, quiet the inner critic, and open yourself up to new ideas.
The Artist’s Inner Voice
Start by saying in your mind “I can focus on the techniques, and the techniques increase my focus”. It’s not a magic incantation nor a powerful hypnotic suggestion. Let’s explore how the inner voice can be used. It has two functions:
1) You are now actively engaging in using your thoughts progressively towards a desired behavioural outcome.
2) When you talk like this in your mind you are using that “inner voice”. Directing it towards a positive outcome, rather than negative self criticism is a fantastic skill. Practise telling yourself things positively. It has to be positive, it has to be believable (realistic) and it has to be convincing. That is, you have to use your inner voice in a convincing and authentic way.
An internal statement like this, used well, acts like a mental pep talk. It reinforces your belief in your ability to focus and reminds you of the techniques’ potential to help.
As Simple as my mantra appears, there’s quite a bit going on “under the bonnet”. For those who are interested, Stick with me for a minute while I break this down piece by piece. Alternatively, skip ahead to some techniques.
Here it is again:
“I can focus on the techniques, and the techniques increase my focus”
- It is self directed (an “I” statement).
- It is positive (“I can”) and it is progressive (not just “focus” but “increasing focus”).
- It is a factual statement (“…the techniques increase my focus”). Now, don’t get confused here. It is presented as fact because we want it to be received as fact, it doesn’t have to be true, YET!
- It is realistically achievable and you expect to achieve it.
- Finally, notice that it’s not “the techniques will increase my focus”. By setting it away in the future you prevent the effect happening now and we didn’t set a start time, so it won’t start. That’s why we make it a present tense statement too.
Here are some techniques to get you started
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Focus on the Breath:
Allow your eyes to close. Just consider your breaths, don’t try to change them. Become aware of the feeling of air moving in and out of you with each inhalation and exhalation. Notice the speed of your breathing and its depth. Acknowledge these attributes; how comfortable and natural they are. Use your Artist’s Inner Voice to remind yourself. “As much as breathing is natural and easy, creativity is my identity, creativity comes like a breath: Frequent and easy”. Deliver it as you did before. Remember, without a considered and intentional delivery, it’s just words. Make it more!
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Focus on the Senses:
Take a moment to Focus as above, now engage your senses! Maybe you can feel your heartbeat, maybe you can’t. Imagine what it would feel like if you could feel it, hear it. Your body is trying to maintain a constant temperature, but it’s only an average across your whole body. Where feels the warmest, where feels the coolest. You can use your focus, attention and imagination to expand that warm place or spread cool from that cool place? Reward yourself when you notice the slightest reaction from your body, celebrate it, whoop and cheer in your mind. Use your Artist’s Inner Voice again. “I can affect my senses with an idea, now my senses and my ideas can create!”
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Focus on your Setting:
Having mastered the previous two techniques, use whatever elements of those you need. Bring yourself to a place where you can vividly imagine being outdoors (let’s say in a wood). Focus on your breath, this time notice the smells of the wood too. When you notice them, celebrate them; they’re not there, your ideas created them. Take in as much detail as you can the shades of green, the temperature of the air, what you’re wearing! Truly see your surroundings – the textures of leaves, the play of light on a building, the sounds of birds chirping. This present-moment awareness can spark unexpected connections and inspiration. Know that you are creating this rich environment purely inside your mind and experiencing it with your senses. Ponder that fact. What rich creative ability exists in this mind!
A Creative Secret Weapon: Self Hypnosis
While these exercises are powerful, there’s more to explore! Self hypnosis can be a valuable tool for creatives, helping you delve deeper into focused states and unleash even more innovative ideas.
Would you like to explore the full potential of self-hypnosis for creativity?
It’s been my pleasure to teach self hypnosis to creatives and performers to develop their focus and ultimately their craft. To tell engaging stories through multiple media forms and connect with their audience on another level.
Book a free 15 minute zoom call to discuss learning self hypnosis now.
In the meantime…
Be patient with yourself, and enjoy the journey of cultivating a more creative you!
Photo Credits:
Find your inner voice: by Emmanuel Ikwuegbu on Unsplash
Under the bonnet: by Martin Katler on Unsplash
Breathe: by Motoki Tonn on Unsplash
Puck’s Glen wood: by Nathan Mcgregor on Unsplash