The PERFECT cartoon created by my Twitter buddy @junson, John Junson

Do you have those days (or weeks, or months, or even years) when it feels like your creative spark has been extinguished by Hurricane Katrina? I know I do, and since my own personal definition of mojo is tied to my creativity, those are bad days. Don’t think you have a creative bone in your body? You don’t have to be an artist, musician, or writer to benefit from unleashing your creativity. Your creative expression might manifest in your cooking, your gardening, the way you set the table, the cupcakes you decorate for your kid’s birthday party, the handmade cards you craft, the flowers you arrange, the scrapbooks you put together, or the way you dress.

These are tough times, and even in the stodgiest of businesses, a creative mind leads to vitality, fun, and even monetary gain. So how can you shake it up a bit? Here are some tips:

1. Change your venue. When I’m writing or painting, I’m usually cooped up at home, surrounded by the same ol’, same ol’ (which, while lovely, doesn’t exactly ignite my creative flame). But getting out in the world rewires me. Going to Esalen in Big Sur, driving up Highway One to a place I’ve never been, or even just going into the city to people-watch gets me out of my rut and opens up blocked pathways.
2. Engage in childlike play. Try hopscotch, Twister, scribbling on the sidewalk with chalk, jumping on a pogo stick, or swishing your hips with a hula hoop. You never know what ideas will come bubbling up.
3. Do something wacky. I once spent one whole day turning left. Just got in my car and, whenever the mood struck, turned left. I ended up at a Little League game, eating popcorn and coming up with all sorts of new ideas.
4. Be in nature. The redwoods in Muir Woods, the ocean cliffs of Big Sur, and Mount Tamalpais all do wonders for me. There’s something about nature that makes me feel part of something much bigger than me. That sense of wonder always stirs thing up.
5. Send your inner critic for a time out. Give yourself some love instead. Get a massage, paint your toenails pink, or take a long soak in a warm bath. If your muse is always battling your demons, it leaves no energy for YOU, and your spark will flicker out.
6. Shake your booty! Movement opens things up and brings a fire into your belly and into your creative life. Go dancing, take a yoga class, climb rocks, hike, stand on your head, or just wiggle around your living room. You might be surprised at how sparky it makes you feel.
7. Try something new. Never been hang gliding? Always wanted to sing in a Norwegian shouting chorus? Curious about sweat lodges or juggling or bungee jumping? Quit talking about it and just do it!
8. Create a ritual. Invoke your muses in a ritualistic way that feels right to you. I have this beautiful moose-skin drum I bought from a Native American artist, and when I need a creative boost, I sit outside by myself with my drum, close my eyes, say a prayer, and bang the hell out of my drum. Makes me feel like a bit of a crazy person, but it works every time.
9. Take a nap. Sometimes your spark has dwindled because of fatigue. Light some incense, find a quiet spot, and curl up with a blanket. Before you nod off, invite creative inspiration to visit you in your dreams. Not only will a nap rejuvenate you, you just might find your muse in your sleep.
10. Pay attention to everyday magic. You don’t have to change your environment or your circumstances to experience life with fresh senses. Get on your knees and look around. Close your eyes and smell your surroundings. Stand outside your front door and just listen. Walk around the house with your eyes closed and feel your way around. Magic is everywhere, and where there is magic, there is creative flow.

Not sure how to express your creativity? Read more about Finding Your Slash and see if anything resonates with you.

What works for you, Pinkies? Please share your wisdom with you fellow Pinkies and post your comment below.

Spark on!

Lissa