Three Things That Supercharge Me Creatively

And keep my intuitive channels open

These three practices form the foundation of my creative journey. They are the keys that unlock the door to my inner world, allowing me to connect with myself, tap into my intuition, and embrace the magic of the world. Through the simple acts of walking (mostly barefoot), paying attention, and writing with a real pen, I nurture higher consciousness and live a creative life. 

WALKING - Walking has always been my go-to meditation for basically everything in my life.

It's how I connect to myself, my intuition, my creativity, and the land. It's how I learn to breathe, eliminate distractions, and access the universal brilliance within myself. Because of my upbringing during the war, we had to walk and move around a lot for safety. Later in life, walking became more than just a way to clear my mind—it became a safe haven, a way to feel secure in my body. Movement equals safety for me, so through walking, I find both inner peace and a connection with the world around me. 

When I walk, I consciously choose not to use devices or listen to music or podcasts. The essence of being in nature, feeling the Earth beneath my bare feet, is all about listening. It's about attuning myself to the Earth's whispers and the beat of my own heart. In this mindful presence, I’m able to open myself up to the ancient conversations in nature, and be in communion. Walking in this way becomes a sacred experience, a harmonious dance of relationships between myself and all our other-than-human kin. 

Creativity embodies the essence of the Universe, and its realization lies in perpetually moving forward. Within the consistency of movement we can unearth the profound serenity, one that nourishes all life. 

NOTICING - To notice is to open the doors of awareness. The question that fuels my creative practice and self-discovery is simple yet profound: "What do I notice that others don't?" This inquiry is a guiding light, encouraging me to delve deeper into my surroundings and uncover hidden treasures. It prompts me to pay attention to the overlooked details, the subtle nuances that hold the potential for unique perspectives and insights. By embracing this question, I can cultivate a heightened sense of awareness and sharpen my ability to perceive the extraordinary in the ordinary. Noticing isn't merely a passive act; it's an invitation to engage in a deeper level of thinking and perception. It prompts us to go beyond our instinctive reactions and encourages us to reframe and reconsider our observations. When we notice, we tap into the innate capacity of our minds to reflect and make connections.

Walking and noticing have always come naturally to me and are simple and effortless ways to nurture higher consciousness. Unfortunately, we've become disconnected from the land and the wisdom of our ancestors and seek proof and statistics from companies and sciences, neglecting what women have known for centuries: tending our relationship with nature benefits everyone. Noticing allows us to tap into intuition, heal our bodies, and unlock boundless creativity. And in turn, our bodies guide us to notice opportunities for kindness, creation, appreciation, and the beauty of nature. Through this awareness, we can embrace possibilities and thrive in harmony with the cosmic flow.

Noticing is deeply connected to curiosity and learning. Imagine walking in a forest and suddenly spotting a captivating plant that pulls you in. The world slows down, and you feel compelled to pause and connect with this plant. You might take a moment to identify it, sit beside it, and perhaps meditate. In this simple act, you've made a friend and opened the door to a new world of understanding. You may feel invited to draw, write, or research more about this plant, incorporating its spirit into your daily rituals. This is where creativity is born—through noticing and building relationships. Once you start paying attention, amazing synchronicities begin to happen. It all starts with that one moment when you decide to pause and connect with the world outside your mind. And this is not necessarily an exercise to evolve your creativity or something that feels like a must-do or a cross-off your list; it's truly a way of being, a joy.

A few things I've intuitively noticed over the last few days:

• plants love music

• by gently enveloping my son with my legs and placing my hand on his chest at bedtime, I facilitate the restoration of his energy, guiding it to return harmoniously into his body

• the little spider in the shower calms down when I tell him I come in peace

• how 20 minutes of daily writing grounds me back into my body and feels restorative 

• my hip hurts less when I'm barefoot

• taking photos of flowers and nature reduces my anxiety

• my hand aching from the firm grip of the pen, teaching me to relax my body and loosen (all) the grasps

• how the flowering dogwood trees are midwifing my spiritual transformation

• my grandmother's hands holding me in a dream (on the 12th anniversary of her passing) 

• my ptsd flashbacks increase when I’m overwhelmed and am not moving my body

• the collective desire for community support 

• singing to my body makes me feel less bloated 

• the inaudible conversations I have with the forest 

JOURNALING - The Universe wants to share her stories, and each of us holds a unique narrative that constantly evolves with time. When the Universe offers you ideas and visions, embrace and honor them in that very moment. So often, we assume we'll remember our ideas, but if we don't hold them close, that creative energy seeks someone else who is receptive and open in the moment. It's not merely about remembering; it's about being available. True creativity emerges when we let go, allowing a deep connection and enabling the Universe to express itself through us. Everything is accessible to everyone, but not everyone's channel is open. I've developed a relationship with this frequency that guides me towards writing things down and revisiting them, nurturing the abundant flow of infinite creativity. 

I've journaled for as long as I can remember, and although my reasons and homes and ways of writing have changed over time, the rewards have not. 

Some of the deeply rooted benefits of journaling for creativity: 

• helps you discover your inner voice 

• empowers your creative voice by quieting your inner critic

• it's liberating; no rules, no limit

• enables you to declutter your thoughts

• encourages you to soften, slow down, and reflect

• regulates your nervous system

• encourages self-compassion and acceptance

• enhances clarity and mindfulness

• allows you to release pent-up emotions and process difficult experiences

I've learned that it's often while I write that new ideas unfold and my awareness expands. Within the sacred pages of my journal, everything starts to make sense, puzzle pieces fit together, and I feel a sense of deep fulfillment and joy. And perhaps the most beautiful and important part of writing as Carl Phillips puts it “is not the transcription but the transformation of experience”. 

Walking, noticing, and journaling are all PLAY to me. Not goals or steps I need to check off the list to be better, or to succeed. I live in this way because I’m in awe when I'm engaged, curious, and out in nature. The mother, the wise creative woman in me is grounded and free to express herself when I make the space for her to thrive and play. In these moments of recapturing the childlike joy, many women within me are empowered to fully awaken. 

Love,

Vanja

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