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Welcome to Episode 2 of the Lucid Mover Podcast, this episode is titled The Creative Mind: Understanding How Creativity Works.
In this episode we’re going to be exploring the concept of creativity- what it is, how it works and why it is so significant to us as a species.
We’ll be looking at things like:
The neuroscience of creativity and what is happening in our brains when we’re being creative.
How creativity impacts different aspects of life beyond art
Exploring concepts like Superior Pattern Processing and Flow State
We’ll also be looking at the factors that impact our ability to be creative and how we can we overcome creative blocks to maintain our creative practice.
Defining Creativity
Let's start by defining creativity. It's a term we often hear, but what does it really mean? Creativity is more than just artistic expression; it's the ability to think outside the box, to see things from a different perspective, and to generate novel ideas. In fact it’s arguably one of the most important evolutionary aspects of the human brain that has allowed us to become the dominant species on the planet.
On an episode of The Huberman Lab podcast, neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman explores the science of creativity. He says:
“For something to be creative it has to reveal to us something fundamental about the world or about how we work.”
So creativity is a vital component of the human experience and one that helps us to find meaning and purpose.
Another neuroscientist Dr. Kimberly James explains,
"Creativity involves divergent thinking, the ability to generate multiple solutions to a problem. It's about breaking free from conventional patterns of thought and embracing ambiguity."
Divergent Thinking
Divergent thinking refers to the ability to generate multiple solutions or ideas in response to a problem or stimulus. It involves exploring various possibilities, perspectives, and approaches, often diverging from conventional or linear thought patterns. Divergent thinking is characterized by four key elements:
Fluency (producing a large number of ideas)
Flexibility (shifting between different perspectives)
Originality (producing unique or novel ideas)
Elaboration (developing ideas in detail)
Divergent Thinking is a key aspect of the creative process, enabling individuals to explore unconventional avenues and discover innovative solutions.
In the context of understanding why novel ideas are so significant to the human mind, Huberman says that our brains have evolved to see repetition as noise and to focus more on things that are different. He says:
“Something is exciting and novel to us because there are circuits in the brain, that when we see or hear or feel or experience known elements in new ways that are truly creative, the way that those neural circuits function is changed. When neural circuits change the way that they function simply by way of what comes into our eyes, our ears, and the way that we experience our feelings, there is the release of chemicals including dopamine and other neural modulators, that make us feel surprised, delighted and excited in anticipation that we might see it again.”
So this goes some way to explaining that particular “hit” that we feel when we experience a piece of art, music, film or writing that touches us in a profound, often indescribable way.
Creativity Outside of Art
Creativity extends far beyond artistic endeavours and permeates all aspects of life. Here are a few different examples:
Problem-Solving: Creativity is essential for problem-solving in various domains, including business, science, engineering, and daily life. Creative thinking enables individuals to find innovative solutions to complex problems.
Communication: Creativity enhances communication by allowing individuals to express ideas, emotions, and concepts in unique and engaging ways, whether through writing, speaking, or visual communication.
Innovation: Creativity drives innovation by inspiring new products, services, and technologies. It leads to advancements in technology, medicine, and other fields, improving our quality of life.
Adaptability: Creative thinking fosters adaptability, enabling individuals to navigate change and uncertainty effectively. Creative problem-solving helps people find alternative routes and approaches in the face of challenges.
Personal Growth: Creativity promotes personal growth and self-expression. It allows individuals to explore their identities, values, and beliefs, fostering self-awareness and emotional well-being.
Relationships: Creativity enhances relationships by encouraging open-mindedness, empathy, and collaboration. Creative activities can strengthen bonds and create meaningful connections between people.
Leisure and Recreation: Creativity enriches leisure and recreation activities, providing opportunities for enjoyment, relaxation, and self-expression. Engaging in creative hobbies can reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.
Education: Creativity is vital in education, fostering critical thinking, curiosity, and a love for learning. Creative teaching methods can make learning more engaging and effective.
In summary, creativity is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, impacting problem-solving, communication, innovation, adaptability, personal growth, relationships, leisure, recreation, and education. It plays a crucial role in shaping our world and enriching our lives in countless ways.
The Neuroscience of Creativity
But what goes on in the brain when we're being creative? To understand this, let's delve into the neuroscience of creativity.
Neuroscientist Dr. Michael Chen states:
"Studies have shown that creativity involves a network of brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus, and the amygdala. These areas work together to facilitate flexible thinking and idea generation."
Andrew Huberman says, “Our brain encodes concepts and entire stories as symbols of interaction between different objects”
In the field of Artificial Intelligence, this is a concept known as Superior Pattern Processing.
Superior Pattern Processing
Superior pattern processing refers to the brain's ability to recognize and interpret complex patterns more efficiently and effectively than traditional computing systems. This term is often associated with the human brain's remarkable capacity for processing and understanding visual, auditory, and other types of complex information. It's a concept frequently used in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and cognitive science to highlight the unique capabilities of the human brain in tasks such as pattern recognition, language processing, and problem-solving.
Superior pattern processing allows humans to quickly recognize and understand intricate patterns, even in noisy or ambiguous environments. This ability is particularly notable in fields such as art, music, and literature, where the interpretation of complex patterns is a fundamental aspect of creativity and expression.
When we experience a story or concept, our brain doesn't merely remember it as a sequence of events or facts. Instead, it encodes the information symbolically, often as interactions between various objects or elements. This symbolic representation allows us to understand, retain, and reproduce the narrative more effectively.
For instance, when we hear a story about a journey, our brain might encode the journey itself not just as a series of locations visited, but as the interactions between the traveler and the environment, the challenges faced, and the transformation undergone. This symbolic representation enables us to comprehend and remember the story as a coherent whole, rather than as disconnected events.
Examples of Symbols of Interaction in The Arts
1. The Hero's Journey:
One of the most well-known examples of encoding a story as symbols of interaction is Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey". This narrative framework, present in myths, legends, and modern storytelling, outlines the protagonist's adventure and transformation. To provide some context I’m going to refer to two of the most well-known stories in popular culture: Star Wars and Harry Potter.
The Hero's Journey is encoded with various symbols of interaction between different objects, such as:
The Call to Adventure: The hero receives a call to action, setting the story in motion.
In Star Wars the Call to Adventure occurs when Luke receives Princess Leia's distress call, triggering his journey by revealing the existence of the Rebel Alliance and the need to deliver the Death Star plans to Obi-Wan Kenobi.
In Harry Potter, the Call to Adventure occurs when Harry receives his letter from Hogwarts revealing that he is a wizard and inviting him to begin his magical education.
Threshold Guardians: These represent the obstacles the hero faces upon entering the new world.
The Threshold Guardians in Star Wars are represented by the Stormtroopers and the Imperial forces on Tatooine. They block Luke's initial progress, and he has to outsmart them to progress in his journey.
The Threshold Guardians in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone are represented by the Dursleys, Harry's Muggle family. They initially block Harry from his journey into the wizarding world and attempt to suppress his magical abilities.
The Mentor: A guide who assists the hero on their journey, providing knowledge, wisdom, or tools.
Obi-Wan Kenobi serves as the Mentor in Star Wars as he guides and trains Luke in the ways of the Jedi.
Hagrid serves as the Mentor in Harry Potter as he introduces Harry to the wizarding world, provides guidance, and escorts him to Hogwarts.
The Road of Trials: The challenges and tests the hero must overcome to achieve their goal.
The Road of Trials in Star Wars includes the challenges and obstacles Luke faces in his journey.
In Harry Potter, these are the various challenges and obstacles that Harry faces during his first year at Hogwarts.
The Return with the Elixir: The hero returns to the ordinary world, having undergone a transformation, and brings back something valuable.
In Star Wars, this is when the rebels successfully destroy the Death Star. Luke returns as a hero.
In Harry Potter, this is when Harry successfully prevents Voldemort from obtaining the Philosopher's Stone and returns to the Muggle world but with a sense of belonging and a newfound identity within the wizarding community.
By encoding the Hero's Journey with these symbols of interaction, storytellers can create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences on a deep level.
2. Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci:
Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, the Mona Lisa, is another example of how our brain encodes a concept as symbols of interaction. The Mona Lisa is not merely a portrait; it's a complex composition of symbols and interactions that captivate viewers.
Symbols of Interaction:
The Gaze: The interaction between the subject's enigmatic smile and her captivating gaze engages the viewer, sparking curiosity and intrigue.
The Landscape: The landscape in the background interacts with the subject, creating depth and context for the painting.
The Hands: The position and gesture of the subject's hands provide additional layers of meaning and interaction within the composition.
The Mona Lisa exemplifies how a work of art can encode complex concepts and interactions, allowing viewers to experience a narrative beyond the mere depiction of a subject. The painting's enduring appeal lies in its ability to engage the audience symbolically, making it one of the most iconic artworks in history.
Understanding how our brain encodes concepts and stories as symbols of interaction is crucial for both creating and appreciating narratives. By recognizing these symbolic representations, storytellers, artists, and audiences can engage with narratives on a deeper level, allowing for more profound and meaningful experiences.
What is Flow State?
In the context of creative performance, "flow" refers to a state of deep concentration and total immersion in an activity, where one is fully focused and engaged. Coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, flow is characterized by intense and effortless involvement in the task at hand, often leading to a sense of timelessness and complete absorption. In this state, individuals experience a high level of productivity, creativity, and enjoyment.
Here's how flow relates to creative performance:
Heightened Creativity: In a state of flow, creative individuals experience enhanced creative thinking and idea generation. They are more likely to come up with novel and innovative solutions to problems.
Optimal Performance: Flow is associated with optimal performance, where individuals are fully immersed in their work, leading to higher levels of productivity and efficiency.
Timelessness: When in flow, individuals often lose track of time. Hours can feel like minutes as they are completely absorbed in the task, leading to a distortion of temporal perception.
Effortless Concentration: Flow is characterized by effortless concentration, where individuals are fully focused on the task at hand. Distractions are minimized, and the individual experiences a sense of control over their actions.
Enjoyment: Flow is inherently enjoyable. Creative individuals often report feelings of happiness, fulfillment, and satisfaction when they are in a state of flow, making it a desirable and sought-after state.
In summary, flow is a state of heightened focus, productivity, and enjoyment that is conducive to optimal creative performance. Achieving flow can significantly enhance the quality and quantity of creative output.
Factors Influencing Creativity
Creativity is influenced by a myriad of factors, both internal and external. Let's explore some of these factors and how they impact our creative abilities.
Psychologist Dr. Sarah Patel says:
"Our childhood experiences, education, and cultural background all play a role in shaping our creativity. Exposure to diverse experiences and perspectives can broaden our creative horizons."
Several internal and external factors influence people's creative performance. Here are some of them:
Internal Factors:
Mindset and Attitude: A positive and open mindset is essential for creativity. Believing in one's ability to be creative and being open to new ideas and experiences can significantly enhance creative performance.
Self-Confidence: Confidence in one's abilities is crucial for creative performance. Self-doubt can hinder the creative process, while self-confidence can fuel it.
Curiosity: Curiosity drives creativity by inspiring individuals to explore, learn, and discover. Curious individuals are more likely to generate new ideas and solutions.
Imagination: An active imagination is essential for creative performance. The ability to visualize and conceptualize ideas enables individuals to think creatively and innovatively.
Emotional State: Emotions play a significant role in creative performance. Positive emotions such as joy, excitement, and contentment can enhance creativity, while negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, and fear can inhibit it.
Autonomy: Having autonomy and control over one's work can boost creative performance. When individuals have the freedom to explore and experiment, they are more likely to come up with creative solutions.
Persistence and Resilience: Creativity often involves overcoming obstacles and setbacks. Persistence and resilience are crucial for creative performance, enabling individuals to persevere in the face of challenges.
External Factors:
Environment: The physical and social environment significantly impacts creative performance. A stimulating and supportive environment can foster creativity, while a dull or hostile environment can hinder it.
Resources and Tools: Access to resources and tools, such as materials, technology, and information, can influence creative performance. Having the right resources at hand can facilitate the creative process.
Feedback and Support: Constructive feedback and support from others can enhance creative performance. Encouragement, recognition, and collaboration can fuel creativity and inspire individuals to push the boundaries of their imagination.
Time Pressure: While some time pressure can enhance creativity by encouraging focus and urgency, excessive time pressure can inhibit it. Finding the right balance is key to optimizing creative performance.
Diversity and Inclusion: Exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences can stimulate creativity. A diverse and inclusive environment encourages the exchange of ideas and fosters innovation.
Organizational Culture: The culture of an organization or community can significantly impact creative performance. A culture that values and promotes creativity will be more conducive to creative output.
Expectations and Goals: Clear goals and expectations can provide direction and focus for creative performance. Knowing what is expected and what needs to be achieved can help channel creative efforts effectively.
Understanding and addressing these internal and external factors can help individuals optimize their creative performance and unlock their full creative potential.
Creativity in Practice
Success is a dance between work ethic and talent. Rick Rubin says that “for some people the work ethic trumps talent”.
How can we overcome creative blocks to keep our creative practice moving?
Overcoming creative blocks and staying inspired is essential for maintaining a productive and fulfilling creative practice. Here are some tips and techniques to help:
1. Change Your Environment:
Move to a different location, such as a coffee shop, park, or library, to stimulate your senses and encourage new ideas.
Create a dedicated and inspiring workspace that is free from distractions and filled with things that inspire you.
2. Take Breaks and Rest:
Sometimes stepping away from your work can provide a fresh perspective. Take short breaks or even a day off to relax and recharge.
Engage in activities that you enjoy and that are unrelated to your creative work. This can help clear your mind and spark new ideas.
3. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation:
Incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine to reduce stress, increase focus, and boost creativity.
Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and encourage creativity.
4. Keep an Idea Journal:
Carry a small notebook or use a note-taking app on your phone to jot down ideas, sketches, and observations whenever inspiration strikes.
Review your idea journal regularly to draw inspiration from your own thoughts and experiences.
5. Experiment and Explore:
Try new techniques, mediums, or styles to break out of your comfort zone and stimulate creativity.
Take inspiration from other creative disciplines and explore how you can incorporate elements from them into your own work.
6. Collaborate with Others:
Collaborate with other creatives to exchange ideas, gain new perspectives, and reignite your passion for your craft.
Join a creative community or group where you can share your work, receive feedback, and support others.
7. Set Realistic Goals:
Break your projects into smaller, manageable tasks and set realistic deadlines to prevent feeling overwhelmed.
Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, to stay motivated and inspired.
8. Embrace Failure:
Understand that failure is a natural part of the creative process. Instead of fearing it, embrace it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Use setbacks as a chance to reassess your approach, make improvements, and come back stronger.
9. Immerse Yourself in Inspiration:
Surround yourself with inspiration by visiting art galleries, attending concerts, reading books, or watching movies related to your creative field.
Create a mood board or Pinterest board filled with images, quotes, and ideas that inspire you.
10. Establish a Routine:
Set aside specific times for your creative practice each day or week and stick to a regular schedule to develop a habit of creativity.
Create a pre-creative ritual, such as listening to music or going for a walk, to signal to your brain that it's time to get into a creative mindset.
11. Use Prompts and Challenges:
Use creative prompts or challenges to spark new ideas and overcome creative blocks. Websites like "Writing Prompts" or "Draw This in Your Style" challenges on social media can be helpful.
Participate in creative challenges within your community or online to keep your skills sharp and stay motivated.
12. Reflect and Reframe:
Reflect on past successes and positive feedback to boost your confidence and remind yourself of your creative abilities.
Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than obstacles to your creativity.
13. Learn Something New:
Take a class, workshop, or online course to learn a new skill or technique. Acquiring new knowledge can reignite your passion and inspire fresh ideas.
Attend lectures, webinars, or seminars related to your creative field to expand your horizons and gain new perspectives.
By incorporating these tips and techniques into your creative practice, you can overcome creative blocks, stay inspired, and continue to produce meaningful and innovative work.
Mark Twain famously said “There's no such thing as an original idea,” well, Albert Einstein had a different opinion. He believed that it is each person’s unique perspective that brings individuality. Einstein said:
“Creativity is seeing what others see but thinking what no one else thought”.
The act of making art is more about presenting your interpretation of an idea than it is about creating something that has never been done before.
Einstein’s quote reminds us to respect and honor that which makes us unique- the patchwork of genetics mixed with life experiences that make us who we are. We can only ever perceive the world through our own senses so our creative practice allows us to express that unique perspective in a way no one else can.
How are you presenting your unique perspective through your creativity?
Conclusion
In this episode we’ve delved deep into the concept of creativity. We looked at the neuroscience of creativity and its significance from an evolutionary perspective. We’ve seen how creativity extends beyond just the realms of the arts and into all aspects of human life. We explored concepts like Superior Pattern Processing and Flow State to help us understand different aspects of creativity. We looked at the internal and external factors that affect our ability to be creative and explored a variety of ways to deal with creative blocks.
I hope you’ve enjoyed listening to this episode and hopefully you’ve got something useful in regards to developing your own creative practice. I’d love to hear from listeners and find out about the ways in which you’ve applied anything that I’ve discussed here in your own creative endeavours so please do reach out on any of my social media accounts to share your experiences and take aways.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe and share this episode if you found it useful and if you’d like to find out more about the ways Lucid Mover can support you in your creative journey check out www.lucidmover.com where you can book a free discovery call with me to discuss the issues you’re facing and how I might be able to help.
Thanks for tuning in and see you soon on the next episode!
The Creative Mind: Understanding How Creativity Works