A lot of times I just sit down in front of my laptop and just stare. Most times I have my phone in hand, and it just seems as if nothing is working, neither my brain nor my mind. You would see me going from system to phone, opening and closing different tabs, taking up my jotter, scrolling unnecessarily on the Internet, just trying to find something that could force an idea out of me. But then, it's always as if it's nowhere to be found. If you've ever experienced that, you will agree with me that it's a frustrating situation, one that makes you doubt yourself/capabilities. I'm sure everyone in this space can definitely relate to that; we are all creative, and we would have experienced such a time or the other.
Personally, I find it easy to write, at least to some extent as long as I'm not being occupied with some sort of work, there are ven a lot of times I just write things randomly, either on my phone (note app) or with a pen in my jotters. So, when I started experiencing that (creative block), it made me panic. I would wonder why nothing seems to be coming. I would wait and wait and stress my brain for something to just pop in, but then, it wouldn't. It was later I got to know about creative blocks. I did some research, read about it, and I got to know that these Creative Blocks are just some kind of sign that your mind needs to take a break. And the best way to help yourself is to not try hard.
Also, I don't have one thing that works for me, it depends solely depends on the moment. There are times I just take a walk around my neighborhood, notice things, smile at kids, and inhale the smell of roasted corn, boli, and the like. Breathe in good and fresh air, greet people, notice and appreciate nature, and the like. Even though they may look small, they have helped me a lot in unlocking my thoughts. Not as if ideas now come flooding in, no, but then...little by little they do.
Also, there are times staying indoors helps me; I just allow myself to breathe and rest, and I have a lot of things I do then too. If I am not taking a nap, you would see me get up to take a shower; if not that, then you will find me in the kitchen cooking. Those little activities help my brain to think differently.
Remember I said it depends, so there are times I just pick up my phone, call a friend, and just talk. We share our frustrations, tease each other, and laugh it off, and of course it does help. A lot of times I had gotten ideas for things through a friend's thought shared with me. Also, there are times I pick up my phone and go online to watch funny skits; if I am not doing that, I might just listen to music. Other times you see me on here trying to read people's work and engage. It does go a long way in opening up one's brain, and ideas will come flooding in. You get to know a new approach to deal with certain things or topics.
The truth is, creativity can't be forced. Another truth is there are different blocks, and there are different solutions to each. So what's the best thing to do? Notice that which your mind really needs at the particular point and give it.
Eventually, when the ideas come, I do feel as if I had won, and of a truth, I did win; I already gave it what it needs. It comes as a relief to see that those blocks were just temporary, and what you need to get over it are just simple things.
So,when it shows up now, I don't panic anymore, neither do I work against it, what do I do? I work with it. We should understand that they are definitely a part of the journey and process. They are bound and meant to show up, and each time they do, find the best solution to use at that time, consider some of my tips, or better still, come up with yours. Just make sure to push through.
All pictures are mine.
Thanks for taking your time to read through.