Meditation for Creativity and Clarity (my 5-step process)

I finally did it – I started meditating. I’ve joined the club. And to my surprise, it’s had a pretty interesting impact on my songwriting and artistic pursuits. So welcome to my take on meditation for creativity and clarity.

This post is all about the benefits of meditation (that I’ve researched and felt firsthand) and my process for finding stillness and inspiration through it.

I hope my experiences and tips provide some new ideas and value for you.

But let’s skip the small talk.

Let’s get it.

How Does Meditation Help Creatives? (the benefits)

It’s no secret that meditation is good for us.

But how about for creativity? I’ve been interested in this topic for a while.

I mean, it’s right in my domain, so it’s definitely something I’ve been keen to learn more about. But learning and meditation is a lifelong thing.

So I suppose this post is simply my first draft of experiences and insights. A sort of springboard to more advanced understandings.

Here are some of the top benefits I’ve noticed meditation has on my creativity and clarity:

Improved self awareness
Reduced artistic anxiety
Forces you to practice present moment awareness
Better and more holistic creative self care
Better organization of thoughts and ideas
Better patience during the creative process
Being able to make new (and more) connections between different ideas and thoughts
Reaching clarity on if I should double down on something, take a break or pivot

Meditation for Creativity and Clarity (my 5-step process)

The process and tips in this section will likely evolve over time. But this is what’s working for me now (and it’s based on other, more advanced meditator’s works).

So I’d recommend you check back often to see if I’ve added any extra steps or pivots.

Also, I’d love to hear about your process. So let me know in the comments of any other strategies or tips you’ve got!

Otherwise, let’s look at my mediation process to boost my creativity and artistic clarity.

1. Setting the Stage…

First things first: let’s set the stage.

To have a good meditation, it’s important to make sure our external environment is up to snuff. At least, it’s important for me.

What I’m really getting at is making sure the lighting is good, I’m in a comfortable space and I’ve removed any distracting sounds or elements.

Here are a few things I like to do to set the meditation stage:

Put on some chill music with nature sounds
Turn off harsh lighting (or sit in front of natural light)
Put on comfortable clothing and sit in a comfy chair and position

2. Drifting…

This next phase is just becoming aware of my many passing thoughts.

I call it drifting.

I don’t judge the thoughts as they pop up, and I don’t give them any energy. I simply notice them, and let them pass.

Of course, they sometimes take hold and lead me down rabbit holes that take me away from that coveted present moment.

But in these moments, I simply become aware of what’s happening, and then bring myself back.

No judgment. No stress.

For me (and I guess millions of others), focusing on the breath is a great starting point. Sometimes Often, I throw in some visualization here too.

Ultimately, it’s really about settling in and becoming aware of my thoughts and self.

3. Going Past “the Edge”...

I love this stage.

It’s reaching the point after drifting, when I inevitably get bored, restless or feel the urge to get up.

But, there’s always some type of reward when I decide to stay still and work past my impulses to get up, give up or just move around.

The edge is that feeling of wanting to stop. But there’s always a reward for pushing past.

It may be some new insight or creative idea, or just an intense feeling of love and gratitude (more on that below).

Either way, getting better at the present moment and using my mind to overcome my body is a rewarding skill to hone.

Here are a few tips that help me to work past the edge:

Simply become aware of those impulses and habits – and stop them
Always end a meditation on a high note (like a positive feeling)
Go easy on yourself, and don’t feel bad if you do get up – there’s always tomorrow
Remember, there are no bad meditations

4. Going “Alpha” Surfing…

This stage is sort of happening throughout my meditation process.

But it usually becomes stronger and more intense after overcoming my body and settling in more.

It’s essentially like advanced daydreaming.

It’s more intense visualization and daydreaming with lots of imagery, story, calmness and relaxation.

It’s my brain when it reaches an alpha wave state (hence my “clever” alpha surfing title…).

This stage is often where I tap into unique, subconscious creativity and clarity.

It’s sort of like lucid dreaming – where you’re in an altered, present moment state, but also totally aware of everything.

It’s hard to describe, and can sometimes be difficult to get to, but it’s definitely a sweet spot for creativity and clarity.

Again, this state of alpha wave relaxation is often a reward of getting past your body’s urge to get up (going past the edge…).

5. Feeling Elevated…

Gratitude, love, excitement…these are some of my favorite vibes.

They’re elevated emotions and they feel good.

Really good. But I won’t go into all that – let’s keep this last section brief.

So here’s my basic process (via visualization and a bit of acting):

I imagine my ideal future or vision
I feel the emotions of that future me as if it’s happening right now
I feel the gratitude as if I’ve reached some creative goal already
I imagine and feel the feelings as if I’ve reached clarity

My Favorite Meditation Tips

Keep a journal (or write things out)
Don’t look for specific creativity results – often, things come in unexpected ways
Don’t force creativity and clarity – just focus on relaxing
Commit to a daily schedule and time
Try guided meditations or apps and technology to help
Choose a meditation corner – designate a specific location
Use relaxing smells and sounds (such as oil diffusers and calming music)
Turn off your phone and avoid distractions
Try different types of meditations to find one that works best for you
Find a tribe – community goes a long way
Motivate yourself – study the many benefits of meditation
Enjoy the journey and be process-oriented (there are no finish lines)