Val Andrews's Blog, page 3
December 11, 2022
A meditation for Soothing Sunday
The video of this meditation can be found on my YouTube channel (OPAL TREE PRESS: igniting the imagination). If you're anything like me, you also enjoy reading meditations. This one is taken from my book: Creative Visualization: Access your Imagination and Enhance your Creative Practice
HERE IS AN EXTRACT:
Feel the space around you, claiming it as your own. Focus on your breathing. Breathe slowly and peacefully. Release any areas of tension in your body. Feel your muscles relax with each breath. Let your breathing slow down as your body relaxes.
When you’re ready, picture in your mind, a place where you can completely relax. Imagine what this place looks like, sounds like, and feels like. Make it a place where you feel calm, safe, and deeply relaxed. This place could be anywhere. It’s your choice. You’re completely in control of this experience.
ASK YOURSELF:
Are you alone here, or is someone with you?Are there any animals or birds?
Is there any natural vegetation, plants, or flowers in this place?
Is there water around you, or just solid land?
Do you hear natural sounds, or music, or just silence?
What colors do you see?
What temperature is it?
Is there a breeze or is the air still?
Everything in this place is created by you, so you can change the look and feel of this place at any time you like. You may wish to sit still and just enjoy this place, or you may wish to be active and explore. The choice is yours. Take your time to get to know this place in as much detail as possible, knowing that it’s your place and you can return any time you wish.
When you're ready, bring your attention back to the present moment. Bring your awareness into your body. Stretch your fingers and toes. Stretch your arms and legs. Roll your shoulders up and around behind you. Take two or three deep energizing breaths and exhale fully. Slowly open your eyes. Take a few moments to adjust. Notice the feeling of your body where it’s in contact with the ground or chair you’re sitting on.
ACTION:
Pick up your journal, recording device or sketchbook.
Describe your special ‘go to’ place in detail. Capture as much detail as possible.
Comment on the light, color, shapes, movements, sounds, and sensations.
Try to capture all 5 senses.
HERE IS AN EXTRACT:
Feel the space around you, claiming it as your own. Focus on your breathing. Breathe slowly and peacefully. Release any areas of tension in your body. Feel your muscles relax with each breath. Let your breathing slow down as your body relaxes.
When you’re ready, picture in your mind, a place where you can completely relax. Imagine what this place looks like, sounds like, and feels like. Make it a place where you feel calm, safe, and deeply relaxed. This place could be anywhere. It’s your choice. You’re completely in control of this experience.
ASK YOURSELF:
Are you alone here, or is someone with you?Are there any animals or birds?
Is there any natural vegetation, plants, or flowers in this place?
Is there water around you, or just solid land?
Do you hear natural sounds, or music, or just silence?
What colors do you see?
What temperature is it?
Is there a breeze or is the air still?
Everything in this place is created by you, so you can change the look and feel of this place at any time you like. You may wish to sit still and just enjoy this place, or you may wish to be active and explore. The choice is yours. Take your time to get to know this place in as much detail as possible, knowing that it’s your place and you can return any time you wish.
When you're ready, bring your attention back to the present moment. Bring your awareness into your body. Stretch your fingers and toes. Stretch your arms and legs. Roll your shoulders up and around behind you. Take two or three deep energizing breaths and exhale fully. Slowly open your eyes. Take a few moments to adjust. Notice the feeling of your body where it’s in contact with the ground or chair you’re sitting on.
ACTION:
Pick up your journal, recording device or sketchbook.
Describe your special ‘go to’ place in detail. Capture as much detail as possible.
Comment on the light, color, shapes, movements, sounds, and sensations.
Try to capture all 5 senses.
December 5, 2022
Pulling it all together and giving back
Since my first book was published in 2014 I have been on a massive learning curve about the publishing industry, the creator economy, and the various tools and technology available to independent creators, all of which have been in a constant state of flux.
During those eight years, I also documented changes in my own creative processes, interviewed professional writers and artists about their processes, and published more books about creativity and innovation. It was a mind expanding journey that required me to put aside everything that had given me a cozy life:
(1) The work I had done as a management consultant in the healthcare sector got pushed aside for a job in the arts sector so I could learn more about the creator economy.
(2) The work I had done in the discipline of organisational development got pushed aside for research, evaluation and analyst jobs because they were easier and left me with more energy for my creative projects.
(3) My passion for working in organisations gave way to my ambition to forge my own path as an independent author, artist and publisher.
Friends and colleagues noticed the change in me, and the volume of books and art I was producing. Several approached me for advice on how to do the same and I was delighted to help them. By helping them, I learned even more, and I even found myself drawing upon some of the older skills I had developed in my professional life.
Suddenly, it all came together in a rather obvious way. It was one of those 'aha' moments in which I knew I had to bring all this knowledge and experience together. So my business partner and I have decided to launch some niche services to support inspired people.
Learn more on our website (the link is in my biography) and join our mailing list to receive more details early in 2023.
During those eight years, I also documented changes in my own creative processes, interviewed professional writers and artists about their processes, and published more books about creativity and innovation. It was a mind expanding journey that required me to put aside everything that had given me a cozy life:
(1) The work I had done as a management consultant in the healthcare sector got pushed aside for a job in the arts sector so I could learn more about the creator economy.
(2) The work I had done in the discipline of organisational development got pushed aside for research, evaluation and analyst jobs because they were easier and left me with more energy for my creative projects.
(3) My passion for working in organisations gave way to my ambition to forge my own path as an independent author, artist and publisher.
Friends and colleagues noticed the change in me, and the volume of books and art I was producing. Several approached me for advice on how to do the same and I was delighted to help them. By helping them, I learned even more, and I even found myself drawing upon some of the older skills I had developed in my professional life.
Suddenly, it all came together in a rather obvious way. It was one of those 'aha' moments in which I knew I had to bring all this knowledge and experience together. So my business partner and I have decided to launch some niche services to support inspired people.
Learn more on our website (the link is in my biography) and join our mailing list to receive more details early in 2023.
December 2, 2022
8 reasons why a regular creative practice is good for us
The benefits of having a regular creative practice cannot be understated. I have shared them extensively in my books, courses and workshops. And I've had the pleasure of interviewing numerous creative professionals about their creative practice, reviewing the findings of psychological research on the benefits of creative activity and coaching people through their creative practice.
From all this experience, I've learned:
(1) A regular creative practice is associated with 'positive affect'; a psychological term that describes a person who experiences a lot of joy, happiness and optimism.
(2) Creative activity helps us release thoughts, feelings and experiences that are not healthy. Art therapists called this: an embodied mode of expression because the unwanted feelings are released from the body during the creative activity.
(3) A regular creative practice is associated with higher levels of neuroplasticity: a phenomenon that neuroscience has found to enable the development of new pathways in the brain, keeping us younger, happier and more effective in all areas of our lives.
(4) Regular practice of a creative activity builds our skills, providing a springboard for innovation; a necessary outcome for our survival as individuals, communities and as a species.
(5) When creative activity is cross-disciplinary (i.e. combining two or more creative forms like writing and making art in the one project) it helps us develop analytical and problem-solving skills that benefit us in all areas of our lives.
(6) Immersion in a creative project provides us with a sense of purpose and control over a lives. Art therapists call this 'agency' which is akin to feeling empowered while doing the creative work.
(7) Engaging in creative activity with others helps to form a unique bond with them that may not otherwise have happened. This is because there is shared experience of focus, exploration, and expression that often leads to the giving and receiving of feedback.
(8) Regular creative activity forces us to risks in a safe way. By opening our minds and giving ourselves permission to explore our own approach to a creative project, we develop courage, confidence and resilience.
If you'd like to be more creative, but you're not sure where to start, coaching can help, so can my course 'Creative Spirit' or you can just grab my book, "Inspiration and Creativity: The complete collection: books 1-5"
From all this experience, I've learned:
(1) A regular creative practice is associated with 'positive affect'; a psychological term that describes a person who experiences a lot of joy, happiness and optimism.
(2) Creative activity helps us release thoughts, feelings and experiences that are not healthy. Art therapists called this: an embodied mode of expression because the unwanted feelings are released from the body during the creative activity.
(3) A regular creative practice is associated with higher levels of neuroplasticity: a phenomenon that neuroscience has found to enable the development of new pathways in the brain, keeping us younger, happier and more effective in all areas of our lives.
(4) Regular practice of a creative activity builds our skills, providing a springboard for innovation; a necessary outcome for our survival as individuals, communities and as a species.
(5) When creative activity is cross-disciplinary (i.e. combining two or more creative forms like writing and making art in the one project) it helps us develop analytical and problem-solving skills that benefit us in all areas of our lives.
(6) Immersion in a creative project provides us with a sense of purpose and control over a lives. Art therapists call this 'agency' which is akin to feeling empowered while doing the creative work.
(7) Engaging in creative activity with others helps to form a unique bond with them that may not otherwise have happened. This is because there is shared experience of focus, exploration, and expression that often leads to the giving and receiving of feedback.
(8) Regular creative activity forces us to risks in a safe way. By opening our minds and giving ourselves permission to explore our own approach to a creative project, we develop courage, confidence and resilience.
If you'd like to be more creative, but you're not sure where to start, coaching can help, so can my course 'Creative Spirit' or you can just grab my book, "Inspiration and Creativity: The complete collection: books 1-5"
November 28, 2022
Entering the creator economy
When my first book was published in 2014 I was over the moon. Little did I know that I had taken my first baby step into the creator economy (a phrase I hadn't even heard at the time).
Since then, I've published another 14 books, established my own publishing company, helped other people prepare their manuscripts for publication, and created a fresh new body of artwork that I love.
I could not be happier. Which is not to say it's been smooth sailing. Sometimes the journey has been lonely and confusing and filled with uncertainty. But it's MY journey and I own it. I also own every mistake I've made and have come to understand the full meaning of the phrase: "failure is the best teacher".
So, after publishing several books about creativity, and interviewing loads of writers and artists on their creative process, my next book is going to be about the creator economy. Join my mailing list if you'd like to remain update on progress :-)
Since then, I've published another 14 books, established my own publishing company, helped other people prepare their manuscripts for publication, and created a fresh new body of artwork that I love.
I could not be happier. Which is not to say it's been smooth sailing. Sometimes the journey has been lonely and confusing and filled with uncertainty. But it's MY journey and I own it. I also own every mistake I've made and have come to understand the full meaning of the phrase: "failure is the best teacher".
So, after publishing several books about creativity, and interviewing loads of writers and artists on their creative process, my next book is going to be about the creator economy. Join my mailing list if you'd like to remain update on progress :-)
November 25, 2022
Returning to Goodreads after a long break
I have just returned to Goodreads after a long break. Several years, in fact.
Now that I have returned, I'm feeling quite embarrassed by the mess I left on my author profile, especially the boring old book covers. Sadly, I can't change them, as GR prefer to leave them as they were when people kindly wrote their reviews of the books.
To see the fresh and fabulous new covers, just click on the link below. The content of all my books has been freshened up too.
https://www.amazon.com/Val-Andrews/e/...
Building on everything I have learned since publishing these books, I have created an online course called "Creative Spirit" and I am working on a new book about innovation and creativity, scheduled for publication in 2023. Follow me to learn more :-)
Cheers,
Val
Now that I have returned, I'm feeling quite embarrassed by the mess I left on my author profile, especially the boring old book covers. Sadly, I can't change them, as GR prefer to leave them as they were when people kindly wrote their reviews of the books.
To see the fresh and fabulous new covers, just click on the link below. The content of all my books has been freshened up too.
https://www.amazon.com/Val-Andrews/e/...
Building on everything I have learned since publishing these books, I have created an online course called "Creative Spirit" and I am working on a new book about innovation and creativity, scheduled for publication in 2023. Follow me to learn more :-)
Cheers,
Val
November 24, 2022
How to focus your intentions
The Buddha was known to have said: "We are shaped by our thoughts. We become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves."
To have a mind that is pure sounds sublime. Impossible, perhaps. But there are things we can do to help us live our best life:
1. Meditation and creative visualization allows our subconscious minds to evoke and show us what needs more attention.
2. Creating a vision board is a non verbal method of visually capturing what's important to us.
3. Setting goals and making plans to achieve them is the first phase of bringing our intentions to life.
4. Writing positive affirmations and saying them out loud every day (morning and night) helps us remember who we want to be and what we want to achieve.
5. Celebrating every success along the way - no matter how big or small - helps to reinforce the importance of what we're working toward.
Learn more in my books and course via opaltreepress.com
To have a mind that is pure sounds sublime. Impossible, perhaps. But there are things we can do to help us live our best life:
1. Meditation and creative visualization allows our subconscious minds to evoke and show us what needs more attention.
2. Creating a vision board is a non verbal method of visually capturing what's important to us.
3. Setting goals and making plans to achieve them is the first phase of bringing our intentions to life.
4. Writing positive affirmations and saying them out loud every day (morning and night) helps us remember who we want to be and what we want to achieve.
5. Celebrating every success along the way - no matter how big or small - helps to reinforce the importance of what we're working toward.
Learn more in my books and course via opaltreepress.com
