Unleash Your Creative Thinking
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Ideas To Spark Creative Thinking
Spark your creative thinking talent. Learn to mashup your thinking and step out of the rigors of logic and anaylsis paralysis. Many have the misconception that only a select few are able to unleash a steady flow of creative genius. The fact is, creativity is very much like a muscle that needs to be exercised in order to consistently give out great results. Children are naturally creative, and part of their charm is the lack of shyness as they sing, dance, draw or play pretend. Most of us become more inhibited as we mature and don't allow time and opportunity for creative thinking. Yet even if those abilities will atrophy over time, they can be strengthened again. Practicing creative thinking is maybe not something you WORK at, but rather surrender yourself to, make time for, or simply just ALLOW. Give your right brain a boost and allow your creative talents to bloom.

Contents at a Glance
ALLOW for Creative Thinking
Turn down the noise and just BE to allow creative energy a place to grow and be nurtured.
Sound like work? Heck no...in fact most people find that their most creative ideas appear when either on vacation or in a very relaxed state. Yet the problem for many of us is that we don't ALLOW that relaxed state very often, we stay to busy, to regimented with schedules, clocks and more to let creativity happen. Turn off the screens and the noise, listen to pleasant music and just doodle.
"Whenever an answer, a solution, or a creative idea is needed, stop thinking for a moment by focusing attention on your inner energy field. When you resume thinking, it will be fresh and creative."
~ Eckhart Tolle, Practicing the Power of Now

Creativity is about much more than just drawing, painting or making music. It's also about using the tools you have in unexpected ways and finding unique solutions to perplexing problems. Keeping a journal is one way to harness your creativity. You are more creative than you think you are. As Earl Nightingale says, "We have 50,000 ideas run through our minds daily. Ideas are like wet slippery fish. You got to get 'em when they show up or they will slip away never to be seen again." By keeping a journal, you can remember at least some of those 50,000 ideas, and then maybe you can apply some of them to your business or other projects.
Creativity and Exploiting Chaos
Create Ideas for the Business World on Steroids!
Indeed the only thing we can be sure of is that CHANGES will occur, and often at light-speed. "Exploiting Chaos" delivers thought-provoking case studies of many who embraced changes by studying trends and capitalizing on them. It's not only an important book, but a beautiful one that contains gorgeous photos and illustrations throughout, a delightful read and catalyst for creative ideas in the business world. A best seller and very popular read, as of Januuary 2012, this book is now available free in PDF format.
Link below.
- Exploiting Chaos
- One of the best resources available about studying trends and exploiting them with creativity from the business mindset, "Exploiting Chaos" is now available as a free PDF download.
Creativity Loves Solitude
Your creative self might prefer being alone. Allow that solitude.

So how do you unleash your creative thinking?
For one thing, creativity LOVES solitude. Provide yourself some quiet creative time regularly.
About creativity: "It can first fit into the cracks of your life, and as you nurture it, it will expand into a glorious interior garden." SARK
"True intelligence operates silently. Stillness is where creativity and solutions to problems are found." ~ Eckhart Tolle

Your Own "Magic Cottage" of Creativity
Surround yourself with creativity that nourishes you.
"Invent your world; surround yourself with people, color, sounds and work that nourish you." - quote and drawing above by SARK
Where will you BE in your home when you are practicing creative thinking? Create a comfy space with lots of books, journals, photos, colored markers and such...whatever you enjoy playing creatively with...and consider that as your 'magic cottage' or creative space.

The AWE-MANAC Nourishes Creative Thinking
Daily doses of starter fluid for an escort to delicious creative thought.
The Awe-manac: A Daily Dose of Wonder
"I love this energizing, inspiring, feisty companion of a book! The Awe-Manac is brilliantly escorting me through my creative days (and nights)" SARK
The illustrations entice your imagination to fly. There's also a lot of Starter Fluid ideas for creativity prompts .. the WD-40 that helps you get unstuck from creative blocks. The Awe-manac has at least one journal prompt for everyday of the year, a creativity crash course and an aha-phrodisiac bottle (as in like rub the magic bottle and a creative genie comes out ... AHA!) One book, one activity, one day...is not enough. This book provides creative thinking starter fluid for an entire year! Perfect!
SARK is the queen of creative thinking. Spend some time with her books and programs and a creative jump start is just about guaranteed. The woman is a master of empowering people to think creatively!
Links to More Creativity
The door to your creativity is always open. Grab the opportunity to GO there and ENJOY!
"Clean out a corner of your mind and creativity will instantly fill it." Dee Hock
1
The Write Prompts
What is a writing prompt? It is a word, picture, p more...4 points
2
Acrylic Painting Techniques
Do you like art or making art? Do you like to pain more...3 points
3
Creating a Business Plan Art Journal
Alternatives to boring, dry business plans for cre more...2 points
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Creative Writing Tips and Tricks
Do you want to be a better writer? Are you ready t more...1 point
5
Mashups for the Right Brain.
Aha! This web lens is about creative cross-fertili more...1 point
6
Healing Art with SARK
SARK creates colorful inspiration and healing arts more...1 point
7
Artella Words and Art
The dreamy land of Artella is an adventure in crea more...1 point
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Creative Collage Captions
Making collage art is simple to do and a fun way t more...1 point
9
Create a Mandala Collage
A Creative Process toward Goal-Setting with mandal more...1 point
Creativity from Pinterest
Pinterest is a wonderful source to find creative sparks and innovative ideas. Go see my ever-growing collection at the link below.
- CrossCreations Creativity Board at Pinterest
- An ever-changing kaleiidoscope of creativity, collected from regular visits to that magical site called Pinterest. Pinteresting! ...and how happily Pinterdicted am I?
Edward deBono has written over 50 books on creative thinking and originated the term 'lateral thinking' Here's his take about creative thinking:
Creative thinking is not a talent, it is a skill that can be learned. It empowers people by adding strength to their natural abilities which improves teamwork and productivity. It is better to have enough ideas for some of them to be wrong, than to be always right by having no ideas at all.
There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns."
Think Outside the Box
...or think 'in spite of your box'

Ever get tired of that 'think outside the box' expression? In real life - our 'boxes' are very real. Maybe you are married (that's a box) or have a job, mortgage and kids (all boxes). The point is to make the best of whatever it is you HAVE, of whatever boxes your life includes.

Did Houdini 'think outside the box'? No, he accepted the reality of his box, yet did not allow the fear of it to prevent him from working his magic from within. So it is with you, to accept whatever 'boxes' exist in your life, yet to strive toward creative problem solving in spite of your boxes, to go beyond them into a way of thinking that inspires you to think of solutions in spite of your box. That is sometimes referred to as 'the Houdini Principal' => to rise above fears and limits to think beyond impending issues in order to find creative solutions.
"Every child is an artist.
The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."
Pablo Picasso

How to be Creative by SARK
* Read the newspaper backwards.
* Break a dish you never liked.
* Refuse to sit still for negative thinking.
* Take a hot bath and a nap and let it all soak in.
* Hang out with a young kid for an afternoon and play with crayons, swing on swings ...
* Draw or doodle for a couple of minutes each day, maybe in a journal or blank book. Write in it, too...anything...captions, quotes, funny words...just whatever comes to mind.
*Alter your routine as much as possible and make some 'mistakes'.
Creative Books by SARK
SARK is the queen of creativity!
How to be Creative by You can browse books by SARK (or anything else you like) on amazon.com below.
Right Brain VS Left Brain and Creativity
Both sides of our brains need exercise. They work together everyday, and anyone can strengthen a way of thinking with regular practice.

Right brain dominant people are generally considered to be most creative. We have a natural tendency towards a particular way of thinking, still the two sides of our brain do work together in synergy in our everyday lives.
The right side of of the brain tends to focus on the visual, then process information in a simultaneous and intuitive way, looking first at the whole picture and then the details. The focus of the left brain is much more verbal and analytical, processing information in a more sequential way, looking first at the pieces then putting them together to get the whole.
Creativity Test
Are You Right-Brained or Left Brained?
In this video do you see the dancer turning clockwise ...
or counter-clockwise?
Clockwise=right brain & counter-clockwise=left brain
Try this! See if you can focus and get her to change direction.
Creative Thinking Can be Bizarre
Creative genius is often called insanity, so why be normal?

Embrace insanity. As John Russell once said,
"Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting." 
Every creative thought was once deemed insanity by other "normal" people at one time or another. Luckily, that didn't stop the creative geniuses from standing by them. The thing is, sanity or being normal confines people to think...well, normally. Creativity is essentially breaking through barriers. Yes, this may include the bizarre and the downright strange. An example of a creative personality would be George Washington, who often rode into battle naked, or James Joyce, who wrote "Dubliners" with beetle juice due to an intense fear of ink, or Albert Einstein, who thought his cat was a spy or arch nemesis sent by his rival. Find a balance to ALLOW allow your creativity yet not get you detached from the real world completely.
Do YOU Dare to be Different?
Links to more food for creative thinking...
Got a creative article, blog post or lens? Add it here.
1
ODD JOBS CLUB
The Odd Jobs Club connects unconventional people w more...1 point
2
Spotting Odd in Life
So what's odd to me might not be to you...no worri more...1 point
3
Off-Beat Charities: Helping Others in Unusual Ways
I like the unusual, the off-beat, the different. A more...1 point
4
Would You Trade Your Daughter for a Cow?
The very idea seems absurd, but for desperate fami more...1 point
5
Artella Words and Art
The dreamy land of Artella is an adventure in crea more...1 point
6
Healing Art with SARK
SARK creates colorful inspiration and creative cha more...1 point
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Photo Fun and Collage Creator
Toolbox for creativity with photos! Whether you en more...0 points
Surround Yourself With Creativity
Terminate Creative Thinking Roadblocks
Spark the flow of creative thought.
A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative
Amazon Price: $5.98 (as of 02/15/2012)![]()
When it comes to getting out of the ruts that prevent the flow of creative thinking, this is one of the best reads I know.
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the
risk it took to blossom."
~ Anais Nin
Creative Thinking Success Program
Manifest Dreams in 90 Days
Think creatively everyday about your own life, your dreams, your intentions. Every time you see your goal or intention presented by the Dream Manifestation Wizard software on your screen you physically rewire your brain by creating new neural pathways.
Unlock the emerging power within you to manifest lasting changes in your life Many find great success by using this latest technology and discoveries in quantum physics to create an extraordinary life and BE the change that you would like to see!
Creativity Tools
Give yourself the gift of time everyday to let your creativity out to play.
Just like our muscles grow stronger with exercise, our creative talent needs exercise as well. So make it a habit to carve out time DAILY to allow focus on some kind of creative activity or playful designs. Maybe play with photographs or create a collage, get a blank book and play on a page in some way. Draw, color or doodle with crayons, markers, calligraphy pens...whatever you like. Even a few minutes daily of allowing yourself the time to just play with creativity in some way will make a difference over time. 
Yes, even doodling is a creative activity. Ever heard of a mandala or a zentangle? They are simply artistic shapes that started out as a doodle. Play with lettering and fun fonts or draw a design and then write some words inside the design. Consider collecting a few idea books that stimulate creative thought such as the ones below.
Creativity with Doodles
Doodle your way to creative thinking.
Design Originals
Amazon Price: $7.79 (as of 02/15/2012)![]()
You don't have to be Picasso or Monet to just PLAY with creativity. Take the stress out of feeling like you have to be an 'artist' by simply doodling. This book fosters low stress and simple ways to unleash creativity by playing with doodles. FUN!
MANDALA Creative Art
Coloring for creative thinking adults ~ Fun!
Everyone's Mandala Coloring Book (v. 1)
Amazon Price: $5.53 (as of 02/15/2012)![]()
Can't draw? Then consider coloring some mandalas for fun creative play...and be sure to also consider coloring outside the lines or drawing shapes inside the lines or doodling within the mandala. There are NO rules, just another fun springboard to unleash your creativity.
Creativity with Photos
Grab some photos and get creative with them. Make a collage, add text or fun embellishments... photos make fun creative projects.

Play with photographs using some of the free photo tools at the link below and see what you come up with, just for fun. Add words, borders and stickers, make a photo collage or slide show. Most are free and some don't even require a download, so give them a whirl and have a blast.
About this Creative Author
brought to you by...





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a former teacher and right-brained creative. Some of her fondest memories from classrooms were creative thinking projects.
Before you go...
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Like this Creative Thinking Lens?
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"The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself."
~ Alan Alda
Creative Comments!
I hope this page has inspired you to start thinking outside the box and beyond your "limits." A few words below WELCOME and appreciated.

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Rewards4life
Jan 11, 2012 @ 3:16 pm | delete
- Simply marvellous! I feel so inspired. Great lens!
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TapIn2U Jan 5, 2012 @ 1:19 pm | delete
- Nice lens and you are so creative! Sundae ;-)
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pencilonpaper
Nov 23, 2011 @ 1:33 pm | delete
- I love being creative. I think being creative and playful can help you succeed in life.
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kismet80
Oct 7, 2011 @ 9:42 pm | delete
- Cool lens - very visually appealing!
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noobeegin
Jul 24, 2011 @ 6:15 pm | delete
- Aboslutely fantastic lens. So creative and useful.
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Unleash Your Creative Thinking
Index
- ALLOW for Creative Thinking
- Creativity and Exploiting Chaos
- Creativity Loves Solitude
- Your Own "Magic Cottage" of Creativity
- The AWE-MANAC Nourishes Creative Thinking
- Links to More Creativity
- Creativity from Pinterest
- Think Outside the Box
- Creative Books by SARK
- Right Brain VS Left Brain and Creativity
- Creativity Test
- Left Brain Larry and Right Brain Rachel
- Creative Thinking Can be Bizarre
- Do YOU Dare to be Different?
- Surround Yourself With Creativity
- Terminate Creative Thinking Roadblocks
- Creative Thinking Success Program
- Creativity Tools
- Creativity with Doodles
- MANDALA Creative Art
- Creativity with Photos
- Creativity and Photo Editing Tools
- About this Creative Author
- Like this Creative Thinking Lens?
- Creative Comments!
- What's Twittering about Creative Thinking?
- Who is Twittering CrEaTiVe today???
What's Twittering about Creative Thinking?
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- Lettieyhf
- Taxes Made Easy: Does The Mere Thought Of Filing Your Taxes Gives You Nightmares? Lost Sleep Thinking About How ... http://t.co/bjsqbYe5
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- Junitaamv
- How To Start A Dog Grooming Business: This is a DRM free ebookHave you been thinking that you would like to star... http://t.co/UuZwtxYP
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- curtisangeline
- Deal! RT @NoPattern: Anxiety absolutely destroys creative progress. Stop thinking/planning/'getting inspired' so much and just start making.
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- rkindlon24
- RT @briidgetpeelton: When I don't feel like thinking of a creative way to explain how I feel, I retweet someone else who did.
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- mpowerall
- Thinking of more creative ways to help the kids of Camp Achieve perform at a higher level & standard....
Who is Twittering CrEaTiVe today???
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- Successopedia
- Les Brown: America's Best Motivational Speaker |video| http://t.co/TtAOdqkw #inspire #motivation #success #creative
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- Mardellodw
- Hi-Capacity Equivalent of TOSHIBA SATELLITE U400-10L Battery: 10.8-Volt 56.16-Watt Laptops Main.Rectangular batt... http://t.co/1e7MQlUe
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- Kristenwic
- Chinese Woven Paper- Cream Geometric Weave 18x24 Inch: These are not only sheets of paper but they are truly wo... http://t.co/YNKSFEVW
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- Mardellodw
- San Marco DuraBlend - Ivory Loveseat by Signature Design: The San Marco DuraBlend - Ivory Loveseat by Signature ... http://t.co/VyohM4lJ
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- Onitadxe
- Print-On-Demand Printers and Publishers Resource Guide:The (POD) List!: This guide contains a list of over 150 s... http://t.co/EmPdxmch
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- jordanhgreen
- I gave @KatieGlantz +K about Creativity on @klout http://t.co/uGMwVrK5
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- Andrew_Culture
- @JennyMayWrites I think being clumsy goes hand in hand with creativity
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- BloodyGooner
- Yesterday our lack of creativity was badly exposed.A beasty CM should be our 1st priority this summer.
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- itsmadelinejane
- need to start drafting my story but all creativity and grasp of the English language has nose-dived out the window.
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- Owl615
- I wonder if Concerta reduced or took away my Creativity. I know Depression did. Then again. #CreativityKillers #ConcertaWithdrawal
- photo Credit
- Montage photo pinned with old camera
by crosscreations
Hello creative person, here's some inspiration and motivation to help unleash your creativity. Right brain recess time! Enjoy! more »
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