Many things happen in the brain when we actively engage in creative processes. People who are highly creative have unique neuron connectivity that causes them to be able to think outside the box. On the other hand, people who tend to not think creatively have more repetitive thought patterns. Their neurons tend to connect in similar ways most of the time. High creativity is associated with a wider variety of random connectivity throughout the brain.
This means that being creative can engage your whole brain, and that’s why doing creative activities reduces stress. But don’t worry if you get stuck in thought loops and habitual ways of being; we all do. Fortunately, due to brain plasticity we can learn to be more creative.
Art Practices Can Activate the Whole Brain
Making art activates a variety of neural networks, including a relaxed reflective state, focused attention, and pleasure. It can help you be more present, and it can allow you to enter “the Zone”. This is a “flow state,” where you lose your sense of self and time.
This is especially true the more spontanious and open your creative process is. The more you use your intuition, imagination, allow possibilities, and disengage from expectations about the outcome, the more you will be activating your whole brain. A creative process that utilizes your whole body and a variety of media is even better for engaging the whole brain.
When the whole brain is activated we enhance our ability to learn, become receptive to new inspiration, and are better able to solve problems. This type of art making process activates the reward center, and that’s why it makes us feel good. If you over-think the process and get discouraged it means your left-brain has taken over. It’s best to engage in the art process like a child who’s just playing around with the materials and having fun!
Discovery, joy, and happiness is key
This is your only guideline for knowing when your art process is activating your whole brain and helping you evolve. The process should be enjoyable even if the final artwork is not! No one creates a masterpiece in one go. It doesn’t matter if you never create a masterpiece or sell a piece of art. The purpose of making art for self development is to unlock your subconscious mind so you can learn and grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Creative expression is about personal evolution. When you love the process, you will eventually develop art you love and others will be drawn to it as well.
Links to whole brain art exercises:
Intuitive Collage
Intuitive Painting
Scribble & Doodle Play
Meditative Nature Drawing
Gelli Printing
Heart Beat of the Soul 