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Creative flow states are defined as moments of deep immersion and focus where we lose track of time and become fully absorbed in the task at hand. These states allow for heightened productivity and inspiration, offering precious moments when time stands still as an idea completely overwhelms us. From gestation to birth, we are enveloped in the creation process — where all feels possible, and the only limitation is our imagination.
However, on the opposite side of the spectrum, when flow states freeze, and we find ourselves facing the ever-dreaded creative block, it, too, can feel all-consuming and sometimes as if all hope is lost.
This balance of push and pull, ebb and flow, inspiration, and existential dread seems to, unfortunately, be the plight of the creatively driven human. How easy it would be if we could constantly be in the flow and not have to fight through the uninspired pause!
As someone who has been on this path as long as I can remember and who also worked in the creative field for almost two decades, I have found some great “life hacks” to find flow when the metaphorical faucet of imagination seems to have been turned off.
Here are some of my favorite tips for tapping back in.
Meditation
One simple approach is meditation. Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed, and keep a notebook handy as you set the intention to tap into flow, remaining open to receive whatever comes through. Set a timer for 15 minutes, close your eyes and begin to inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Focus on the gentle rise and fall of your breath.
As thoughts arise, let them pass and gently bring your awareness back to your breath. If you find your mind wandering, use a mantra to help you refocus. A mantra is a word or phrase repeated to aid concentration, and in this case, you could use something as simple as the word “inspiration.” Allow ideas, images, colors or sensations to emerge without judgment—just observe. When the timer goes off, take a moment to jot down any thoughts or ideas, no matter how vivid or subtle, and reflect on what they might mean to you.
Oracle Cards
Unlike tarot cards, which follow a structured system with archetypal meanings and suits, oracle cards function more like a Rorschach test for the subconscious. They provide visual prompts for free association and invite you to craft meaning based on what resonates with you. I’ve been using oracle cards since I was eight years old, and I’ve found that they allow you to tap into flow by encouraging a dialogue between your intuition and your imagination.
My first published work, Amenti Oracle, pays homage to how this system helps open the mind. By allowing yourself to engage with the imagery, symbols and emotions that arise during a reading, these cards may help you explore the many layers of your thoughts, unlocking pathways to inspiration that might otherwise remain obscured.
Automatic Writing
A surprising and effective way to find flow is to write with your non-dominant hand, paired with the practice of automatic writing. This practice activates different neural pathways in the brain, bypassing the logical and habitual thought patterns associated with your dominant hand — it can unlock new ideas, perspectives and hidden emotions.
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In automatic writing, you allow your hand to move freely across the page without consciously directing the words, letting ideas flow spontaneously. The unfamiliarity of using your non-dominant hand forces you to relinquish control, inviting your intuition to take the lead.
It might feel awkward initially, but with patience, you may find that this exercise’s free-flowing nature helps you access untapped creative reservoirs, providing novel approaches to new ideas. If you’d like to explore this further, The Power of Your Other Hand by Lucia Capacchione is a great resource.
Six-Word Stories
Venturing further into writing as a practice, even when you feel stuck, we can find inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s famous six-word story: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” This compact narrative captures a world of possibility in just six words. This practice intends to challenge your creativity through brevity, forcing you to distill meaning into its essence.
By selecting a random word, memory or concept and crafting a six-word story around it, you engage with a creative puzzle, tapping into flow through focused constraint. This method not only stimulates fresh ideas but also encourages problem-solving in a way that invites clarity through simplicity.
Walking
My longtime creative collaborator, Richie Brown, and I share an understanding of a concept we call “poems without words.” These are moments when we are surprised by poetic nonsequiturs, such as an odd pairing of objects on the sidewalk, a striking piece of graffiti or a stranger in an unexpected outfit.
These “poems” often reveal themselves during walks, when we air out the mind and body, allowing inspiration from the unlikely. Rebecca Solnit’s Wanderlust: A History of Walkingdelves deeper into the practice of walking as a means of physical movement and creative discovery, highlighting its ability to open doors to unexpected insights and its value as a contemplative practice.
Meeting a New Friend
In recent years, we’ve seen a loneliness epidemic, with more people than ever reporting feelings of isolation, even with all the digital connections at our fingertips. Making new friends as an adult can feel like a Sisyphean task, but pushing yourself past your comfort zone can lead to rewarding new connections.
Apps offer opportunities to meet new people with similar interests — just as friends. The more exclusive Raya, in particular, provides a way to form genuine connections outside work or the usual social circles. While it requires a bit of vulnerability, the potential for new friendships and conversation can spark inspiration or even potential collaboration.
Final Thoughts
Reigniting creative flow comes from embracing novelty and exploring the edges of possibility. The new is revealed when we push past what’s comfortable, and possibilities expand beyond our imagination.
