The Creative Brain

It has been difficult for me not to share what I'm working on these days - but I can share a book that I'm currently reading.  It's title is "Your Creative Brain" and speaks to the value of creativity and the seven different brainsets which the author has coined CREATES:

1. Connect - seeing connections in disparate objects or concepts
2. Reason - manipulating information to solve a problem
3. Envision - thinking visually rather than verbally
4. Absorb - open mind to new experiences & ideas
5. Transform - self-conscious & dissatisfied sate of mind (vulnerable)
6. Evaluate - judge value of ideas, concepts, products, behaviours, or individuals
7. Stream - thoughts & actions flow harmoniously

I find the fifth concept to be the one I have the most difficulty with but that I have also come to realize as being an impetus for a revelation or which inspires some of my best work.  If I can calm myself in that state, practice some stillness, and sometimes focus on something else entirely, I make it through to something so much better.  Those, though, are also the times I wonder if I will struggle with mental illness of some sort.  In my family there is a history of challenge in that area which has led to depression and alcoholism but I think, that as long as I continue to do this work that I am compelled to do, I will be okay.  Out of the dark there is always light.  This morning I realized that my brain is in concept three - the Envision mode - which is the most fun for me, so...I'm off to the studio. Enjoy this lovely autumn day, my favorite time of year.