Sculpting Your Creative Brain – Dawson Church – Ep 104

Do you ever feel like you’ve hit a creativity wall? What if there was a way to optimize ourselves for more creative potential? I am absolutely thrilled to have my friend and an esteemed author, Dawson Church, Ph.D., joining us for this episode. Not only is he a prolific writer, but he’s a dedicated scientist and a healing researcher. Dawson is also the visionary founder of the National Institute for Integrative Health Care, an organization dedicated to exploring and implementing evidence-based psychological and medical techniques. 

In this conversation, we delve into a wide range of topics, from eco-meditation to EFT tapping and the intriguing concept of spiritual intelligence, as well as his latest book, “Bliss Brain: The Neuroscience of Remodeling Your Brain for Resilience, Creativity, and Joy.” Prepare to learn new ways of sculpting your creative brain as we embark on this enlightening journey!

Listen if you are interested in…

• Understanding neuroscience and the awakened mind pattern [1:57]
• The link between meditation, creativity, energy, and synchronicity [10:36]
• Eco meditation’s effect on brain function and well-being [22:41]
• The story behind Bliss Brain and navigating energy sensitivity [31:03]
• The impact of novelty on flow and creativity [40:35] 
• The power of EFT tapping [46:48]

Creativity is an inside job

Creativity is not just a stroke of luck. It’s an inside job! The fascinating field of neuroscience has unveiled the link between our brain’s function and our creative potential. Since the invention of the EEG in the 1920s, we’ve been able to read brainwaves and observe distinct patterns associated with different mental states. These patterns are universal, transcending borders and cultures. The awakened mind pattern (characterized by a blend of theta and delta waves, abundant alpha waves, minimal beta waves, and significant bursts of gamma) is the hallmark of creativity, meditation, and peak performance. 

Whether you’re a Kenyan shepherd admiring nature’s beauty or an art enthusiast gazing at Monet’s masterpieces in France, this universal pattern underscores the essence of creative brilliance. The ability to track and harness these brainwave patterns offers us a tangible measure of our creative states, providing new insights into the mysteries of the creative process and its transformative power.

It’s ALL connected

Have you ever had a moment where you felt inexplicably connected to the world around you? Maybe you suddenly run into a friend who’s been on your mind all week. Or perhaps a painting you’ve struggled with for months suddenly clicks, and you can’t put down your brush. The truth is synchronicity is all around us. In his book “Mind to Matter,” Dawson explores the intriguing concept of synchronicity, aiming to decipher the intricate relationship between our thoughts and their impact on reality. Initially conceived as a brief exploration, the chapter on synchronicity turned out to be the book’s most extensive section, reflecting the scientific foundation underlying this phenomenon. 

The research delves into remarkable experiments, including one where an individual’s heart rate variability was monitored alongside solar activity, such as sunspots. The surprising revelation was that human heart rate variability mirrored cosmic cycles, illustrating an interconnectedness between our personal rhythms and celestial forces. This captivating exploration supports the notion that when one harmonizes with the universe’s grand tapestry, they may find themselves in harmony with others. This can lead to seemingly unexplainable synchronicities that bridge the gaps between individuals and the cosmos.

A little novelty makes a big difference

The impact of novelty on creativity and the flow state is something every artist and creator should understand. In the quest for true artistic expression, we often find ourselves stressed when we allow comparison to taint the creative process. It’s essential to recognize the importance of cultivating flow states where we can tap into a wellspring of creativity. This state can be induced through practices like meditation and introducing controlled novelty into one’s routine. Like Dawson, who constantly creates little changes in his mountain biking route.

The key is to strike a balance. Enough novelty to challenge the mind, but not so much that it overwhelms us. When artists embrace this delicate equilibrium, we open the door to the vast resources of universal consciousness, transcending our local minds to access newfound creativity and wisdom. Novelty (or differences, as I usually describe it) plays a pivotal role in this process, offering the spark that ignites the flow state and leads to the creation of sophisticated and awe-inspiring work. Listen to this episode for more on sculpting your creative brain!

Resources & People Mentioned

• Bliss Brain (Book)
• Mind to Matter (Book) 
• Dawson’s FREE GIFT 
• Your Brain on Art – Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen – Ep 74

Connect with Dawson Church

• Visit Dawson’s website 
• Follow Dawson on Instagram 
• Subscribe to Dawson on YouTube 

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