Breaking Through Our Creative Blocks for Success

During a recent lifestyle coaching session, one of my clients asked if we could discuss the various causes behind our "creative blocks" in life. Probably the most noted one is "writer's block," when we hit a wall in trying to create, begin, or finish anything from a homework assignment, speech, or actual literary project.

But these blocks can also arise with projects that pertain to music, art, or even trying to decide how to landscape our yard. The block many times will manifest itself as procrastination — with a seeming lack of creativity we put off finishing projects we are working on or find a thousand reasons why we don't even begin them.


While there may be many causes for creative block, I believe the most prolific ones have to do with : 1) a mental, physical, or spiritual fatigue; or 2) a self limiting judgment/belief that questions "who are we to be creative" . . . or "who are we to take this time for ourselves to . . .".
If we are fatigued mentally, physically, or spiritually, our ability to be creative diminishes greatly. Creativity needs to come from a place that is well nourished, a mind that is relaxed, open and intuitive, a body that is rested and well fed, and a spiritual foundation that is supported by daily prayer, meditation, and gratitude. If you personally hit a creative block, evaluate yourself against these three criteria and make the changes necessary. I'd even recommend putting a project off if possible for a few days so that you can focus on nourishing your mind, body, and spirit. Creativity will then begin to flow naturally.


The second major cause of these creative blocks has to do with our own self-limiting judgments or beliefs. The thought may arise . . . "Who am I to think I'm creative enough to write for that magazine, to direct the school play, or to speak to this group." This judgment can easily stop us cold and present a block in the form of procrastination. Or we may struggle with the belief that it is selfish for us to take time away from other responsibilities (family, friends, etc.) to go after our dreams. "Who do I think I am spending this hour writing or playing the piano when I should be . . .".

These conscious and subconscious thoughts easily derail us from pursuing our goals, blocking creativity, and create the perfect opportunity to procrastinate. What we forget to realize is that if we are pursuing dreams and goals that nurture our own purpose here, we'll actually bring more zest, vitality and love to those around us.

We can only lose if we submerge our true passions.
Create the space to nurture your essence and to release these self-limiting judgments. It is at this place that creativity will flow non-stop.

Slow down to release any and all creative blocks today.

Love, peace, REv. David www.davidessel.com
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How can we be grateful when under stress??

A number of years ago when I was going through a challenging divorce, my very good friend Ardith Bissinger called me with a profound, albeit challenging , thought: "If you can just be grateful today for one thing that is going well, even with all the pressure you're under, your day could change in an instant!"

I thanked her and hung up the phone, not sure if I even wanted to try what she had suggested. A few hours went by and I decide to sit and write the one thing I was grateful for.

With my dog Kona sitting peacefully next to me, I smiled at her and began to write a list that had to include at least 50 things I was grateful for that day!!!!

Within 30 minutes my attitude had shifted so dramatically that I pulled out the manuscript for my book "Slow Down" and wrote more that afternoon than I had in the previous 2 weeks.

The feeling of gratitude for what we have right now, not what we want, but truly what we have in this moment is the fuel for greatness. It's the energy source that is just waiting to be tapped.

But here's the key: For it to be truly powerful it must be put in writing.

Keeping it in your brain offers less than 1/10th the power of those same items/thoughts you are grateful for than when you put it on paper.

So, let's go. Right now..................=)

Slow Down.

Love, peace....David Essel www.talkdavid.com

Radio Interview: Deepak Chopra

Whenever I interviewed best selling author Deepak Chopra, I knew 2 things would always happen: 1) That he would blow my mind with at least one new concept, or a new way of looking at life.. and 2) That he would be able to offer real life solutions to whatever the topic of the day was.

Deepak is one of the most fascinating men I have ever had the chance to talk with. Born in India, originally working in conventional medicine in a hospital in Boston, he eventually found his path lead him back to the many holistic healing methods that originated in his native country.

From explaining quantum physics to creating a deeper connection to God to the benefits of auryvedic medicine, Deepak opened my mind to new paths that I am still following today.

He reminds me of people like Michael Jordan, someone who gets into "the flow" of their life purpose and continues to grow, stretch, and lead their profession...opening the doors so that others can explore their full potential as well.

Slow down.

Love, peace.. David Essel www.talkdavid.com