Find Inspiration in Ontario's Highlands
We all want to be able to make beautiful music, paint stunning works of art or write beautiful prose, but if it were easy, everyone would be doing it, wouldn’t they? It’s fair to say that fostering creativity is difficult to achieve in a busy, hectic life with little time for reflection. Time spent in contemplation, surrounded by the beauty of nature, is fertilizer for our muse.
When it comes to creativity, Nick Russell and Benton Brown are the experts. This musical duo has been developing unique and creative musical performances for years, and are pros at finding inspiration in a busy world. Here’s their ideas for how to find inspiration in Ontario’s Highlands.
Give it Space
Capturing creativity is a bit like trying to find a four-leaf clover, the more you try, the harder it is. Sometimes it’s best to let creativity find you, instead of the other way around. If that means giving it the space to live in your life, and that’s all you can do. As Nick says “Creativity is a dish best served chilled – so chill and it will come.”
Creativity Loves Company
Isn’t everything better with company? Creativity is no different. Look for opportunities to collaborate with other artists (or non-artists!) to develop your artistic side. Sometimes just hanging out with someone and bouncing ideas off one another can lead to fantastic results, like Nick and Benton’s bonfire sessions. Benton says “Having a hype partner builds confidence and gets the artistic juices flowing.”
Look to Nature
Studies show that spending time in nature enhances creativity and makes us more flexible in our thinking. This falls in line with giving it space – nature is sufficiently miraculous if only we take the time to observe it. If you want to invite more creativity into your life, take a walk outdoors and spend some time doing nothing more than basking in nature. Go for a paddle, a bike ride, a walk, or just sit and savour the moment.
Disconnect to Reconnect
Reconnect with your creative side by taking time away from all the other things that offer distractions from meaningful thought and contemplation. Yes, that means your cell phone, too! It’s amazing what a few minutes or hours away from the unceasing demand of social media and other distractions can do to feed your mind and your creativity. Nick says “Take time away from your device, your social obligations, everything. Retreat time is a time where you can explore the inner self.”
Be Kind
Kindness makes the world go round so be kind to everybody – including (and maybe especially) yourself. Inspiration will follow.
Looking for more inspiration for connecting to music and creativity in Ontario's Highlands? Click here to learn more about where to find inspiration and creative spaces.
