FARMACY: AWAKENING CREATIVITY

In the glittering and messy microcosm of social media, our creative energies can paradoxically be simultaneously stimulated and zapped. There's an entire panorama of visual stimulation from which feed off. Yet, this can also swirl us into being consumed by competition from the inside. Any creative who's building, moulding, and presenting themselves or an aspect of such is well aware of this conundrum. I deeply felt this as I wrote and shot my upcoming book (Spring 2018 Prestel/RandomHouse), draining myself of the energy I could have been pouring into my work with instead viewing it through that of others. It's a dealing of the ego. The deep-seated struggle to find success vis-à-vis with a frantic search for the solution and formulating stories for the success of others. 

It is only through forgiving ourselves for these frustrated searchings and questionings can we flow into our creativity. This process is like working with clay—our own source and vision rather gives way freely only when we allow for the moulding our minds without the clay pickings of others. Meaning, we can either overwork ourselves incorporating or representing the old, used work of others or get our own fresh block of clay to press your own thumbprint . . .
 

I'm on the same train, learning through delays and breakdowns amongst stops unknown. Here are some energetic support we can utilise that allow for a smoother journey . . .

Herbs
 

He Shou Wu & Pine Pollen

These two are my staples for hormonal and libido support, which also support creativity.  I have come to realise that with lack of creativity also comes lack of libido or disconnexion with our sexuality. We hide our bodies, our feelings—truly naked only to our own eyes. This results in the suppression of the flow of energy to our lower-body chakras, which rule self-expression and creativity. I find that supplementing with herbs that target these energies such as he shou wu and pine pollen can be used to rush blood to the right places and to our brains to fuel creativity.

FOODS

MCT / XCT OIL

The effect this coconut oil on steroids has on the brain is profound. It contains the rarest of medium chain fatty acids and require 18 pounds of coconut to produce. It upgrades metabolic and cognitive function while simultaneously stimulating the digestive system, which yields a triple boost to the brain to spark creativity.
 

Coconut

Incorporate it holistically—drink its water, eat its meat, use its butter to increase your fat intake. Our brains are about 60 percent fat, so fat is resultantly its preferred source of fuel. Incorporating this easily-digested fat into your diet will provide the support necessary to create. 
 

Roots

When our minds are scattered, our energies are also often depleted, floating, and disarrayed. Root vegetables provide the body with grounding reminiscent of that of Mama Earth, bringing us back to ourselves and our true source of creative fire. I often gently steam them to keep their nutrient integrity but also enjoy them roasted. My seasonal rotation includes Korean and Japanese sweet potatoes; taro root; turnips; Kabocha, butternut, and spaghetti squash; rutabaga; and carrots. They're incredibly comforting coupled with the slight sweetness of raw organic coconut oil or the earthiness of black tahini with dulse flakes.

Ferments

The gut and enteric nervous system is considered our second brain. Restoring optimal gut motility and function is not only crucial for achieving homeostasis of our whole-body functions. This also in return lifts brain fog and allows for sharp-thinking. I always recommend making a homemade batch, but if this is not feasible, you can contact me for a local order or pick some up at your market. Many areas now have ferments such as sauerkraut or kimchi (not autoimmune friendly) from local companies.

         Panic Mode

Sometimes we have the due date of a work project, an assignment, a post, or whatnot is wrapping its approaching arms around our mind. We may be overcome by its grip and cannot think straight let alone produce anything of substance. In these times when I'm stricken, meditation seems like a far-off thought. I often feel overwhelmed by its thought in panic mode and need something more concrete to focus myself on.

My neurological pathways shift completely when I use Emotional Freedom Technique—it's the Ibuprofen in my holistic medicine kit. Here is a guide on how to do it.

Other easily accessible tools for me are magnesium flake/epsom salt baths or, if I don't have the time, I spray this on my skin. I also swear by the sleep remedy of rubbing diluted lavender oil on the soles of the feet for increased and quick absorption. Lack of creativity can lead to sleepless nights with anxiety hindering our ability to fall and stay asleep, so this combats both issues. If you have a headache resulting from tension as well, blend in a drop of frankincense oil as well for anti-inflammatory pain relief.