Contemplative concordance with creativity

Contemplative practices, often thought to stifle creativity because they require discipline and control over wandering thoughts, can actually enhance it. Research shows that mindfulness boosts creativity, creating a paradox. This paper resolves it by arguing that open, non-judgmental attention—a receptive mode—allows beneficial aspects of mind wandering to flourish. Making attention more open and receptive nurtures a creative mode of life.

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Abstract

The paper takes cudgels against the view that contemplative practices are not conducive for creativity. Since contemplative practices often require discipline and controlling the tendency of mind to wander from one thought to another, the received wisdom often militates against giving any place for contemplative practices in nurturing creativity. At the same time there are studies indicating how practices such mindfulness enhance creativity. This paper argues that this paradox concerning the relationship between contemplative approaches and creativity can be resolved by looking into the role that open attention and passivity play in facilitating creativity. Engaging in non-judgmental open attention can be conducive for nurturing the beneficial aspects of mind wandering. The paper concludes by suggesting that making our attention more in the open, receptive mode can nurture, what is called, the creative mode of life.