All writers have a sense of curiosity about people and our world. We write stories to figure things out, from big philosophical questions to the simple query of “what happens next.” Cultivating that curiosity can help you become a more insightful, intuitive writer. In a post on Writers Helping Writers, Christina Delay urges writers to use a sense of awe about the universe to spark their creativity.
“What if I told you that staring at a dark sky full of stars was integral to your creativity?” Delay writes. “What if I told you that watching a video celebrating human ingenuity was as important as getting words on the page?”
Some research suggests that experiencing awe is a boost to creativity, as it leads to an open mindset, encourage you to explore, and consider unconventional perspectives. Another study concluded that people who spent time reliving memories of awe were more willing to engage in a creative activity in the next hour.
Now, awe just doesn’t happen. You have to be open to the experience. The good news, according to Delay, is that awe can be intentional. “We’ve all noticed a beautiful sunset. But there is a significant difference in noticing a beautiful sunset versus allowing yourself to sink into why that sunset is beautiful, to ponder all the factors that had to happen to not only create that fleeting masterpiece, but to also place you in that moment so you could experience it, and to understand that this moment will never be replicated,” Delay explains.
Delay recommends making time to experience awe. Set reminders if you have to. If you aren’t sure you can find your own experiences, consider making time to contemplate nature, starry nights, sunsets and sunrises, dance, poetry, the arts, different places, and different times. Once you’ve practiced, you might find other experience unique to you.
