Nature-Powered Creativity

Commonly described as the ability to produce original, unusual, and inventive ideas – often to generate something new, or to find a novel solution to a problem – creativity is a highly sought after quality.

In fact, creative individuals tend to perform better both academically and at work, and report greater life satisfaction in general. So how do we unlock this amazing ability?

The Science of Innovation

Creative thought is a defining trait of human development. From the invention of stone tools, to the formation of written language, the solving of mathematical problems, and the beginning of artistic movements, moments of brilliant creativity have led to numerous breakthroughs in human culture.

At a theoretical level, creativity has been closely tied with emotion: when we’re in a good mood ideas can flow more easily and positive emotions such as happiness and joy have shown the potential to boost creative thought, helping us to generate new ideas, join unrelated concepts, and reflect on problems in unique ways.

‘Divergent thinking’ has also been suggested as a key ingredient in the creative process. When we think divergently we’re able to suggest lots of possible solutions to a problem, rather than seeking a single answer. Others have explored how creative thoughts can sometimes happen spontaneously as part of an ‘aha’ or ‘lightbulb moment’.

Multiple Stages

But for many of us, blue-sky thinking can feel remarkably elusive, often right when we need it the most. In these instances, and when it’s time to put pen to paper, it can be helpful to adopt a tactical approach and divide the creative process into multiple stages:

1. First we need to prepare for the task at hand, gather background information, and think about the solution we’d like to create.
2. Next we must enter a period known as ‘incubation’; we step back from the facts and allow our minds to wander, thoughts to flow freely, and new ideas to surface.
3. Once initial ideas have emerged, we must then apply effort to seriously consider, flesh out, and define our plans.
4. Finally we can step back and evaluate our efforts, perhaps discarding some and working further on those with most promise.

This framework can help to bring structure to creative endeavours, but it is the incubation period where the magic really happens. How can we stimulate this nebulous mental state and allow our brains to roam free?

Inspired by Nature

Original thought leans heavily on core mental processes such as memory, focus, and self-control. These operations are often referred to as ‘executive functions’ and are essential tools for playing with ideas. And when our brains are rested, free from worry, and working well, they are much more likely to be flexible and inventive.

Here we find a perfect fit between nature and the creative process. Natural environments can foster positive moods, boost attention, and reduce stress, all key ingredients for creativity to flourish. 

A growing number of studies have confirmed this relationship: people experience enhanced creativity after wilderness hikes, spending time in the forest, and training in natural settings. Nature has been reported as an important source of inspiration amongst artists, designers and other creative professionals. Viewing digital forms of nature has been linked with greater inspiration and increased divergent thinking, and students who are highly connected to nature even exhibit more innovative ways of thinking.

These effects hint at an exciting way to kick start our creative juices, and nature’s impact on this process might go even deeper.

Natural Creativity

When we talk about the experience of nature, we often invoke the idea of ‘soft fascination’. Clouds traversing the sky, sunlight dancing through the trees, or waves gently lapping on the shore are each examples of softly fascinating natural features; they effortlessly hold our attention yet leave room for reflection and contemplation. And it turns out this process could be vital for incubating new ideas. 

Soft fascination in nature can help our brains to recover attention and focus, but it is also perfectly tuned to promote mind wandering. When our minds wander they become internally focused: thoughts are allowed to meander and flow between disconnected pieces of information. And this flexibility can result in unexpected combinations – daydreaming can lead to the generation of new ideas.

By combining the effects of attention, focus, and mind wandering then, the natural world might supercharge our creativity. Nature experiences that don’t demand too much attention are most likely to trigger this state, such as walking an open and familiar path, watching the grass dance in the wind, or listening to woodland birdsong.

But there is also an emerging exception to this rule…

An Awesome Imagination

Feelings of awe and wonder have recently been suggested as the perfect catalyst for inspiration.

Experiences of awe can change our perceptions of what’s possible, forcing us to expand our mental frameworks and maybe connect new ideas in the process. Vast and powerful scenes of nature might be particularly good at unlocking this effect, and can even be stimulated by digital forms of nature. 

It’s early days but evidence suggests that by nurturing feelings of curiosity, awe might encourage people to seek out new experiences, helping them to develop new perspectives and insights – both hallmarks of creativity.

Everyday Originality

But of course, creativity isn’t just about the next big idea. Sometimes we might simply need a little help to overcome writer’s block, or solve a new and complicated issue – something the Portal community have discovered too: 

So whether it’s calm daydreaming, or awesome inspiration, we’ve got the perfect environments to let your imagination run wild. They might just channel your hidden creativity and help to make the breakthrough you've been seeking.