Have you ever felt creatively stuck? I recently tried a unique method for overcoming a creative block by intentionally ‘scrambling my senses’, and it actually worked. This simple exercise allows you to tap into a different way of thinking and essentially learn how to think like a creative genius. It’s based on a fascinating neurological trait, and I’m curious, has anyone else used synesthesia-like techniques for problem-solving?
Prefer to watch? I’ve put my video below or if you’re a reader simply continue reading the post.
What is Synesthesia? A Creative Superpower
What color is the number seven? What does a piano sound feel like? What is the shape of your best friend’s name? If you have an immediate answer for any of those questions, you might have a touch of a creative superpower called synesthesia.
Synesthesia is a neurological trait where stimulating one sense triggers an involuntary experience in another. Synesthetes might see colors when they hear music, taste words, or feel shapes when they eat certain foods. It is as if their brain’s wiring has these cool, creative cross-connections. Famous creatives like Pharrell Williams, Lorde, and even Van Gogh were all thought to have it. They didn’t just write a song; they painted it with sound.
How to Think Like a Creative Genius by Scrambling Your Senses
But here is the secret. While only about 4% of people have this trait full-time, we all have the capacity to create these connections and access the creative genius it unlocks. Here is a simple “body key” for blasting through creative blocks by intentionally scrambling your senses and getting out of your logical mind.
Grab a notebook, or just do this in your head. Whatever works best for you. Follow these simple steps.
- Pick an abstract concept. For example, you could choose “my goal” or “the feeling of peace.”
- Run it through the five senses. You will ask yourself a series of weird questions related to your chosen concept.
- Write down the first thing that comes to mind. The key is to be spontaneous and avoid judgment. Just capture the initial impression.
The Five Senses Exercise
Let’s use the concept of “peace” as an example. Ask yourself the following questions.
- SIGHT: If peace was a color, what would it be? (Perhaps a soft blue, or even red.)
- SMELL: If peace had a smell, what would it smell like? (For example, rain on warm pavement.)
- TASTE: If peace had a taste, what would it taste like? (Maybe a cool mint tea.)
- SOUND: If peace had a sound, what would it sound like? (Would it be a low vibrational hum, or perhaps the absence of words?)
- TOUCH: If you could touch peace, what would its texture be? (For example, a smooth, cool stone.)
Bypassing Your Analytical Brain
By doing this, you have just bypassed your analytical, “what do I do next?” brain. You’ve successfully accessed a much deeper, more creative and symbolic part of yourself. Through this process, you have created a multi-sensory map to your desired state.
You literally just learned how to think like a creative genius. Now, you can apply this game to any problem you’re trying to solve to find new and innovative solutions. If you want to learn more about powerful “body keys” like this and explore how the mind works at the deepest level, you can join the Ignite Your 13 Chakra Blueprint event.
