As a part of our monthly newsletters, which you can sign up for here, we like to offer our readers tips that go beyond the world of real estate. One feature that we’re always proud to give back to our readers is our Mindfulness Corner segment. This segment comes from our resident mindfulness expert, Imelda Guerra. In this month’s issue, Imelda explores the importance of sparking creativity within ourselves so we are more open and adaptable to changes in our lives. This idea is even more important going into the new year, which is often a catalyst for changes for many of us.
Are there any changes you want to make in your life in the coming year? Do you feel adaptable to that change? If you feel like you might need some help in adaptability, then read on and practice the exercises in creativity that Imelda gives.
How To Spark Your Creativity & Be Adaptable to Change
Presented by Imelda Guerra, LCSW
This past year has continued to be challenging for many of us. As we enter into 2022, it is important we remain adaptable to change. Being open to the creative process is one way of buffering us against negative things beyond our control. By being mindful of how we make meaning of the world around us, tackle problems, and bounce back from hardships, we can engage in a pleasurable pursuit regardless of how things turn out. The following exercise can be helpful in flexing that creative muscle:
9-Dot Puzzle
1. Attempt to solve this puzzle with a nonjudgmental stance, patience and a beginner’s mind.
2. Allow yourself to think “outside the box.”
3. Now, set a timer for 5 minutes.
4. Without lifting your pen nor re-tracing along any line, connect all 9 dots with 4 straight lines:
5. After 5 minutes, reflect on your thoughts and emotions during this exercise. Did you talk positively or negatively to yourself, or somewhere in-between? Did you feel some excitement, confusion or frustration? Did you allow these thoughts and feelings to pass or did you notice them limiting your creativity?
6. Finally, resolve your thoughts and emotions as part of the creative process, regardless of whether you were able to solve the puzzle in 5 minutes.
Tapping into our creativity can be challenging; however, being mindful in how we do so can allow us to be more adaptable for what may come our way in 2022.
Puzzle Solutions:
If You Want More Mindfulness Tips…
If you liked this contribution from Imelda Guerra, and you want more tips on mindfulness, then check out our previous monthly newsletters, and consider subscribing! We email, mail, and post our monthly newsletters at the beginning of each month. Each newsletter is guaranteed to contain useful homeowner and buyer tips, current real estate statistics, and festively themed segments from our contributors. We’re very proud of each newsletter that we release, and we hope that you like them just as much as we do!
About Gerardo Zavala, Realtor
There is a true passion for connecting people with real estate that makes me fall in love with my career over and over again. While my title says, REALTOR® I think I am much more than that. For example, I am present and actively listening to my clients needs, on the spot when things are urgent, and by your side to say “congratulations.” Most of my clients will say that I am a connection away from support no matter the situation, day or time. In my opinion, customer service, educating the client on progress and next steps, and overall satisfaction are my top priorities. How can I help you?