Clarity is a refreshing pool of water for the mind. It is high-resolution inspiration from the stillness of just be-ing. Clarity is an expansion of heart and a calmness of mind that lifts us above our problems into the realm of solutions.
We’ve all had moments of clarity in our lives: a breathtaking vista, a gorgeous sunset, or an aha moment of deep understanding.
Just as we can develop a palate for fine wine or food, we can also develop one for clarity. But all too often, we overindulge our senses with the sugar of stimulation and our minds with the junk food of social media.
Without clarity, we cannot focus or have flashes of insight. Without clarity, we cannot fully express inspiration, or shape a musical phrase with conviction.
So how can we bring more clarity into our lives?
How can we open this gateway to inspiration?
Meditation is a powerful tool to achieve clarity, but so is music. Music of clarity bypasses the mind and opens the heart. It doesn’t pump adrenaline or put our emotions through the ringer. Music of clarity allows the calm intuitive feeling of the heart to flourish, and brings the mind into a calm focus.
Music of clarity is often clothed very simply, without sophistication. Beethoven and Mozart, for example, were masters of clarity.
Even the simplest of melodies can be extremely powerful, as I experienced on a drive home from a horrible opera rehearsal one night. I sang a song of crystalline clarity that catapulted my consciousness from misery to unparalleled bliss in 40 seconds.
I’ve spent the past 18 years exploring how to get to this clarity at will. I’ve learned how to open this gateway through which inspiration flows.
It is our birthright to experience clarity and inspiration on a daily basis, even with the busiest of lives. Just a little practice of meditation and mindfulness can allow you to experience clarity while you work on projects, run errands, raise your children, or cook dinner. There is simply no need to divide the inspired from the menial in your life.
Here are 10 things you can do to develop greater clarity:
- Learn to meditate.
- Listen to music of clarity.
- Be in nature.
- Breathe diaphragmatically.
- Go to the library, find a quiet spot, and read slowly.
- Exercise.
- Drink more water.
- Avoid heavy food and drink.
- Get enough sleep.
- Surround yourself with friends who already have clarity.
To be honest, I didn’t believe that clarity or inspiration really existed until I had absolutely none left at all. My life had to hit absolute rock bottom before my soul’s deep yearning kicked in to start my search. I hope you can develop your palate for clarity without the 2×4 wake-up call that I needed!