Does boredom play an important role in creativity? If so, is technology ridding our lives of boredom at a perilous cost? On this Creativity Tip minisode, the truth gets 'curiouser and curiouser.' Along the way we explore research in neuroscience regarding the Default Mode Network, and psychological research that potentially proves the link between boredom and creativity. Try the Mental Cigarette Break Challenge: • Five minutes. Every day. For seven days. • Turn your phone notifications off. Put your devices to the side. • Stare out of a window. And let your mind wander for five minutes. • Take note of how you feel, what you thought about, and the quality of your awareness in that state. --------- Episode cover art: Brain image showing the main regions of the Default Mode Network (in yellow) with the paths of connectivity between regions. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Default_Mode_Network_Connectivity.png --------- Research mentioned in this episode:  - Dr. Marcus Raichle, the neurologist who discovered the Default Mode Network through brain imaging studies. Find out more about his important work at this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r15-Xde66s&t=6s - Dr. Sandi Mann & Rebekah Cadman's research study on the link between boredom and creative problem solving: http://clok.uclan.ac.uk/22263/1/22263%20Does%2520being%2520bored%2520make%2520us%2520more%2520creativeV2.pdf --------- To become a supporter of the show and gain access to all of the exclusive Creativity Tip episodes, head over to: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian -------- Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjdorian

Creative Codex

Creativity Tip 17: Boredom Breeds Creativity (The Mental Cigarette Break)

On this episode we sit down with multi-talented singer / songwriter: L'FREAQ. (Also known as Lea Cappelli.) We dive deep into all of the most interesting topics: Does creativity feed on despair and depression? How do you get to the gold? What is L'FREAQ's songwriting process? Do you hear music on the cusp of sleep? Listen to L'FREAQ's phenomenal new album, Showgirl: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6yIxwhGx8Mq6i1WwgRSfkQ?si=LeKcBiROTw-hW4Xy5xL9OA&dl_branch=1 Showgirl is also available on all music platforms.  Connect with L'FREAQ: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lfreaq/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/leacappelli Big thank you to Lea for coming on the show! It was a blast to geek out about songwriting and creativity. --------- Big Thank you to my Patreon supporters! Shout out to the Shadow Fam: Aneudy Valerio, Barak Talker, Corey, Dallas Okelly, Daniel V., DVM, Glen QuiltSwissy, Jay, Jimmy D, John Bergmans, Jye Marchant, Karina Hurenkamp-Alvarenga, Kristina Lamour Sansone, Michael Lloyd, Owen McAteer, Ruben Corona, Sowmya Harigaran, Tess Callahan, Thivai Abhor, Viggs Verikas, Yadie Cisneros, and Zuko's World. If you'd like to become a Patron of the show, and gain access to all of the exclusive Creativity Tip episodes, as well as Episode Exclusives, head over to: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian Thank you for all of your support! --------- Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian. https://mjdorian.com/ Let's Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjdorian 

26: L'FREAQ (In Conversation)

Is art dangerous? On this minisode, I share a personal story about the art project that almost killed me. I call this: The Devil Wood Incident. This is Exhibit A in a miniseries exploring the theme: Art Is Dangerous.  Here is a link to the Devil Wood music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TTL-GKBMTk If you would like to share your own Art Is Dangerous story for a future episode, reach out to me: info@mjdorian.com Instagram of singer / songwriter / vocal alchemist, Shelley Thomas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TTL-GKBMTk The song featured in this episode is called Dwell Within Me (feat. Shelley Thomas), on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/track/45TKlkP734PwRGYbhKaLzZ?si=9f6e26d2826444a2 --------- If you'd like to become a Patron of Creative Codex, and gain access to all the Creativity Tip episodes as well as Episode Exclusives, head over to: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian Thank you for your support! --------- Let's connect on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjdorian

Art Is Dangerous (Exhibit A: The Devil Wood Incident)

On this episode we explore the tragic death of Vincent van Gogh. We seek to answer, once and for all, was it: suicide or homicide? In the process we discover that the two popular theories explaining Vincent's death are deeply flawed, and a new theory emerges.  This episode follows the events of that fateful day through Theo's perspective. After a thorough investigation, we explore the aftermath, and meet the woman who made Vincent van Gogh a household name: Johanna van Gogh-Bonger. The original music of this episode features a very special guest, singer & songwriter: L'FREAQ. (Also known as Lea Cappelli.) Follow  all of L'FREAQ's music through her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lfreaq/ Listen to L'FREAQ on Spotify: L'FREAQ Spotify And enjoy her YouTube music vids (one which I directed!): https://www.youtube.com/user/leacappelli --------- Explore the paintings mentioned in this episode by visiting this companion gallery I made: https://mjdorian.com/vincent/ --------- Diaries of Johanna van Gogh: https://www.bongerdiaries.org/dagboek_jo_3_section_83 --------- Watch my video about Vincent's most disturbing painting, done while he was suffering from a psychotic episode: https://youtu.be/EHkm6LMXjiA --------- Become a supporter of the show, and receive access to all the Creativity Tip episodes and Episode Exclusives here: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian --------- Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian. Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/ For Merch & News: https://mjdorian.com/

25: Vincent van Gogh • At Eternity's Gate (Madness, Genius, & Tragedy: Part 4)

On May 8th, 1889, Vincent van Gogh checks in to a mental asylum. What begins as a three month stay extends into a year. A period of time during which Vincent paints 141 masterpieces in between bouts of debilitating psychotic attacks.  On this episode, we dive into Vincent and Theo's letters to finally uncover all of the details about Vincent's yearlong stay in the asylum.  The original music of this episode features a very special guest, singer & songwriter: L'FREAQ. (Also known as Lea Cappelli.) Follow all of L'FREAQ's music through her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lfreaq/ Listen to L'FREAQ on Spotify: L'FREAQ Spotify And enjoy her YouTube music vids (one which I directed!): https://www.youtube.com/user/leacappelli --------- Explore the paintings mentioned in this episode by visiting this companion gallery I made: https://mjdorian.com/vincent/ --------- Watch my video about Vincent's most disturbing painting, done while he was suffering from a psychotic episode: https://youtu.be/EHkm6LMXjiA --------- Become a supporter of the show, and receive access to all the Creativity Tip episodes and Episode Exclusives here: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian. Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/ For Merch & News: https://mjdorian.com/

24: Vincent van Gogh • The Asylum (Madness, Genius, & Tragedy: Part 3)

What is the 10,000 Hours Rule? How can you apply it in your life? I first stumbled on this theory in the book: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. The basic premise is this: to achieve mastery in any skill that requires complex cognitive processes, you need to put in roughly 10,000 hours of effort, spread across a 10 year span. In other words, if you want to become a master at something, you will have to clock in about 10,000 hours into that domain. That could be anything from cooking, computer coding, rapping, martial arts, piano playing, oil painting, and so on. Since that book, the theory has been a bit more fleshed out by more recent studies, that bring 'deliberate practice' into the equation. In this special Creativity Tip episode I explain and explore the implications of this compelling theory. And most importantly: how to apply it in your life. Here is a link to the original 1993 research paper by Anders Ericsson: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1993-40718-001 --------- If you'd like to become a patron of Creative Codex and gain access to all of the Creativity Tip episodes, as well as Episode Exclusives, head on over to my Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian Thank you for your support! Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/ And Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjdorian

Creativity Tip 15: The 10,000 Hours Rule

On this special episode, we dive into the full truth about the most infamous event in art history: Vincent van Gogh's ear incident. The 'ear incident' serves as a catalyst event, which signals the onset of a mental affliction which will torment Vincent van Gogh for his final three years. Paradoxically, at the same time his mental health is in decline, his paintings are showing the signs of a creative genius.  Explore all of the paintings mentioned in this episode at this companion gallery: https://mjdorian.com/vincent/ --------- Music featured in this episode: Necro-Future (Featured during the 'Vincent van Goth' section of the episode @9:43 of this episode.) Song written & performed by Horned Head: https://soundcloud.com/user-86360942 Guitar / Vocals: Michael Pisano / Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papa_pisano/ Website: https://www.michaeljamespisano.com/ Drums: James Aqua / Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_aqua/  --------- If you'd like to become a patron of Creative Codex, and unlock access to all of the exclusive Creativity Tip episodes (and Episode Exclusives), head over to my Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian --------- Do your own research and explore Vincent's incredible correspondences at: http://vangoghletters.org/vg/ --------- Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian All music by MJDorian (except as mentioned above) Creative Codex YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9xwt3hz49VBbgqN80driTQ Check out my art and follow behind the scenes content about the show on my social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/

23: Vincent van Gogh • The Ear Incident (Madness, Genius, & Tragedy: Part 2)

Can madness and genius be contained in one individual? Can psychosis and the rarest artistry be contained in one mind? These contradictions pervade the story of Vincent van Gogh. And in the final three years of his life, they culminate in a whirlwind. You may think you know Vincent, you may have heard about him on a TV show or a podcast. But not like this.  Over the next three episodes, we will explore Van Gogh’s personal letters, doctor’s reports, police reports, and family letters, to paint a vivid picture of Vincent in his three final years, these are the years that produced his most famous and beloved works, and the years in which Vincent’s final tragic descent begins. Was he actually psychotic or just misunderstood? Did he really cut off his ear and commit suicide? Was he actually a creative genius or is it all just hype? Let’s find out. Episode Notes: • Here is a special gallery I made (as mentioned in the episode) where you can view selections of Vincent's paintings from 1880-1887: https://mjdorian.com/vincent/ • If you are enjoying CREATIVE CODEX please share it with someone! Anyone who you think would enjoy it. It is the number one way to help this show grow! And thank you in advance. • If you'd like to become a patron of the show, and receive access to all of the exclusive patron-only Creativity Tip mini-episodes, please head over to my Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian • Thank you for your support! --------- Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian. All music in this episode was written & produced by MJDorian. --------- Follow me on social media to stay up to date on all the new releases: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjdorian All rights reserved. 

22: Vincent van Gogh • A Strange Boy (Madness, Genius, & Tragedy: Part 1)

This is a special Guided Meditation episode called Discover Your Heart. (You do not need to have any experience with meditation for this experience to work for you. Give it a try!) Oftentimes we only truly listen to our body when we are feeling pain or pleasure. This means we ignore the subtle sensations which are happening every minute of every day. This meditation specifically focuses on your heart. The engine of your body. Your body is the vehicle you will be using for your life journey. So why not become familiar with the engine that runs your vehicle?  We begin this meditation with a breathing and relaxation exercise that brings the body to a point of profound stillness. Next, we explore the sensations which become much easier to notice in this stillness, specifically your heart, and the ripples that its beating send into specific areas in your body.  This Guided Meditation is based on a meditation mentioned in the book: Projection of the Astral Body by Sylvan Muldoon.  --------- If you would like to become a Patron of CREATIVE CODEX, and gain access to the exclusive Patron-Only Creativity Tip episodes, head over to my Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian --------- Creative Codex is written and produced by MJDorian Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/

Guided Meditation • Discover Your Heart

Is there a line between genius and madness? What is the difference between the madness of artists and the madness of genius? This is a brief opening lecture which I presented for an event called The Madness of Genius, which was held on April 20th, 2021, on the Clubhouse app. This was the first event held by the Creative Codex Club, and featured two special guest speakers: Emily Dickinson scholar, Justin Horm, and holistic psychiatrist, Dr. Kelley O'Donnell.  If you have Clubhouse, follow Creative Codex Club and myself (MJ Dorian), to join the community and enjoy future conversations! Here is a link: https://www.joinclubhouse.com/club/creative-codex-club --------- ...To be an artist means to be possessed by something unreasonable; to be devoted to something entirely impractical... ...Artists are the only people in the world whom we give the rare permission to be — strange. We expect them to be bold. In fact, we even need them to be. Because when we see an artist embodying something strange and bold, it gives us the permission to be ourselves. It presents us an opportunity to accept the parts of our psychology we often keep in the shadows... --------- Thank you for your support! Creative Codex is produced and written by MJDorian 

The Madness of Genius (Opening Lecture from Creative Codex Club event 4/20/21)

In 1948, Salvador Dali wrote a notorious treatise with the intention to "save modern art from chaos and laziness". On this feature length episode, we explore Salvador Dali's 50 Secrets of Magic Craftsmanship.  We focus on ten essential secrets from this bizarre treatise including: the secret of the painter's pointed mustache, the sleep technique known as the 'slumber with a key', rules for lovemaking, the secret of having a spider as a pet, pigments to rely on and those to banish from your palette, and many more! So did he succeed in saving modern art with Dalinian magic? Let’s find out!  Learn more about Salvador Dali's artwork and life in episode 7 of Creative Codex. To listen: scroll down in the podcast feed to '7: Salvador Dali (Saint of Delusion)'.   If you are enjoying the show and would like to leave a tip, you can now do so on Venmo! Just open your Venmo app and search: @creativecodex  If you would like to become a patron of the show and receive access to all the patron-exclusive Creativity Tip episodes, head over to: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian  ---------  All music in this show is written and produced by MJDorian.  Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian  https://mjdorian.com/  Follow my art, music, and updates on Instagram, where you'll also find my email: https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian/

21: The Magic Secrets of Salvador Dali

How do you find the ideas that excite you? How do you encourage inspiration within a fixed structure of habit? Ideas thrive in the unfamiliar. Take your expertise and engage it through something related but unfamiliar. This is a Creativity Tip mini-episode. If you found it helpful or interesting, please share it with someone you think will enjoy it! If you would like to listen to all of the Creativity Tip mini-episodes head over to my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian Thank you so much for your support! Make sure to Follow / Subscribe to CREATIVE CODEX in your podcast app, and click the notification option so you get the upcoming episode right when it publishes. --------- Creative Codex is written and produced by MJDorian https://mjdorian.com/

Creativity Tip 14: Ideas Thrive In The Unfamiliar

Join us for a special Listener Q&A episode of Creative Codex, where the spotlight is on you, and your thoughts and questions. Questions covered on this episode include such gems as: How do you decide on a creative figure for your next episode? What's up with NFTs and thoughts on digital art? Could you discuss Austin Osman Spare and his theory that art and magic are somehow linked? Why do more intelligent people tend to be atheists? How closely do you think mastery is related to reclusiveness? Head over to the Creative Codex YouTube channel to watch me wrestle with three special questions not included in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9xwt3hz49VBbgqN80driTQ/featured To become a patron of Creative Codex, and gain access to all the exclusive Creativity Tip mini-episodes head over to: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian Thank you for your support! Creative Codex is written and produced by MJDorian

20: Listener Q&A (Topics: Carl Jung, creativity as a form of magic, Bollingen Tower, NFTs, Emily Dickinson, etc)

Join us as we dive deep into the enigmatic mind of Emily Dickinson. In this episode, we explore her creative process, her most intimate letters, the mysterious details about her illness, and the secret to her creative genius: solitude. Episode Guide including the featured poems is available here: http://mjdorian.com/emily/ The voice of Emily Dickinson is performed by: Frances LaVette. Follow Frances and her projects on social media here: https://www.instagram.com/l.a.d.y_l.a.z.a.r.u.s._/ Support Creative Codex at our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian Continue the conversation on our subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/CreativeCodex/ Thank you for all your support! --------- Creative Codex is written & produced by MJDorian. All music written & recorded by MJDorian. All Rights Reserved. 

19: The Enigma of Emily Dickinson (Part 2)

What would you do if you had unlimited resources? What project or career would you pursue? On this Creativity Tip minisode I guide you through a thought exercise that re-frames how you view the world. We often view the world through economic resources because society is limited by economics; but that doesn't mean your creativity needs to be. Change your perspective and you will be surprised to find there are countless resources around you that can help you work toward your dreams and goals. "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." - Theodore Roosevelt If you'd like to enjoy all of the Creativity Tip mini-episodes (including one about the ever controversial issue of drugs & creativity) head over to my Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/mjdorian All patron tiers come with their own special perks! All tiers, from as low as $1, include access to all the Creativity Tip episodes. Thank you for your support! --------- Creative Codex is written and produced by MJDorian

Creativity Tip 12: Limitless Creativity

An artist's guide to the labyrinth of creativity. Join us as we explore the mysteries of human genius, how creativity works, and how you can improve your own creative process. The labyrinth awaits. Creative Codex is one-part podcast and one-part imaginative lecture series, featuring thoroughly researched insights into the creative process mixed with captivating soundscapes and original music. Produced & Written by MJDorian

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Creative Codex

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