Niel Steven's Ted Talk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU7ymQyIMfk

I found this Ted Talk video to be a very interesting perspective on what sparks creativity, from a psychological standpoint. Niel Stevens is a trained psychologist, designer, and magazine editor. He discusses the thread of creative process and what is behind the "spark of creativity".
He begins by addressing the different methods people have used to reignite creative fire - which included meditation, travel inspiration, and virtual reality experience. None seemed to be successful long term - or have a consistent affect on creative spark. But these experiences opened the doors to some things that inhibit creativity - which might be the most valuable concept to understand.
First, he explained about competing networks - and that if you want to get into your imagination, you have to let go of your conscious control. The need for explanation may also stop creativity - trying to search for a specific method may be creating a scaffolding that is limiting.
The most important information I got out of this video is his concept of the "Villain" and how recent society is focused on more productivity, more focus and more concentration - which is all part of the frontal lobe of the brain, and something that has changed increasingly in the last few years. Our phones play a large part in this, as it forbids any "Dead time" for our minds to wander. I think about how many times I unconsciously go on my phone when I have nothing else to do, and how my many times in the day my mind is stimulated with social media. Logically, it makes no sense for our minds to be stimulated by phones day in an day out.
To conclude, Niel wonders if a lot of our next breakthroughs might be about turning things off, focusing less, and giving things less attention. Rather than finding a method, it may be more about making peace with yourself and discontinuing monotonous tasks that are depriving you rather than inspiring you. Easier said than done, but I really enjoyed this ted talk.