Unlocking Creativity: Your Brain & Expanded States of Consciousness

Creativity is not limited to artists or inventors. It shapes how we solve problems, adapt to change, imagine alternatives, and make meaning in our lives. Yet many people feel creatively blocked, stuck in familiar ways of thinking, or unable to access fresh perspectives, especially under pressure or routine.

From a neuroscience perspective, creativity is closely tied to how flexible the brain is. Over time, habits, roles, and repeated patterns of thought can narrow perception and reinforce predictable responses. While this efficiency can be useful, it can also limit imagination, curiosity, and our ability to see beyond well-worn mental pathways.

A study involving expanded states of consciousness suggested that it could be a novel tool to investigate underlying neural mechanisms of the creative process. The study also supported historical claims that expanded states of consciousness can influence aspects of the creative process, reducing conventional thinking, and giving rise to novel thoughts.

What We’ll Explore

• How creativity is expressed in the brain and why it can feel blocked over time
• The role of rigid thinking patterns in limiting imagination and insight
• What current research suggests about expanded states of consciousness and cognitive flexibility
• How altered perception can influence problem-solving and new perspectives