Five easy methods for self-connection

The clutter of thoughts and the hustle-bustle of this busy life can sometimes lead creative people astray. How do you quiet your creative mind and declutter your thoughts before making your art? Here are five simple methods to help you reconnect with yourself. Five easy methods for self-connection.

Five easy methods for self-connection. Photo credit: Natalie Parham

Can you sense the air moving through your nostrils?

Can you hear your heartbeat? Your breathing? Your stomach juices?

Shut your eyes. Be aware of how your breathing sounds. Direct your attention to your head, eyelids, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, chest, stomach, groin, thighs, knees, calves, ankles, feet,... then sense the ground. It should take just a minute to do these things!

That, my friend, is intrinsic awareness. That’s your sense of identity. That’s how you connect with your authentic inner-self.

Intrinsic awareness is a path that can be taken to sanctuary

Without practicing intrinsic awareness, your actions will be driven by desires and urges. Making assumptions is something our minds do readily. Our thoughts are always in motion, jumping from one thought to the next. We’ll soon gravitate towards a false, over-the-top reality, and that will perhaps be fuelled by sensational visuals or hurtful remarks that exploit our vulnerabilities. External stimuli will prompt your mind and body to cater to your urges. But, by taking a moment to re-connect with the earth and re-connect to your sense of inner calm, you'll be able to shut down those overwhelming distractions.

Five easy methods for self-connection. Photo credit: Brett Jordan

Here are five easy methods for self-connection:

1. Take a moment to appreciate how happy you are and appreciate what you’ve accomplished today.

2. Treat yourself with kindness: prepare a special meal, have a calming bath, watch a film that holds meaning for you, or play the music you love.

3. Reconnect with someone you’ve lost touch with. This could be by text message or a social media post though will be more healing if done by phone; however, try to reach out to someone whom you’ve inadvertently overlooked. You shouldn’t feel guilty about this, because it’s a busy world and you've both been working hard. But once you've done it, you'll enjoy calm and a sense of inner joy.

4. When work and chores are finished for the day, maybe at 7:30pm, steer clear of energy-draining or anxiety-inducing activities. For example, stop checking your phone in the evening, ignore emails, stay away from social media, and don’t follow headline news.

5. Understand that hunger is a physical sensation, it's not a spiritual one. Satisfy your physical requirements before you attempt to achieve inner peace. Once you’ve eaten, seek a quiet place, ignore external sounds, anxieties, and interruptions. Try shutting out global issues. Start by spending a few minutes on your intrinsic awareness, as it might be tough to begin with. As you practice, you’ll find you can meditate for longer periods after a meal.

Let me know how you get on!

© Neil Mach April 2026

Neil Mach is a prolific English author known for his clean urban fantasy fiction (like his popular 'Moondog' series) and his historical fiction works. Neil is also a well-known public speaker, and a creativity advisor. Neil has a background as a rock journalist. He frequently shares his expertise on writing and the music business, particularly rock music history, and has written over 20 books, and he often addresses writing workshops. Since its launch in 2019, his extremely popular Myth & Magic podcast has provided enthusiasts of fantasy literature and fantasy art with over 125 hours of audio enjoyment.