Life is noisy, and it’s only getting more so, which makes it difficult to stay focused and get in touch with your creative intuition. Is it possible in these hyper-connected times to actually get alone with your thoughts?
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For me the best strategy for tapping into my thoughts is a brisk walk in the park in the morning. While there may be others walking as well, it’s not a time when people are generally walking for the social opportunities, so we can be alone with our thoughts.
“A fear that deep thought yields an accountability for action.” Todd Henry
Can I quote you on my blog and possibly make a Pinterest pin of this quote? I’m happy to reference your book and podcast along with it.
Of course – you’re welcome to quote. Thanks for asking.
I really enjoyed this podcast Todd. There’s just not enough emphasis on the importance of finding time alone for your thoughts, a time where we can evaluate, explore, and understand ourselves. Just thinking about carving time out of my day and stare into a blank wall with a notepad for 20min is daunting. Doing anything else seem more ‘productive’. But I so very much believe in this ‘wall time’ which is why I shall try it tonight before bed and see if it can develop into a good habit. =)
Love the Accidental Creative. I only wish there are transcripts available so I can review, bookmark, and quote you easier.
Thanks, Julie! I’m glad you’re finding the podcasts helpful. We’re looking into the transcription thing…
my long (driving) commute has been the best thing for me. the drive is slow (traffic ugh) but it helps me safely zone out and just brainstorm and think and let ideas flow… other distractions like a phone can’t be used so you really are sitting there, alone, but it’s still a choice to actively turn my mind and focus on myself
As someone who practices meditation, I love the concept of this “spacing out” skill alongside the contrasting “staying here” meditation approach….and by “love” I mean I resist it but definitely value it ;) To add to this conversation, I think it is also interesting to literally tie the practice of listening into the body, where so much of our intuition and creativity stems from. In one of the articles I will post at the below, the definition of serotonin offered is “the neurotransmitters in the body that dial down the intensity of sound” which wonderfully relates to this podcast about turning the noise down. If 80-90% of our serotonin is in the gut and if the gut is responsible for feeding the brain messages via the vagus nerve, then maybe a spacing out that also includes an embodied position/movement could also be of value. Some even as simple as a weighted bolster over the stomach, or hands resting on the abdomen for interoceptive feedback. Thanks for such a great post! Below are some links that I think add to the discussion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HzNAbN_0FI
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gut-second-brain/
http://nutritionwonderland.com/2009/06/understanding-bodies-serotonin-connection-between-food-and-mood/