when the best thing to do is...nothing

I talk a lot about ways of stirring inspiration and developing story ideas, after all, that is what the word, picture and song are all about.  But sometimes the best thing you can do doesn't involve doing anything.

I find that carving out time for solitude and reflection are just as important as exercising my brain and toying with ideas.

This subject came to me this morning when it dawned on me I hadn't meditated in a while.  Waking from a restless night, replaying a mental list is always a good indicator! 

For me, it tends to come in fits and starts, depending on the pace of my life, but usually the time I need to do it, is the time I'm so busy I struggle to get away long enough.  After a while my brain actually feels tired, like there's a glitch in the current or something, and that is my reminder to take some time out and give my poor head a break.

Most writers are excessive thinkers, well I am anyway, and my mind never shuts off willingly.  I have a steady stream of thoughts, all day.  The second one thing quiets, another starts up, literally giving me seconds between them.  Yes, it's tiring and actually sometimes, annoying, but I've never known any different so it's quite normal to me.  Only through talking to others have I realised not everyone thinks like I do.  Can you believe there are people out there that go for a minute or more with no thoughts!  I know, what's wrong with them? LOL  I find the idea of that amusing.  I actually have to think about not thinking!

I don't meditate anywhere near as often as I'd like but when I get the time/motivation, I sequester myself away and sit in silence.  Initially, because my brain has other plans, I'll need to follow a guided meditation to shut it up, then I'll sit in silence, but if I've been doing it regularly it only takes me sitting for a minute and then the peace comes.

My logic for this is that if you don't rest the muscles you use constantly you'll wear them out.  Think of an athlete.  I wonder if you've ever thought of your brain that way before?

When I've given it a well-earned break I find that I have actually opened it up to receiving more inspiration.  It's like some well-needed clearing out has happened subconsciously in the process, and there is now a tidy desk ready for work again!

So, give you brain a break once in a while, for your own sanity as well as your creativity.

Happy resting ;)
Emma