I have recently had a frank discussion with a fellow writer on the best way to get writing done and out into the world. Iāve been musing on how I get the most out of myself. I have tried to ascertain what needs to be done to maximise output whilst minimising that stressed, burnout feeling that often comes with self-imposed pressure.
The creative process is a strange one for me. I have come to realise that if I am not fully rested I find it so difficult to even produce a Substack note. If I donāt feel fully at ease, or I am feeling doubtful, my mind shuts down and I have to walk away from my task and take a break. I often wonder who else feels this way. Is this a normal response to producing something concrete from our innermost thoughts?
I admit, I am a bit of a flibbertigibbet, a person with a butterfly brain - flitting from one thing to the next, having great difficulty getting a task completed before another great idea pops up and needs to be tended to. Itās exhausting! So, before my mind explodes, I take myself off, sit down, go to bed, curl up with my head on a cushion and just stare into space. And waitā¦..sometimes for quite a while.
How long should I stay in this cocooned state?
Inertia, too much of it, causes us to cease up. Our joints complain with the lack of movement, our brains get foggy with the lack of stimulation, and so, like most things in life, it is a case of balance. There definitely comes a time when I feel that the only way to get anything done has to be by taking action.
First retreat, then move
For me, I believe there is one way to combat this in a gentle, self-preservation way and that is to get up, put on appropriate clothes and go for a walk in nature, even if it is for just a few moments.
In nature:
Trees provide oxygen to breathe
Woodlands give off life enhancing chemicals
Fresh air lifts
Movement helps with balance and posture
Observing helps us feel connected
Becoming at one with our surroundings helps to remind us of our being a part of something great
Writing from our nature experience brings clarity and freedom to our thoughts
Photo by Tyler Held on Unsplash After only a few short moment walking in nature, my alertness returns, I feel energised. Doing something physical in the garden like digging or potting up or dead heading gives me opportunities for mindfulness connection to the earth. I enjoy walking barefoot on the grass and I love exploring for fragrance - those multisensory experiences take my awareness to another level.
Well hi there!
Being an introvert, social engagement can be very tricky for me. If Iām honest, I try to avoid crowds and large social gatherings as much as possible, knowing that all my energy will be drained very quickly. But, I also love being amongst like-minded people who are kind, watch my back and understand and accept my needs for survival. So, when I meet such people I am so grateful for that connection. I think they do me good too.
So I would say there is a unique recipe for a fulfilled life for everyone. That awareness of what is needed at any one given moment according to individual needs rather that societal expectations is key for a life full of growth and resilience.
For me I need:
Solitude
Quiet rest
A pillow
Water
A garden
My walking shoes
A waterproof coat
Like minded connections
Discussions with kindred spirits
Unconditional acceptance
Genuine kindness
Something to ponder:
What do you need to do to maximise your potential?
How do you gather momentum after a period of rest?
What qualities does your ideal kindred spirit possess?
Nearly forgot - this piece by Wendell Berry is really interesting. He talks about the transition from fast life to slow break (camping/hiking) being too quick when we drive everywhere. Our brains can't process the sudden and complete change so soon. If we walk we have a much better transition. Walking's brilliant innit!
I have heard this described as 'complete brain rest': sometimes only staring out the window will do. I like the thought of a walk to click back into place afterwards too.