Space to Think
This past weekend, I found myself in the Badlands of North Dakota in 100 degree heat. As my partner-in-crime rode the 50 mile Maah Daah Hey bike race, I went for a 12 mile hike. Crazy? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely.
I trekked through a petrified forest, stunningly stark landscapes, and near-dry creek beds. I ventured from the trail and bushwhacked my way through 3-4 miles. I saw prairie dogs (hundreds), bison, wild horses, a gigantic elk, a fox that had just made a kill, some grouse, and a red-tailed hawk. Mostly, I thought.
Being in the middle of nowhere is great for stimulating creative thought. The trick is to not try too hard; let the thoughts come to you as they will. This is something I've learned through meditation instruction--let your thoughts pass through you like clouds.
Sometimes you'll come up with brilliant ideas (for me, I often envision potential story scenes or even entire plot lines when I'm walking around aimlessly), and sometimes you'll think of nothing. On the days I think of nothing fresh/new/original, I try not to worry. At the very least I've primed my mind to receive new thoughts and ideas. I always capture some serenity through my treks that helps me fret less about day-to-day life and focus more on creative energy.
The main lessons: Get away. Be by yourself. Don't be afraid to turn your brain off for a while. And always keep a pen and paper handy (you never know what might pop into your head).
-Kate
I trekked through a petrified forest, stunningly stark landscapes, and near-dry creek beds. I ventured from the trail and bushwhacked my way through 3-4 miles. I saw prairie dogs (hundreds), bison, wild horses, a gigantic elk, a fox that had just made a kill, some grouse, and a red-tailed hawk. Mostly, I thought.
Being in the middle of nowhere is great for stimulating creative thought. The trick is to not try too hard; let the thoughts come to you as they will. This is something I've learned through meditation instruction--let your thoughts pass through you like clouds.
Sometimes you'll come up with brilliant ideas (for me, I often envision potential story scenes or even entire plot lines when I'm walking around aimlessly), and sometimes you'll think of nothing. On the days I think of nothing fresh/new/original, I try not to worry. At the very least I've primed my mind to receive new thoughts and ideas. I always capture some serenity through my treks that helps me fret less about day-to-day life and focus more on creative energy.The main lessons: Get away. Be by yourself. Don't be afraid to turn your brain off for a while. And always keep a pen and paper handy (you never know what might pop into your head).
-Kate
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