Take a Trip

In my experience, I have found that taking a trip is often one of the best ways to get focused and stimulate your imagination and inspiration. Over the week of the July 4th holiday, I was able to take a trip to Steamboat Springs. Knowing that I would be completely removing myself from my normal, every day environment for a week, I decided to take my manuscripts with me and get some work done.

Of course, I always imagine that I can accomplish more than is actually possible, but at least I'm ambitious.

Okay... I admit it... I haven't accomplished anywhere near what I'd hoped I would accomplish, but that's okay too. I have gotten plenty of work done during my "vacation" and I've taken time to relax and vegetate as well, which I believe is equally important to the creative process.

I'm not exactly sure why, but I've come to understand that part of the creative process includes a time to completely "empty" the mind. I think it's like starting fresh on a new project. You need a blank sheet of paper, a new slab of clay, a clean white canvas, or whatever medium you work with.

The mind is also a slate for creating and needs to be "wiped clean" occasionally. I'm certainly not implying the frying of brain cells in order to do this! You'll need those brain cells. Rather I am suggesting that sometimes it's good to do absolutely nothing "productive."

Some of my time this week has been devoted to work, and some of it has been given to doing absolutely nothing productive -- without guilt! Allowing yourself down-time without guilt is essential to recreation (re-creation). Guilt consumes an enormous amount of energy and brain space, so if you're going to relax, let yourself do so guilt-free.

Lie by the pool; get a tan; sit in a hot tub; take a long, leisurely walk; visit a beautiful garden; watch television; sleep late; just do whatever you feel like doing. It'll help recharge your creative batteries.