When was the last time you sat and did nothing? Just let your mind wander aimlessly and daydream? A great deal of value and importance is placed on “being busy” in modern-day North American life. Add to that a natural tendency to keep moving and it is easy to forget how important quiet and stillness are for rejuvenation, creativity, and problem-solving.
Allowing the mind quiet, undirected time gives it room for the subconscious to take over, make connections, and open up pathways to ideas and solutions. How many times has the answer to something you’ve struggled with come to you when you stepped away from the problem and concentrated on something else? Have you had great ideas materialize just as you are about to drift off to sleep? Or in the morning as you lie half-awake before crawling out of bed?
It is hard for most of us to clear the mind and be still. We feel guilty if we are not engaged in some kind of obvious “productive” activity. Sometimes we are afraid to face the turmoil in our heads. In troubled times, busyness can be a welcome distraction and give us time to heal. But eventually we need to face our inner turmoil and deal with it. In less troubled times, we still don’t know how to slow down our racing thoughts.
Meditation is a practice which trains the mind to become empty or focused. My husband and daughter meditate daily. I have yet to make it a regular habit, but appreciate its ability to provide calmness, clarity, and openness. The many forms of mediation can overwhelm and intimidate someone new to the form, but there are also many simple and easy guides to beginning meditation. My daughter recommends Jason Stephenson and The Honest Guys for beginners.
Other ways to help clear the mind include nature walks, prayer, and mind-body-soul exercises such as yoga and tai chi. Tai chi has been called a moving meditation. Or you can lean back and watch the clouds or the stars. Or sit and doodle. Colouring for adults has recently become popular for relaxation.
I think regularly allowing our minds to wander freely and trusting answers and ideas will be revealed to us is a key part of the creative process. I am a naturally busy person who likes to have things under control, but I am learning to appreciate and develop stillness. How do you clear the mind and open up creative thought?
I think that this whole notion of being being makes some people feel self-important:) I also meditate and sometimes I just like plain old silence
Jacquie, I agree that being busy makes some people feel important. Good for you for meditating.