It's been years since I've had that opportunity. NYC didn't exactly have any "quiet" places--not even in Central Park. Upstate New York was temperate about one month out of the year, and Florida for the most part has been the same story--but reverse. Too hot to go out. Well, that and I've let myself get busy.
For me, sitting is when inspiration hits. When I'm listening, when I clear the distractions away there are voices. No, I'm not talking the crazy characters in my head. I hear music: choirs, orchestras--incredible melodies, sounds so grand they can't be fully voiced by any mortal experience. They turn my mind to where answers lie.
My husband tells me I'm a bit of an anomaly. I don't believe him. Everyone has access to that channel of inspiration if they can just get still enough to hear it. It may not come through music. Yours might be a path of poetry, or observations, or conversation, but inspiration is out there. It's waiting for all of us in a most personal form. The question is, when will you stop to hear?
Not everyone,
ReplyDeleteis lucky to have a thinking rock in their back yard!! but, still I do think a lot all time, but my mind is at it's best while I am taking a walk in cool weather!! (LOL!!! It is a surprise that my muscle head can think too!!)
with warm regards
CatchyTips for Writers
Very soothing post, just what I needed.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a thinking rock, though I prefer a tree with the same view of course. But you're right, sometimes we don't always have access to our ideal spot, so we have to find a new one. I find so much peace in those rare moments when I'm responsibility-free and can just sit and listen to the frogs singing.
ReplyDeleteVery good post. We tend to get too busy--adding so much to our already crazy day--that we don't have time stop an listen. BUT we need to. We really do. There has to be even a small moment of time to keep for ourselves. We just need to look.
ReplyDeleteI will do much better at looking.
I can think and get inspired like that when I'm out walking, but too often, I put on my audiobook player and drown out everything else in somebody else's story.
ReplyDeleteI'm starting up a 'Critiquing Crusaders' program, where participants in the Second Crusade can find other writers to exchange critiques with or form critiquing circles. If you're interested, come by The Kelworth Files to check it out!
I agree, it's taking a moment to find the stillness that inspiration hits. I love to go for a walk and just listen to the wind fingering the grass and the leaves in the tress--this sound always helps me find my way to a story. :)
ReplyDeleteAngela @ The Bookshelf Muse
I know exactly what you mean :-D I thought today I might go a little nuts if I couldn't find that bit of quiet to just listen to my own thoughts. I managed to isolate myself in a room with headphones, but I much would have preferred a rock. When I was younger, there was a park I used to go to. Perfect place to sit and listen ^_^
ReplyDelete