Creative Thinking: Tip 3 - Relax!

“It takes a lot of time to be a genius, you have to sit around so much doing nothing, really doing nothing.” – Gertrude Stein

I thought that quote was appropriate for this post. Don’t worry! I’m not going to hold you too long, at least not tonight. 

I suppose a good many of us, at this moment, are in need of a “good idea.”  Whether it’s for a story, work, creative bill paying, making a million dollars, whatever. Me? Right now, I’m in need of one miracle of an idea. Actually, any idea that will unblock my current story will suffice.

So, there you are, struggling for an idea. Any idea. You’re racking your brain, tossing at night, cursing your cat, spinning your head in Exorcist fashion (maybe with pea soup as an extra), but you cannot come up with one. Sometimes, you get on your computer, looking for that ray of hope, but there isn’t any. You have even started to talk to yourself.

Sound a little bit like you when you’re trying to think up an idea?

Maybe that’s a little drastic and dramatic, but I think it gets the point across. And that point is:

You’ll be hard pressed to come up with any idea, let alone a good one, if you try too hard. All of that worrying, all of that thinking, all of that cursing will only prove to be a hindrance to your creative thinking process.  What you need is to relax and let the more mysterious part of your brain takeover. Let it come naturally.

Here are some suggestions to help you along:

1. Do nothing. Sit down on your couch, turn the music down a little, turn off the lights, and just breathe. Let your mind wander freely and see how that works. Like incense? Light some up. Know how to meditate? Go for it.
2. Go take a walk. Not only does exercise improve your thinking process, the environment will give you the stimulation your mind may need as a kick-start.
3. Go do something you haven’t ever done before. What? You haven’t been to the new bookstore yet? What’re you waiting for? Don’t go with the intention of thinking up an idea, but to sit, relax, and read. See if something doesn’t strike you.
4. Go take a Hollywood shower, for as long as the hot water will last. This is one of my favorites. This has helped me a lot (with writing and other things.)
5. And one of my other favorites, going for a drive. In fact, I find this to my liking, much better than number 1, but not quite as good as number 4.

There, see if some of these suggestions help. They’re not perfect, mind you, but they should help.  If anything, it’ll help you relax and unwind from your hard day; I’m sure you deserve it.

How about you? Do you have something to add to this list?

Comments

[1ConfusedWriter]

Hi Benjamin,

You make a good point. In fact, the subtitle reminds me of a late-night commercial, or one of a billion get-rich-quick sites out there.

Fortunately, I didn't buy it blindly. I was hanging out, as usual, at a local Barnes & Noble bookstore, when I came across it. The information, at least to this novice, seemed to be pretty good compared to the price. I think the price and few tidbits of good information were worth the "attention-grabbing" subtitle.

Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Benjamin.

Vic

[Benjamin Solah]

Thanks for commenting on my blog.

I think non-fiction writing is too often looked past. I've been reading a lot of journalistic type books regarding various issues, and I always seem to enjoy them.

The subititle of the book you mentioned turned me off. I'm not fussed by the word 'Damn', but I am fussed with writing books that talk about writing in relation to making a lot of money. It seems a lot of people are thinking about being millionares if they write a few books. Most writers will never experience this. I write because I love writing, and if I wanted to be rich, I'd be doing something else.

[1ConfusedWriter]

Hey Mike,

Thanks for your comment. I also belive that once a good idea occurs to you, you need to get it down as soon as possible. I can't remember the statistics, but the good idea could be history within just a matter of a couple of days if you don't make note of it. I hate to think how many I've forgotten because of this.

I'm finding my digital recorder has been a Godsend for this problem.

Anyway, thanks again!

Oh, and I saw your posted URL. I'll be checking it out shortly.

Take care,

Vic

[Mike]

Vic, Mike again.

There have been many creative geniuses who swear by the shower. I do, as well. Your advice is very sound. What works best for me, is to let that one idea I have stew for a bit. Maybe read an author that really challenges me, for instance, if I wanted to write the quintessential coming of age in a classic voice but with modern undertones, maybe Catcher in the Rye. You get the point. Then, take a shower. While in the shower, instead of saying "How the h*ll am I going to write this," I'd play the story in my head. Imagine it's actually happening...or happened. You'd be surprised what your character will do! Most often, using this approach, I have to JUMP from the shower, grab a pen, and start writing while dripping wet. (I have this belief that raw thoughts are best, and if stored in memory, lose their potency)

There's proof that running water actually stimulates the creative process.