Creativity: Walking the Walk

Lake Tenkiller/ Fall 2013

There is such a thing as being "too busy." We all have an ongoing list of to do items-but without breaks- we can get into a rut in our thinking. In addition to the demands of work; the cell phone buzzes, the dog wants out, dinner must be prepared . . . Interruptions and multitasking create a stress that inhibits free thinking.  Although we are human beings, our lifestyle is why we sometimes just feel like "human doings."  So what is a struggling creative to do?  Let your mind wander- take a walk.

In Julia Cameron’s landmark book The Artists Way (1992), she suggests the elements of encouraging your creative self as a combination of discipline (write three pages every day), inspiration (schedule artist’s dates regularly), and as a P.S. she advises we walk.  Why walk?

In 2012 researchers from the University of Utah and the University of Kansas were curious to see if gentle nature experiences could restore attention from the interruptive demands of technology in everyday life. Their subjects were outward bound backpackers and no cell phones were allowed throughout the experiment. One group was administered a creativity test at the beginning of the trail, the other group took it four days into their hike. The second group (4 days in) scored 50% higher on the creativity measure.  A lead researcher noted that the distractions and technological stimulation of ordinary life pose a threat: 

“They sap our resources to do the fun thinking and cognition that humans are capable of—things like creativity, or being kind and generous, along with our ability to feel good and be in a positive mood.”

In our typical week we won’t have four days to increase our creativity but even a brief walk away from our to-do lists (and our cell phones) gives our mind a chance to wander. On my weekend walk with Suki I noticed the temperature, wind, birds, distant chatter, skateboarders, and the smell of barbecue grills. I just don’t get that in my writing space or at work.

Time Square/Spring 2012

Writer/visual artist Maira Kalman describes her walks through Manhattan as an intentional "creative device. In an interview by "Brain Pickings she credits the changing visual field and even the gait of other walkers as helping her tune into her feeling state and literally step away from the thinking state.

Wherever we choose to walk, the changed sensory experience can clear our mind clutter--paving the way for original ideas and restored mental attitude. It alters the rhythm of our life just enough to change the patterns of our thoughts.When creativity matters--there is no such thing as wasted time!

SH*T my Brain Says

Friday had all of the elements of an awesome day. The weather was perfect for a road trip to celebrate my daughter's 20th birthday.  Aforementioned daughter was already home from college and excited to spend time with me. (!)

I was in terrific spirits.  Until I hit a brain drain. 
 
what is wrong with me?
why do I even try?
I am gaining it all back
I can't do this
I don't deserve to buy any new clothes
Now I can't enjoy myself
Everyone but me knows the truth
I have been fat
I will be fat
fat
fat
FAT


I "weighed in" at weight watchers. It wasn't good news.

The number on the scale unleashed a barrage of flying monkeys.  My stinking thinking was relentless and unkind. It was as if we brought along a mean girl on our road trip.  She even said the "F** word."

After three and a half hours of straining to listen to my daughter over the voices in my head, the hotel receptionist handed us two steaming hot chocolate chip cookies. 

"Stupid cookie" I said and ate it quickly before I could change my mind.

The stupid cookie wasn't even good.

This week I am planning to "move more, eat healthy" as per my weight watcher leader and equally important "silence the stinking thinking."
  
What triggers your inner mean girl?

Got Girlfriends? 5 great reasons why you should!

Some of my "girlfriends"- The Inklings Critique Group

March is National Women's History Month
http://womenshistorymonth.gov/about.html. Lets celebrate by focusing on women's issues all month long. In my opinion you can't address women's issues without talking about female friendship.  In addition to the fun and shared interests there are many health benefits to building strong relationship bonds with other women.

 In a lab at UCLA two female researchers were commenting on how when their male counterparts where stressed they would typically isolate to work out a problem.  In contrast, these researchers found themselves cleaning up the lab, making coffee, and talking to one another about the problem to find a solution.  Sound familiar? This keen observation led Drs. Klein and Taylor to evaluate the research on stress and sure enough the research subjects were typically male.  A new research line was born to examine the unique stress responses of women.  In addition to the traditional "fight or flight" responses of men, women also demonstrated a "tend and befriend" response.  When we women are under stress we have a biologically driven instinct to take care of our children and seek out the support of other women.  (And clean the house- or is that just me?)

Female friendship also has proven health benefits:

1. Lowered blood pressure and cholesterol.
2. Longer life span.
3. Improved adjustment from the death of a spouse.
4. Increased psychological well being.
5. Improved relaxation response through the release of oxytocin, a strong neurochemical associated with maternal bonding.

This past fall my father was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Trying to balance the additional responsibility of attending to my dad and helping my mother left me little time to "tend and befriend."  I am forever grateful that friends provided constant support and encouragement through texts, voicemails, and cards.  It was a sacred journey that strengthened the bonds of our friendship. 

The research collected in this post will hopefully encourage us all to resist the urge to reduce our contact with friends when times get challenging.

Leave a comment to further the discussion of the benefits of girlfriends.

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