Empty Brain: Big Thoughts

Robert Grudin, writer, teacher and philosopher, in his book, Time and the Art of Living, says, Because it is a radical act of freedom, creative achievement is a heroic process that requires, in all its permutations, specific strengths of character.

He also guides us, in yet another of his books, to clear the workspace and sit patiently, ready to receive.  I practice this when I sit down to write and find that it always works.  Want to know more?  Here's the bizz buzzz.

I believe, as Grudin does, that if the physical space is crowded, there is no room for anything new.  Great example is a desk covered in papers, books, to-do lists, yesterday's lunch, magazines, two stacks of things to deal with and a coffee mug!  I also believe that if the part in our brains, which is used to fire up ideas cannot function properly; if it is overwhelmed by thoughts of what went wrong today, who I need to meet with, how am I going to finish this on time, did I forget to turn off the coffee-maker, where should I take my mother for her birthday dinner and so on, then creativity will come in very labored spurts.  This is where "writer's block" lives and where all of us find ourselves at one time or another.

In order for our creativity to begin flowing, we must clear or empty the brain, then wait patiently with only one task before us.  Buddhists call this meditation, Christians call it prayer, creative people call it the zone.

Next time you're looking for your creative mind to blossom with ideas, be a the kind of hero that Grudin talks about and try a little housecleaning, beginning with your work space.  Then sit at your desk, pen and paper ready, take a deep breath...let it out...and wait.