I am in an intense state of agreement to all of this! :) As a matter of fact, today I forced myself to go for a walk in the middle of the workday because I was having a moment of unusual restlessness that I haven't had in a very long time. I thought about not taking my camera, but I did and I just walked. It felt different from my usual, well-planned out morning walk. This was a deliberate protest to the ridiculous amount of static going on that I could no longer tolerate! I was reminded during the walk that when I talk on the phone at home, I tend to walk around. It seems I stir up movement in order to somatically find peace. I was told by a nurse who cares for the elderly that even in our sleep we stir -- it’s instinct, second nature. It’s how we quietly survive, a slight toss or turn in the night, to keep us free of ache. It’s in our nature to move and make space. I think it's in between the tossing and turning where we find that clarity you talk about. Thank you for a wonderfully inspiring piece, Manuela!
"Unusual restlessness", I can relate. In fact, I cannot believe sometimes how much of my stress is connected to over-stimulation. I might be more sensitive than others, but, truth be told, I don't think any of us are meant to process the flood of information coming at us every day.
It takes a lot of intentional choices to manage it.
I am working on it, sometimes more successfully than other times. :)
Today I made a plan to meet for lunch with a friend. It helped to have that break in the day without devices, one-on-one. You are so right. Over-stimulation ....we are not made for this and it takes a lot to manage it.
Definitely. Blood flow to the brain increases as we walk, or run, or maybe even brush out teeth. ;) It makes sense and I am so thankful for my dog who practically forces me to walk every single day.
I 100% agree Manuela! Over time it has become more difficult to sit still, be calm, and relax. Seems like there is always something pressing--or a need for distraction. I joined a 12 week substack group who is going through the book The Artist Way by Julia Cameron - a chapter a week. One of her tools is Morning Pages where you basically write 3 pages of whatever is on your mind. It is interesting to do and I think over time it will help clear the way for "decluttering" and hopefully lead to more creativity.
I have done morning pages at times and definitely like it a lot. I guess I am still trying to do journal and write every morning, but lately I have noticed how distracted I am even then, so, I think that's where this post came from. Thanks for your comment!
Gardening used to be that kind of space for me, but these days there are too many things happening in the world that make me angry, and I can't get them out of my head.
Beautiful article! I think if we should embrace nature more often (great photograph your second self portrait) than our phones, the creativity would just drop and fill us in like water in a glass.
So relatable. I've tried so many things... some stick, some don't. Some help a little, some a little more. I think they all add up to improvement, but it is such an uphill battle. It's beautiful when you get those moments of clarity.
I too really love "The Creative Act." It's been like a permission slip for me.
It's funny because I definitely have plays and curiosity built into my process....but that discipline and structure to do something more with it remains elusive.
My dad used to tell me that I had a “well furnished mind”. A lot is lost in translation from the original Spanish, but you get the idea. He had a prodigious mind that remained intact till his last day. I miss our conversations.
What brilliant insight. That clarity of mind when it just flows. I no longer work but it’s still too easy to fill days with to do lists. It’s hard in our culture to prioritise not doing, but so worth swimming against the stream.
Thank you so much for your comment. It is truly challenging but I think it is possible. We don't have to do everything that society demands from us. Easier said than done though.
Even as I read Manuela’s thoughts on clarity of mind, I realized how many distractions were present as I worked to focus on her words. It’s so interesting to think about the time before cell phones. I, like all of you, work to find stillness and clarity of mind. But it can be difficult. Thank you, Manuela, for reminding us how important these things are and should always be.
Ha, this sound so familiar. I totally get it. The distractions, even as you try to focus, are unbelievable at times. Thank you so much for reading and commenting! I appreciate it.
This resonates so much. I always feel like I have to metaphorically clear the deck before I can start to write. I've realised that the reason why it's difficult to find the time to create is that I have a compulsion to get the daily, mundane tasks out of the way first. Unfortunately, there's no end to this list of tasks, as new ones appear as soon as I cross something off. So I have to force myself to drop things. Going for a walk is a great help, because it puts actual distance between me and the tasks.
This is a great post and I have to agree Manuela - walking is my go to tool to clear my head, it's also so good for mental health, trying to be mindful as I go and just listening and looking at the nature all around me. With regards to the technology - a couple of times a year, usually in the summer and at Xmas, I take time out from social media and I'll be doing that very soon just to give my head a 'refresh' away from all the clutter. I also have to second what Susan said that morning pages helps a lot.
Thank you, Lin. Yes, mindful walking is so, so healthy.
I think taking regular breaks from the online world, especially social media, is a necessity for our minds. I am not very good at it, but I hope to schedule those breaks and stick with them.
For me it’s always been running. My mind becomes clear while being all by myself in nature, just running. Thank you for sharing, Manuela. So much truth in your post.
Yes, I am sure there are many others for whom running is the best to clear your mind. I know my husband would agree with it. Even biking is great. I think anything that gets us moving in nature without further distraction is so important to include into our daily lives.
So much of creativity is about making connections. When we take a break and do something like washing dishes, driving, walking, pulling weeds or showering, we are doing two things: First, tuning out those distractions you mention, reducing stress and giving our brain some breathing room; and second, allowing our subconscious mind to wander and make interesting observations and connections. It's a very important part of the creative process, one often referred to as incubation, though I like the way you describe it, as well. And I totally agree with you in that we don't have enough of this kind of time in today's world. Creativity is expected "on demand," and while there are certainly things you can do to boost creativity, that's not necessarily how it works. It is a process and it needs the time, space and right environment to flourish.
I so agree with you. Creativity is about making connections, and creativity is about having the space to be creative. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
I love your term “a clear mind,” Manuela. It perfectly captures the feeling I often experience during my morning hikes or runs in the forest near my home. Many people choose to listen to music while doing these activities, but for me, letting my mind remain free of distractions helps me stay present—and in doing so, opens the door to creative ideas.
Ironically, I sometimes get so caught up in those ideas that I become less aware of the natural world around me, lost in thought instead. It’s not a perfect system, but I purposely avoid stopping to take notes because that would pull me even further away from the experience of being in nature. Instead, I wait until I return home to jot down what I remember. And if I forget something, I trust that more ideas will come to me on the next day’s walk.
I used to enjoy listening to music and/or podcasts or audio books while walking, and sometimes I still do it, but I am now often choosing to leave my phone at home to avoid temptations and be truly present. It is honestly amazing what it's doing to my mind and body.
I don't take notes either, sometimes I wish I could, but most of the time it sticks with me long enough that I can record my thoughts later.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this!
I am in an intense state of agreement to all of this! :) As a matter of fact, today I forced myself to go for a walk in the middle of the workday because I was having a moment of unusual restlessness that I haven't had in a very long time. I thought about not taking my camera, but I did and I just walked. It felt different from my usual, well-planned out morning walk. This was a deliberate protest to the ridiculous amount of static going on that I could no longer tolerate! I was reminded during the walk that when I talk on the phone at home, I tend to walk around. It seems I stir up movement in order to somatically find peace. I was told by a nurse who cares for the elderly that even in our sleep we stir -- it’s instinct, second nature. It’s how we quietly survive, a slight toss or turn in the night, to keep us free of ache. It’s in our nature to move and make space. I think it's in between the tossing and turning where we find that clarity you talk about. Thank you for a wonderfully inspiring piece, Manuela!
"Unusual restlessness", I can relate. In fact, I cannot believe sometimes how much of my stress is connected to over-stimulation. I might be more sensitive than others, but, truth be told, I don't think any of us are meant to process the flood of information coming at us every day.
It takes a lot of intentional choices to manage it.
I am working on it, sometimes more successfully than other times. :)
Today I made a plan to meet for lunch with a friend. It helped to have that break in the day without devices, one-on-one. You are so right. Over-stimulation ....we are not made for this and it takes a lot to manage it.
Brushing my teeth is another activity thoughts seem to flow more freely…
But yes, walking is my No. 1 cure. I always feel that if my body is in motion my mind is more in motion, too!
Definitely. Blood flow to the brain increases as we walk, or run, or maybe even brush out teeth. ;) It makes sense and I am so thankful for my dog who practically forces me to walk every single day.
I 100% agree Manuela! Over time it has become more difficult to sit still, be calm, and relax. Seems like there is always something pressing--or a need for distraction. I joined a 12 week substack group who is going through the book The Artist Way by Julia Cameron - a chapter a week. One of her tools is Morning Pages where you basically write 3 pages of whatever is on your mind. It is interesting to do and I think over time it will help clear the way for "decluttering" and hopefully lead to more creativity.
Always something pressing. Isn't there?
I have done morning pages at times and definitely like it a lot. I guess I am still trying to do journal and write every morning, but lately I have noticed how distracted I am even then, so, I think that's where this post came from. Thanks for your comment!
Gardening used to be that kind of space for me, but these days there are too many things happening in the world that make me angry, and I can't get them out of my head.
Completely understand!
Beautiful article! I think if we should embrace nature more often (great photograph your second self portrait) than our phones, the creativity would just drop and fill us in like water in a glass.
So true! Thanks for your comment.
So relatable. I've tried so many things... some stick, some don't. Some help a little, some a little more. I think they all add up to improvement, but it is such an uphill battle. It's beautiful when you get those moments of clarity.
I too really love "The Creative Act." It's been like a permission slip for me.
Thank you so much! It really is the challenge of our modern times.
Wonderful thoughts. Thanks for sharing.
It's funny because I definitely have plays and curiosity built into my process....but that discipline and structure to do something more with it remains elusive.
Thank you! Definitely relate to that as well.
My dad used to tell me that I had a “well furnished mind”. A lot is lost in translation from the original Spanish, but you get the idea. He had a prodigious mind that remained intact till his last day. I miss our conversations.
I love that expression! Thank you for sharing!
What brilliant insight. That clarity of mind when it just flows. I no longer work but it’s still too easy to fill days with to do lists. It’s hard in our culture to prioritise not doing, but so worth swimming against the stream.
Thank you so much for your comment. It is truly challenging but I think it is possible. We don't have to do everything that society demands from us. Easier said than done though.
Even as I read Manuela’s thoughts on clarity of mind, I realized how many distractions were present as I worked to focus on her words. It’s so interesting to think about the time before cell phones. I, like all of you, work to find stillness and clarity of mind. But it can be difficult. Thank you, Manuela, for reminding us how important these things are and should always be.
Ha, this sound so familiar. I totally get it. The distractions, even as you try to focus, are unbelievable at times. Thank you so much for reading and commenting! I appreciate it.
This resonates so much. I always feel like I have to metaphorically clear the deck before I can start to write. I've realised that the reason why it's difficult to find the time to create is that I have a compulsion to get the daily, mundane tasks out of the way first. Unfortunately, there's no end to this list of tasks, as new ones appear as soon as I cross something off. So I have to force myself to drop things. Going for a walk is a great help, because it puts actual distance between me and the tasks.
Conny, I do, too. I definitely sometimes have to force myself to let some of the ordinary tasks go and focus on creating.
It seems we are all struggling with similar issues. I am just so tired of accepting it as normal. It's too much.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Love those self portraits, esp the one from 2019. Also some great food for thought here….
Thank you so much. That one is one of my personal favorites as well. :)
This is a great post and I have to agree Manuela - walking is my go to tool to clear my head, it's also so good for mental health, trying to be mindful as I go and just listening and looking at the nature all around me. With regards to the technology - a couple of times a year, usually in the summer and at Xmas, I take time out from social media and I'll be doing that very soon just to give my head a 'refresh' away from all the clutter. I also have to second what Susan said that morning pages helps a lot.
Thank you, Lin. Yes, mindful walking is so, so healthy.
I think taking regular breaks from the online world, especially social media, is a necessity for our minds. I am not very good at it, but I hope to schedule those breaks and stick with them.
For me it’s always been running. My mind becomes clear while being all by myself in nature, just running. Thank you for sharing, Manuela. So much truth in your post.
Yes, I am sure there are many others for whom running is the best to clear your mind. I know my husband would agree with it. Even biking is great. I think anything that gets us moving in nature without further distraction is so important to include into our daily lives.
So much of creativity is about making connections. When we take a break and do something like washing dishes, driving, walking, pulling weeds or showering, we are doing two things: First, tuning out those distractions you mention, reducing stress and giving our brain some breathing room; and second, allowing our subconscious mind to wander and make interesting observations and connections. It's a very important part of the creative process, one often referred to as incubation, though I like the way you describe it, as well. And I totally agree with you in that we don't have enough of this kind of time in today's world. Creativity is expected "on demand," and while there are certainly things you can do to boost creativity, that's not necessarily how it works. It is a process and it needs the time, space and right environment to flourish.
I so agree with you. Creativity is about making connections, and creativity is about having the space to be creative. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
I love your term “a clear mind,” Manuela. It perfectly captures the feeling I often experience during my morning hikes or runs in the forest near my home. Many people choose to listen to music while doing these activities, but for me, letting my mind remain free of distractions helps me stay present—and in doing so, opens the door to creative ideas.
Ironically, I sometimes get so caught up in those ideas that I become less aware of the natural world around me, lost in thought instead. It’s not a perfect system, but I purposely avoid stopping to take notes because that would pull me even further away from the experience of being in nature. Instead, I wait until I return home to jot down what I remember. And if I forget something, I trust that more ideas will come to me on the next day’s walk.
I used to enjoy listening to music and/or podcasts or audio books while walking, and sometimes I still do it, but I am now often choosing to leave my phone at home to avoid temptations and be truly present. It is honestly amazing what it's doing to my mind and body.
I don't take notes either, sometimes I wish I could, but most of the time it sticks with me long enough that I can record my thoughts later.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this!
As much as I want to believe I can effectively multitask, I’ve learned that doing two things at once often diminishes the experience of both.
So true!