A Quiet Time
I go through periods–like the last three weeks or so–when my creative battery seems dry, and I don’t have much to say. These periods are also times of intense reading. It’s OK; I’ve learned to accept that from time to time I need to feed myself with new ideas and perspectives rather than create clarity about my own. I fear becoming one of those people who is only interested in what he or she already knows or already thinks.
Gotta stir the mental pot and maybe keep quiet while doing so. Plus, I’m a binge reader.
The last time this happened was about six months ago, when I went on an exploration of consciousness, reading Eckhart Tolle and David Hawkins. The result was a fresh perspective on the search for life purpose.
Who knows what this current period will yield. I have a few hints, but nothing to report. Here is what I’ve been reading:
The Great Transformation: The Beginning of Our Religious Traditions, by Karen Armstrong
There Are No Accidents, by Robert Hopcke
Merton and Sufism: The Untold Story, an anthology
Tomorrow’s God: Our Greatest Spiritual Challenge, by Neale Donald Walsch
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream, by Barack Obama
If that adds up to anything coherent, I’ll let you know.
Oh yeah. I’ve also been catching up with some of my favorite novelists: John Lescroarte, Jonathan Kellerman, and Larry McMurtry.
Sunday, January 21st, 2007 at 9:57 am ◊ Comment or trackback◊ Send this post to someone who will thank you for it »
◊ Filed in: About This Blog | Life's Lessons
January 28th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
D~
Thanks for sharing that even a creative genius like yourself needs a little quiet and down time to re-charge the ol’ batteries!
I too like to retreat & veg on books too…thanks for the recommendations above…I’m adding them to my reading list.
Happy hibernating:)
Kam
January 31st, 2007 at 12:10 pm
I second Kammie’s comments! I think those periods of down time are so important… yet, once in awhile I forget to give myself permission to take that time.
What an interesting collection of books! Can’t wait to read more about what you learn.
January 31st, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Kam & Kirsten - you know what it is like? It is like right now I need to feed myself and it is not a good idea to talk when you are eating.
In case it matters…I hereby grant permission to everyone to “take that time.”
February 1st, 2007 at 7:36 am
Dick, I find it helpful for someone like yourself to acknowledge the “dry spells” for creative batteries. I might add that I go through periods when I feel creative but don’t feel like talking/blogging just for the sake of posting.
Sometimes I just need to be quiet, period.
February 1st, 2007 at 10:27 am
Ssshhhhhh…