My favorite place to be in the whole wide world is in my creative zone. It’s a place where my imagination is free to roam and something as simple as a rustling leaf in the wind can become something as complex as a giant troll giving chase to a nymph and a boy in the middle of a corrupt, enchanted jungle. It’s almost magical. It takes some work to get there, but once I have arrived, there is no stopping the flow of creativity. Fifty pages can be typed out in one sitting, or more, depending.
Which leads me to the worst thing that can possibly happen when I’m in this beautiful place: being interrupted hundreds of times for trivial things. A simple iPod usually helps block out immediate distractions, but with a little brother tugging at my arm begging for goldfish crackers or a little sister tapping me so she can show me the latest and greatest song she’s tabbed on her electric Fender or a persistent telephone that doesn’t seem to stop ringing unless I get up and answer it, remaining in the zone can be difficult.
Once I’m out of the zone, getting back into it takes time, and suddenly, all those trivial distractions the iPod was able to block out become more obvious and more demanding of my attention.
It’s annoying. No wait, down right criminal, actually. But it happens and I have to deal. Any thoughts on this? What are some of your methods for staying in your creative zone? Any tips on blocking out distractions?
thecrushswing Said:
on July 7, 2008 at 6:42 pm
What helps me is going to a place where none of these distractions exist. Find a favorite coffee shop or park bench, where none of these interruptions can disrupt you from being in your zone. If you are obligated to keep watch over your younger siblings, pop in a movie for them and leave the room; that should give you at least an hour or two of time to yourself. Keep writing
Gary Eby Said:
on August 26, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Enjoyed your entry about the power of faith and spirituality. I also believe in the importance of breathing, walking, and living in the Light. Feel free to see how I try to help others in new ways too.
Sincerely: Gary Eby, author and therapist.