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Any creator whose creativity has stopped flowing is like a bird with
amputated wings. It doesn't feel natural because it isn't natural. Basically, whether the medium
of expression is music, clay, paint, fabric, choreography, film, drama, written/spoken language or whatever
it may be, if you got stuck, then it's possible to get yourself unstuck. Time spent alone helps if the world is
"too much with you". Inspiration doesn't always like to shout above the noise of everyday living. Then again,
it wouldn't be true if I said that being observant and aware of people, places, my surroundings, and even myself hasn't provided
me with some great literary material. Being, and staying, tuned-in to what is going on both within and around me is
invaluable to maintaining the "flow" of new ideas.
There have been times when I have climbed into bed, absolutely exhausted, and while on the verge
of sleep--- the most perfect line of poetry, the most cleverly crafted prose, the most creative plot twist that I've
had all day/month/year enters my mind...and won't be put off until morning! No matter how badly I may need the
rest, I know that there won't be any sleeping until I find a pen and paper and jot it down. If I somehow manage to ignore
it, I'm not always able to recall it fully, if at all, the next day. Little, if anything can bring back the new idea
completely once it has been cast aside.
On the other hand, when I allow myself to remain open and receptive to inspiration
continuously....not turning it on and off, in other words, the phenomenon known as "writer's block" tends to stay far
away from me. Unlike some people, I don't have the luxury of saying to myself, "It's five o'clock, time to stop working!" For
me, as a writer, my brain refuses to function that way. I may stop transcribing notes onto a disk, but my mind
may start composing something new at any moment. Once it starts, I have to find something to write the idea on, so that
I can use it as a springboard for the next day's work.
The times in my life when I have actually felt devoid of ideas have been few. Each
time, I have been able to "get back on track" by going out into Nature. Botanical parks and beaches are ideal,
but anyplace that I can get the sky over my head and the Earth under my feet will work just fine. Natural bodies of
water are always particularly evocative, especially for poetry. Now that I think of it, some of my most profound life
lessons were obtained by being observant of Mother Nature in all of Her majestic glory. If you are willing
and receptive enough, you can hear Nature speaking. She can provide clarity and fresh perspective, teach you about the
cycles of life, guide you through your ups as well as your downs, and show you which path to take.
Nature, to me, is nothing less than a physical, direct link with the Divine which exists, moves
through, and sanctifies all. I believe that the same forces that created the Universe can be tapped into to
create just about anything. This is part of my personal philosophy. This is also why I believe that writer's
block is merely a state of mind. And, as we all know, it is always possible to change one's mind.
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| "Apply Wisdom with Understanding" |
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