The recipe is as follows: Turn off or mute all electronic devices to zero degrees
Start with a place with no interruptions
Add a mindless, automatic task
Mix gently with silence
Let the magic happen
The first time I read this, I felt the shower god had betrayed me. Was that a self-satisfied giggle I heard from behind the plastic curtain? I’ve got a full time job, a family, pets, household chores, appointments, and social obligations. And no chance of finding silence in this century.
There’s no way . . .
Yet, I found a way. With what my husband lovingly refers to as my little ant ways I persevere. Oh, yes I do. I work at something little by little until I have accomplished my task. Here I reveal my treasure map. Each X marks a spot in my book of successes vetted through my recipe.
X – Washing dishes (no worries – everyone will leave you alone unless they want to be put to work) 10 – 15 minutes
X – Driving to work in rush hour traffic in silence. 30 minutes
X – Walking alone or walking the dogs alone. 30 minutes
X – Chauffeuring the kid (After I dropped him off — while I waited for practice or enrichment class to be over – phone on mute) 30 to 60 minutes
X – Investing in a great babysitter or let Grandma spoil the little darling. Priceless
The idea was to get my mind off writing or anything else that was taking up space in there. So, I kicked out the minutia, muzzled that mewling cat I call my inner critic and let the Wild Rumpus begin. Creativity is like a child who can’t sit still in a chair, the one who blurts out random thoughts and uncensored truths — the beginnings of great ideas. Yes, while the cat’s away the mind will play.
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