When do you feel struck by creativity? Is it with your clothes on or off? Maybe when you’re doing dishes.
For me, those moments of inspiration come when I’m stripped—literally and figuratively. Whether I’m waiting for steam to fill the bathroom while staring at myself in the mirror or lying in bed after my morning shower, it’s the absence of digital noise (and clothes) that allows my mind to roam freely. These are the times when my thoughts are unclouded by the buzz of daily life, making space for genuine creativity and reflection.
My roommate, Camilla, on the other hand, finds her creativity comes in motion. For her, it’s the daily commute or engaging in routine activities like cleaning and cooking that activates her Thinking Time. It’s the moments where she can autopilot through tasks that help her brain relax and wander, turning everyday chores into moments of profound reflection.
It’s funny how our favorite Thinking Times are wrapped up in such mundane moments. It’s a reminder that inspiration often sneaks up on us when we’re least expecting it—and, ironically, when we’re least prepared to jot it down. These seemingly ordinary moments can become exciting avenues for creativity if we allow our minds to wander freely.
If you walked into our apartment, you would think we’re living in a soundtrack. Camilla’s Bluetooth speaker is constantly flowing music, and my TV is almost always on. However, when we intentionally set aside time to think and reflect, we both crave silence.
Our place is also littered with pens, notebooks, sticky notes, and whiteboards as physical manifestations of our mental clutter. These scribbled fragments and jotted thoughts are our way of capturing the random ideas that surface during our routine Thinking Times, a visible trail of our mental explorations.
These quiet, reflective moments have become a ritual for us. Skipping them or feeling rushed throws us off balance. These moments of stillness are not just a luxury; they’re essential for maintaining our creative flow and emotional needs.
Make the boring moments of everyday life exciting. Allow yourself to daydream and let your mind wander away from the stink of taking out the trash. Gift yourself Thinking Time, whether it’s with your clothes on or off.
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