Why people sometimes get their best ideas in the shower, and how to duplicate the phenomenon while staying dry. Also, 7 other things worth knowing today.
What showers give me is songs with the wrong lyrics. I could never figure that out. But you have a point in putting problems aside in order to solve them. I use either jigsaw puzzles (I do 2-300 piece puzzles per night) or crocheting. It’s the rhythm and focus that soothes the mind.
Everything old is new again. I had a very strange teacher for 10th grade social studies who spent time wandering far afield from basic social studies topics. I remember her teaching a unit on thought and thinking. This was in the early 1980s.
She taught us about “mentally washing the dishes” - using mindless tasks to let the brain percolate in the background on vexing challenges. All delivered via the ubiquitous mimeograph sheets with blue ink and that certain smell. Thank you Mrs Wasson of the Wake County Public School System for a lesson that stuck with me.
To be creative, i have to be relaxed and Zen so my brain can wander freely in search of a solution. My morning shower gives me that; a comfortable feeling with no anxiety or distractions, just you and the water. I would add that a hot shower is key as heat stimulates the brain to release anti-stress/relaxation producing hormones.
For many years I had horses resulting in the need to muck their stalls each morning after being put out in the pasture. I always said "my best thinking happens when mucking the horse stalls". Now I understand.
I enjoy riding my bike alone for the meditative aspects that often result in creative thoughts real meditation does it for me as well. It takes 15-30 minutes to get there but well worth it. I use a clock app called i-o clock which allows you to set various bells and bowls and also a cool 15 minute slow ride alarm clock.
I used to get all kinds of creative ideas when I showered with my husband but now, not so much. It’s more like get in, get out, get dry and get in bed. Lord, how I miss those good old days. Sigh 😌.
After 40+ years working in product and business development, I have some insight into the creative process. I have been able to work with some incredible artists who have helped in my understanding.
The mind works in conscious and unconsciour ways. I have found that both of the terms unconscious and subconscious are a bit scary. Both terms settle more in my mind when I think of both un- and sub- as the once-conscious.
Creative "types" are practiced at bombarding their conscious minds with colors, shapes, images, even text, etc., so that when needed their once-concious mind goes to work for them. It is because of this concscious loading, that creatives have more to call upon. It is when we seemingly act mindlessly (sleep, shower, walk, etc.) that the once conscious part of our minds continues to work (unknown to us). This is when the Eureka moments can appear!
It can be scary as a "new thought" arises seemingly from nowhere, but it is a process that can be fueled and improved upon.
Shower thoughts
What showers give me is songs with the wrong lyrics. I could never figure that out. But you have a point in putting problems aside in order to solve them. I use either jigsaw puzzles (I do 2-300 piece puzzles per night) or crocheting. It’s the rhythm and focus that soothes the mind.
So… next time I can’t figure something out at work, I’ll stop and watch TV. Works for me! 😂🤪😆
Everything old is new again. I had a very strange teacher for 10th grade social studies who spent time wandering far afield from basic social studies topics. I remember her teaching a unit on thought and thinking. This was in the early 1980s.
She taught us about “mentally washing the dishes” - using mindless tasks to let the brain percolate in the background on vexing challenges. All delivered via the ubiquitous mimeograph sheets with blue ink and that certain smell. Thank you Mrs Wasson of the Wake County Public School System for a lesson that stuck with me.
Taylor Swift occupies the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. I cannot imagine anyone less deserving.
To be creative, i have to be relaxed and Zen so my brain can wander freely in search of a solution. My morning shower gives me that; a comfortable feeling with no anxiety or distractions, just you and the water. I would add that a hot shower is key as heat stimulates the brain to release anti-stress/relaxation producing hormones.
For many years I had horses resulting in the need to muck their stalls each morning after being put out in the pasture. I always said "my best thinking happens when mucking the horse stalls". Now I understand.
I enjoy riding my bike alone for the meditative aspects that often result in creative thoughts real meditation does it for me as well. It takes 15-30 minutes to get there but well worth it. I use a clock app called i-o clock which allows you to set various bells and bowls and also a cool 15 minute slow ride alarm clock.
I used to get all kinds of creative ideas when I showered with my husband but now, not so much. It’s more like get in, get out, get dry and get in bed. Lord, how I miss those good old days. Sigh 😌.
“sometimes you don't actually want to have to get naked, soap up, rinse off, and dry just to access that part of your mind.”
I brush my Maine Coon cat. Takes quite a bit of brushing but does the trick. Now I know why.
Great content!
After 40+ years working in product and business development, I have some insight into the creative process. I have been able to work with some incredible artists who have helped in my understanding.
The mind works in conscious and unconsciour ways. I have found that both of the terms unconscious and subconscious are a bit scary. Both terms settle more in my mind when I think of both un- and sub- as the once-conscious.
Creative "types" are practiced at bombarding their conscious minds with colors, shapes, images, even text, etc., so that when needed their once-concious mind goes to work for them. It is because of this concscious loading, that creatives have more to call upon. It is when we seemingly act mindlessly (sleep, shower, walk, etc.) that the once conscious part of our minds continues to work (unknown to us). This is when the Eureka moments can appear!
It can be scary as a "new thought" arises seemingly from nowhere, but it is a process that can be fueled and improved upon.