Turn Off to Turn On [Creativity]

I didn't even realize I was doing it.

It was just there.

So I took it in.

And when I did, I heard much more than I ordinarily would have.

I heard the words which were spoken through eyes.

And through expressions.

And body language.

I'm not even sure of the point when someone pressed a button and caused it to happen.

But you should try it sometime.

Muting your television, that is.

 

Sure, the big picture is what truly matters. I get that. Yet, sometimes we get so turned on to the big picture that we turn off the pieces that provide the framework for the big picture.  All we hear is noise throughout the day.  When we turn off the noise, we become so much more in tune with the little things-- the seemingly little things that have the potential to truly make our big picture big, bold and full of high-definition color.

 

What do you need to turn off to turn on?

 

I think sometimes I spend too much time combing through design blogs in search of inspiration. I read articles that I find through links on Twitter (@delaneygates) and I'm constantly bombarded by all of this "inspiration"...  I need to get in the habit of turning it off once in a while to turn on my OWN creative juices and get back in tune with my OWN creativity. I need to get back in tune with the little things that provide the framework for my own big picture-- this creative quest I'm on.  Don't get me wrong-- inspiration has its place, of course. I've found, though, that there's a tipping point where inspiration becomes noise and we become desensitized to it. We become desensitized to the little things that truly matter.  Expressions become lost in the noise. We lose touch with our framework. And the digital high definition reverts to analog. When you sense that beginning to happen in your life, simply turn off. Tune in. And turn on.

Comments

[:-)]

I've not had connection to a television "signal" for almost a year. People say, "What? Aren't you American?" Yes, I am a U.S. American of the country that lies between Mexico and Canada, but did you know that *we* Americans have the television on in our homes nearly 6 hours per day on average? 6 HOURS? Good gravy... I'm not in fear of the television baby-sitting the kids anymore, it's baby-sitting ALL OF US (U.S.).

In my year of being without the TV, I still find my shows/news online or a key sports event at the bar. What I've eliminated is getting sucked into reruns and movies that I've already seen. What I've gained is more time to read and write... my goal is to read 52 books this year, finish my first novel, stay up to speed on my RSS feeds and blog blog blog. So far, so good. What I've done is make television a reward... I have a number of things to accomplish in my day and, if I can get them done, then I have another movie from Netflix or the next episode of Rescue Me online.

I really, really like life so much more this way. So I say, don't just mute it, turn that dang thing all the way OFF.

PS: We've missed your mind... please continue to tell us what's going on in it!

[Meg/Brassy Apple]

oh so true! and you put it so eloquently.

I have found less and less time and interest in "outside" distractions.

[twitter.com/brandonacox]

You've got it right! I go through this as well, and I think it's becoming more common all the time. We experience sensory overload and when we finally find some quiet moment, it takes a while for the swirling noise in our heads to quiet. Then, we can jump back into life and try to pace ourselves a little better. Excellent thoughts!

[Sherry Williams]

Hello Delaney, it's been awhile. I hope you are well...you seem to be thinking big...and small so that is a good thing. :)
I have a sense of the same thing going on with myself, maybe that is why I was drawn to read your blog today. I have overloaded my time as well as my mind with so much 'other' that I have sorta lost my creative self in the process. seeking elsewhere often makes me stop my own doing. thanks for sharing your thoughts, I needed to hear something like this today. :)
I hope you are well and life with your family is good.
Sherry in MD

[Lisa Dickinson]

amen, sister! love this reminder :)

[Jennifer]

Thank you Delaney it so resonates with me!!!

[Chelsea Talks Smack]

love this post and the picture and your blog!

[Julieann]

so true!! this should be my goal for the weekend....try to unplug for at least an hour!

[Trace Armstrong]

Thanks for the comment on my blog...in response...I get out of creative ruts in various ways. The big thing I do is look at what got me into the rut. The current rut comes from being bogged down by the more administrative part of my job. Making sure the people I work with know I appreciate them, reports, life, etc. It just kept getting in the way of me trying new things. I had to get people to help me more administratively so I could get back to what I'm supposed to be doing: creating music, blogging, visual design, and working on the podcast.

Relatedly, browsed some of your RT's on twitter...interesting articles. I'm a follower now. Keep 'em coming