Many thanks to those who left pure poetry behind in my last post on creative process at Xanga and here. I have read, and re-read your comments, each one like a jewel that opens out the entire universe of each of you.
My own comment in response to Toni Morrison's process has also grown, and I wonder if your articulations of your creative processes hasn't also wanted to become more detailed too...?
I am a napper. My idea of heaven on earth is an afternoon nap. Nothing could be finer. I cultivate nap time: have honed and honoured it. Oh, how I love that afternoon rest! Now that I work afternoons, well, there's after work, and there are still weekends! A napper not to be undone, I have turned the nap into an art.
It was a year or two back when I discovered the trick of writing while 'napping.'
What is a 'nap'? I rarely sleep. Usually I meditate first, this produces a much deeper and more satisfying nap. I sit against a small meditation chair that I place right on my bed facing the window. I recite a mantra over and over. This stills my mind. I fall into bliss emotionally.
As I go more deeply, I lie down, cover myself with a blanket, and let go. Everything spins and collides inward. I am acutely aware of the world around me. My body hums in stillness. There are no particular thoughts; the meditation has cleared them. I rest deeply, healingly. I fall in love again and again with the world. I forget that I have worries.
After 20 or 30 minutes, I re-emerge into the phenomenal world, my room, my dog perhaps lying nearby, thinking of what sort of treat I should have, usually it's cappuccino and chocolate.
When I am writing I 'nap,' but never disappear so fully, always being cognizant of the notebook on my lap. I drift in and out, scrawling words as quickly as I can write.
Sheath of feeling. Words groping to touch air.
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Oh man! I would give anything to learn how to nap! I envy you so much. I have never learned how to slow down. I'm always afraid I'm going to miss something! Nut's isn't it? It seems like I never stop thinking about playing. And of course, what I mean by that, is fantasy and imagination. Gee, at 63 will I ever grow up! Thanks for the reflection on your creativity.
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dan
Perhaps there is an innate tendency to nap that some of us have turned into an art? -:) But, lhombre, look how much you've done with your life and look at this napper - there's up sides and down sides to this possum-like activity, or, ahem, snore, non activity. Playing is the best, too. Thanks for your comment!
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