THE PERPETUAL VISITOR: Sustainable Creative Living.
  • Blog
  • About Me
  • Things I Teach
  • Things I Make
    • The Book: The Perpetual Visitor
    • Wild Unfolding: and other poems
    • New Bird
    • The Podcast
    • Theatre
    • Film
    • Poetry
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • About Me
  • Things I Teach
  • Things I Make
    • The Book: The Perpetual Visitor
    • Wild Unfolding: and other poems
    • New Bird
    • The Podcast
    • Theatre
    • Film
    • Poetry
  • Contact

Tiny Tips for Creativity #2

4/26/2016

1 Comment

 
Picture

​Have a bit of a break between creative projects? Don't have much of a hiatus but really need to relax and recharge?

TINY TIP FOR CREATIVITY #2:
Try doing something that is outside your area of creativity. 

Don't get me wrong--I love acting, writing, and anything having to do with theatre or film. Often an idea of a fun night out in the city involves seeing a live performance--how could it not? But I'll be honest: when it comes to really slowing down and getting some crucial rest from a creative project, I have found that I need to seek that rest outside of the theatre. Simply put, the theatre is not always relaxing for me. 

Consider the performances of my play BIG WORK earlier this spring--when we finished the run, overjoyed as I was, I was also pretty wiped out. I had wide open evenings and weekends and was looking forward to relaxing again (which I did happily in my bathrobe--see Recharging Isn't Meant To Be Pretty). One of the first evenings, I tried to settle on the couch, ready to relax by reading a new script or doing some journaling about the theatrical process of creating the play. But as I tried to open the book or jot down some thoughts, I had the overwhelming urge to to do something else, anything else to relax.  

I ended up doing some coloring in my adult coloring book that I got from a friend earlier this year, binging on some Netflix, doing a lot of cooking, and taking advantage of my desire to get up and get moving. All of these things were incredibly appealing to me, but in the back of my mind I had this nagging feeling of guilt or shame--it was as if I felt like I was betraying my love of theatre by wanting to recharge any other way. Even just typing that sentence makes me realize how ridiculous that is! 

I think I often trick myself into believing that if I'm a "real" theatre artist, I have to not only work on creative projects one right after the other (absolutely NOT true), but that my downtime and free moments should be spent enjoying the theatre as well (sometimes it's what I want, other times not at all). 

I've been making peace with the fact that everyone recharges in a different way, and lately, recharging and filling my own well has meant taking a true break from the theatre, from rehearsals, from the ever present desire to keep making, making, making things. We all need a break, even from the things we love to do.

The thing I've loved doing most lately? Riding my second hand bicycle. It's finally feeling warmer here in Boston, and there are so many beautiful bike paths both in the city and a bit farther out that just beg to be explored on a day off. My husband is a cyclist, and so getting to enjoy some exercise, Vitamin D, and his company have made for some awesome times.

Not only is bicycling in the sunshine great exercise--not to mention a good antidote to hiding away in a dark theatre for hours on end--it's become such a meditative time for me. The wheels keep spinning, my lungs breathe a little deeper, and my mind unwinds. It's also a perfect way to see the place in which you live through new eyes, noticing things you missed while driving or on the bus: daffodils, happy dogs out for a walk, trees, sky, and water. I'm finding out more and more how restorative it feels to spend time in nature, pedaling my way through. 

It's all personal preference, I suppose. If you are a musician and music is your relaxation jam, then by all means, enjoy yourself. If you're a dancer and nothing refills your well more than taking an extra class or two, then have at it! But if you're like me and need a break from your craft now and then, whatever it is, then go ahead: stray from your creative path and try something new, anything that makes you forget your cares and creative projects, and do it guilt free. And who  knows? In the end, it's probably beneficial to your creative work to get some renewed peace of mind and a slightly different perspective. 

What is your favorite way to recharge? 
1 Comment
Laura Hobson
12/23/2022 02:55:09 pm

I was really stressed by Acid reflux issues with my newborn and had consulted Chief Dr Lucky. He gave us a thorough consultation and the medicines were equally effective. In a couple of weeks there was big improvement in my son and we are very pleased with the progress. We cannot thank Chief Dr Lucky enough. Highly recommended.

Email chiefdrlucky@gmail.com

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    My name is Melissa and I'm an actor, playwright, author, filmmaker, and teaching artist who wants to help you discover, cultivate, and care for your creativity. 
     
    What does being creative mean to you?

    How do you play every day?

    This is a space for taking a break, a breath,  and finding ways to flex our imagination and find the joy where we can. 

    ​No one is going to present us with a ready made creative life--we have  to step up and gift it to ourselves. I'm so glad you're here.

    Categories

    All
    Artist Dates
    Creative Recharge
    Creative Risks
    Motivation Monday
    Persistence
    Play
    Success
    Theatre
    Tiny Tips For Creativity
    Whole Artist
    Writing

    Archives

    December 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    August 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    August 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013

    Want to get blog posts delivered right to your inbox? Sign up to receive The Perpetual Visitor below and never miss creative conversation!

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.