Stuck for ideas?

*If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk. ~Raymond Inmon

*I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. ~John Muir, 1913, in L.M. Wolfe, ed., John Muir, John of the Mountains: The Unpublished Journals of John Muir, 1938

*Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow. ~Henry David Thoreau

In October, I sprained my ankle bad. Tore ligaments, swelled to four times its size, couldn’t walk…it wasn’t pretty. And that meant my three-times-a-week gym habit and my twice-weekly hikes didn’t happen. At first it was a welcome break, but then depression set in. I tried to find other means of exercise that would stimulate my brain. Nothing. So I’m happy to say two months later I’m pretty much healed and I’ve started to walk again. And what’s happening? Lots of ideas are crowding my brain, poems are being written effortlessly and I’m ready to tackle my manuscript again. Since I’ve moved to Colorado hiking has become another passion. I used to think hikers were somewhat strange how could it be fun walking up and down the mountain. Pretty boring. And it took a while for me to understand but now I get it…and I look forward to it. A song-writing friend feels the same.When he is alone hiking the ideas seem to rush forward with out much effort. He’s climbing and then…the next line comes to him.

Today, take a hike…or a brisk walk for at least twenty minutes. Not only will you feel better because your serotonin levels will rise, but you may just break through a creative barrier. Now get back to work!

Lovingly,
The Writing Nag

Walking in this World: The Practical Art of Creativity
Secrets of Serotonin: The Natural Hormone That Curbs Food and Alcohol Cravings, Elevates Your Mood, Reduces Pain, and Boosts Energy