Inspiring creativity
MINDFUL MOMENTS # 137.
I was raised to consider television a waste of time. Books and reading - these were the pastimes of successful, intelligent people. We had five channels and a TV rota.
As with all things that are restricted, we have a tendency to over-compensate later in life. We over-exercise our freedom and, like the snap of an over-stretched elastic band, we lose our impression of moderation. I have since spoke to my mum about this and we have agreed that the "demonisation" of TV was short-sighted, and in fact, it of course has its place in our lives.
In my own journey to find moderation with it, I am still learning. For me, it is a crutch: it's my go-to when I'm feeling anxious, lonely or uncertain. It's the distraction out of my own head and into the fictional lives of others.
But does it work?
If I didn't write this newsletter each week, I don't think I would be aware of the impact watching TV has on my creativity. But I do, so I am.
My ideas for writing are nearly always sparked by something I've read. A quote or an idea can initiate this chain reaction of creativity. But TV, with the very odd exception, rarely does.
When I go through periods of anxiety, the notes page for this blog on my phone lies untouched as the only worlds I enter are those pre-determined and ready-imagined by others that come to me through a screen.
I can't fully explain to you why - though I imagine others would be able to - watching TV and reading are so different. But they are, they really are. All I know is that reading sparks my creativity in a way that nothing else does.
So, when I look around at us all, watching Netflix and iPlayer on our commutes, and watching TV in bed instead of reading, I feel some concern. Yes, I have worked to eschew the guilt around it for myself and recognise its value in the other ways of education, pleasure, socialising and escapism, but I cannot ignore its completely squashing effect on my own creative thought and flow. My concern, then, is that we are becoming, as a society, more and more creatively "barren" as a result of our over-consumption of others' creations, in sacrifice of our own.
Mindful moment: Do you notice any difference in how your thoughts and mind responds to reading versus watching TV? If it's something you've thought about before, maybe just bring in a little awareness around it. What feeds that creative part of you? What gives you ideas; what inspires you? We are all creative beings, and have creative potential within us, but perhaps we need to take note of those parts of our lives that are stealing that space away from us.
YOGA
Mindful Movement with Laura
Join us every Saturday from 11am-12.15 at the Cornerstone Community Centre in Hove for an all-levels vinyasa yoga flow class, meditation and mindfulness (mats provided or bring your own). £6 per class or £24 for 5.
Upcoming classes: November 25th, Dec 2nd, 9th, 16th.
(I'm in Barcelona this week for a yoga retreat led by my wonderful friend @joannagilbertyoga)
REFLECT
“He told himself that he would have to start reading thicker books: they lasted longer, and made more comfortable pillows” -
Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Have we met?
Welcome to the Community.
I'm Laura, a yoga teacher and NHS doctor. With this weekly newsletter I aim to help you incorporate mindful moments into your week. I want you to feel inspired, empowered and creative. I promise to always be authentic; to only include content that speaks to me and which, therefore, I hope will do the same for you.
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