Running To Create

October 7, 2010 by Jonathan Fields in Health,Self-Improvement,Thinking with 17 Comments

I’m fascinated by the intersection between thinking, creativity and movement.

Back when I studied for the bar (many moons ago), I spent the entire time walking.

Whenever I’m on a call with a client or doing a phone interview, I pace mercilessly.

When I speak, I’m pretty sure I cover every available inch of the stage.

Seats, podiums, constraints of any kind, when in thinking and creating mode, kill me. They don’t just make me feel uncomfortable, they change how I think, how I create, how I solve.

But, there are times when I need to sit and create. For hours at a time. Like right now, as I work on my next book.

And, even when I do sit and write, I’ve always felt that the simple fact that I move a lot outside my creative practice helps me channel my juices.

Haruki Murakami in The Paris Review, Summer 2004 shared:

When I’m in writing mode for a novel, I get up at 4:00 am and work for five to six hours. In the afternoon, I run for 10km or swim for 1500m (or do both), then I read a bit and listen to some music. I go to bed at 9:00 pm. I keep to this routine every day without variation. The repetition itself becomes the important thing; it’s a form of mesmerism. I mesmerize myself to reach a deeper state of mind. But to hold to such repetition for so long — six months to a year — requires a good amount of mental and physical strength. In that sense, writing a long novel is like survival training. Physical strength is as necessary as artistic sensitivity.

That resonates so strongly with me. When you’re writing something really substantial, at least for me, once I’ve done enough research to stop circling, the deeper creative process does take me into a place that takes a serious amount of energy, mental and physical, over a sustained period of time.

And, I’m pretty sure that’s not just about writing. It’s about creating anything worth creating. It takes a toll, requires you to draw upon reservoirs you may not have even known existed.

So, whatever your vision, be it artistic, personal, spiritual, entrepreneurial, explore the impact of a dedicated movement practice as a source of fortification for the quest.

It can be quite an extraordinary catalyst to the process.

About Jonathan Fields: Jonathan creates stuff. What kind of stuff? Companies, ideas, books, blogs, art, music, brands and lifestyles. His last book was Career Renegade and he writes about people, passion, creativity, entrepreneurship and marketing at JonathanFields.com and book marketing at TribalAuthor.com. When not busy creating stuff, you can find him dancing around his living room with his wife and daughter (who totally rule)...or writing in the third person.

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http://twitter.com/vaigai vaibhav

Nice article Jonathan – twitter/vaigai
http://twitter.com/vaigai vaibhav

nice article!
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Anonymous

“Whenever I’m on a call with a client or doing a phone interview, I pace mercilessly.” If I’m on a call and my wheels are turning, so are my feet. Never could figure out why.
http://www.newmediabrief.tv/ Ramon B. Nuez Jr.

This is series of habits is not only simply but powerful in its simplicity. Many of us complain that “we don’t have the time.” Yet we do waste a great deal of time throughout the day. I am certain much of that time is spent watching TV. I myself am guiltily of becoming a slave to the idiot-box.

What if we pursued our passions with the same drive that Jonathan Fields pursues his passion? Waking up early in the morning — doing what you passionate about — exercising — relaxing and then get restful sleep. Would we be happier with our lives — our choices? Would we be more productive?

I think we would — it would not only benefit you but think about that inspiring affect that you can have on others — like siblings, children and complete strangers.
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http://cashwithatrueconscience.com/rbblog Ryan Biddulph

Hi Jonathan,

I find alternating stillness with movement fosters my creativity.

By meditating for extended periods each day – sometimes over 3 hours – I tap into the flow of creative ideas which never ends. When finished writing for the day I seek an alternate outlet through which I can release my energy. Usually walking or weightlifting does the trick. I repeat the process going forward.

Thanks for sharing your insight and have a fun day

Ryan
http://www.suddenlymarketing.com Suddenly Jamie

Jonathan,
Each time I read one of your posts, I want to jump out of my seat and shout, “Yes!”

I’ve never taken up running, but I do – as frequently as possible – make time for yoga and walking. I do both in the morning – the yoga first thing, before my daughter wakes up; the walking out in nature just after I put her on the bus for school.

I find in both cases, that it’s during my physical exercise that I get my best ideas. Always. I now keep an artist’s sketch pad and Sharpie marker by my side during yoga and always have my trusty iPhone (with recorder app) with me when I walk. There is something about the combination of physical movement and letting your mind wander that yields great creative results.

Just think if we could get more of the traditional business world to take “movement breaks” … I wonder what kind of impact that might have.
http://twitter.com/blacksburgbelle April Bowles Olin

Hey Jonathan-

I’m totally with ya. It’s so important to move your body every day. I’m not as dedicated to run 10km each day, but I definitely do something active each day. It helps me focus and concentrate and it makes me happier Even if I’m super busy, I’ll take quick breaks during the day to turn up the music and dance, do some yoga, or take walks. On days that I don’t do this, I can definitely see a difference in my productivity, mindset, and mood.
Anonymous

I love this. Off to learn more about walking meditation.
http://reallifemadman.wordpress.com Marjorie Clayman

Interesting point!

I did domestic extemporaneous speaking in high school, and we would always freak the other folks out because we would walk in circles trying to memorize our 7 minute speeches. Whenever I would try to memorize my speech just sitting down, it didn’t work at all. I had to walk. I have never understood the physics or psychology of that, but your post just totally brought that back.

Very cool.

Thank you!
http://twitter.com/lizscherer Liz Scherer

This is so true. I do some of my best creative thinking in the middle of my writing day, when I take a break and go to the gym!
Joyce Cherrier

Movement to me is like recharging your batteries. A life force. It seems to clear your mind of the mess that accumulates, and helps sharpen your senses. There’s a relationship between reaching a personal physical goal and having the guts to go for other things in your life. It’s awesome to read a post that encourages physical activity and healthy habits on site with a gathering of such great minds. Looking forward to the next post.
http://www.petershallard.com Peter Shallard

Love this post Jonathan (and the site Chris!!) and can really resonate with your ideas here. The thousands (and thousands) of words I wrote to prepare for the launch of my site happened because I abandoned my normal hustle and bustle and headed to a log cabin in the mountains…

I woke, wrote, lunched and then skied – every day. When the snow was crappy, I went running.

I arrogantly believed I’d keep up the writing discipline when I returned back to the city and “reality”… but of course, it was never so easy or so fulfilling.

Thanks for forcing me to acknowledge the truth I knew all along
http://bizmommy.com Tisha

Hi Jonathan,
Yes, there is power in ritual. Taking ourselves out of the moment and getting immersed in something, anything else that will allow the muse to peek it’s head out and start dancing with abandon…that’s the creative process. Thanks for sharing.
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Running To Create

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