Daydreaming, completely underrated.
A few weeks back I did a post with a link to the Susan Cain TEDx talk on The Power of Introverts. There were lots of parts of the talk that had my head nodding but there were four words in particular that stuck in my brain….”the transcendence of solitude“. Now I’ve often thought this, often talked about this, often simply just wished for it, but I’d never quite described it like that.
Listening to those four little words in her 20 minute speech?
She had nailed it.
Not always does solitude and transcendence go hand in hand, actually in my experience it’s not often at all, but then again it’s not particularly often in this stage of my life do I get to be alone. But when it’s there, when it happens…
It’s exquisite.
That’s when ideas flourish, when creativity sparks, and that’s when problems get turned on their head. If our brains are constantly being switched on and running at even a low-level concentrating point (facebook I’m looking at you), you don’t get that. You won’t get that, (or if you do I’d love to hear from you.)
In my view it’s unlikely that scrolling through your FB feed you’ll suddenly exclaim, I’ve got an idea!!! Or be inclined to go create something incredible. While I’m not squashing the merits of FB, I do think we need those blank spaces to be able to get more out of life, to do more we need the “trancendence of solitude”, and that’s especially important for our kids. We need for them to know what to do in those pauses.
To be able to let your mind wander.
To let your subconscious run free.
To let your ideas…
Unshackle.
cityhippyfarmgirl 
Wise words from one introvert to the rest of us. I find that where Facebook stifles creativity thanks to statements rather than inspiration (although there are exceptions to every rule), Pinterest has me contemplating life, the universe and everything. It’s all where you let your mind wander and the most creative I get is when I am about as far away on an early morning dog walk as I can possibly get to any kind of pen or paper to write down my AMAZING ideas 😉
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You know you need a tiny little pen and paper thats fits into back pockets then don’t you. NEVER be too far from those two things or you know genius-ness will strike you down and you’ll have nothing to capture it with. (don’t want that now do we Ms Narf??)
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“Narp”. Noted and on the shopping list.
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Yep…its time to let our brains run free…..
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Run, run!
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Thankyou. You’ve just explained something Ive been experiencing. Im currently travelling OS, and for the past week Ive been doing it alone. I’ve enjoyed it much more than I ever imagined. I’ve found that I just stop where I like and I’m daydreaming. Boy, its been exciting. Creative writing, talking with strangers, finding more about me. Its transcending aloneness to find solitude thats awesome.
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That’s a bit damn awesome Tamara. Enjoy it, we need it!
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Lovely words for a Sunday afternoon Brydie. x
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Thanks Jane, hope you have a good week.
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I didn’t listen to that TED talk but I know a lot of people who did and they have all come away saying there was something they took away with them that will stick xx
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Lots of it stuck for me…like velcro.
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I agree totally with your thoughts on this subject. I know some people love to always be surrounded by other people and goings-on but I need my moments of solitude! I loved the book Quiet written by Susan Cain and I finally feel comfortable with being an introvert, even though I love to have company much of the time!
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I’d say that woman has empowered a lot of wonderful introverts out there in the world, given them the ability and understanding of how we all tick just a little more. That’s a pretty great thing in my book.
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As an Introverted Extrovert, I am not that comfortable with total silence. For me, the thinking, reflecting happens while the body is occupied but still. Like long distance driving. Love it!!
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Hubby is an introvert and he is always saying that he loves solitude and alone time! I don’t mind a bit of it but I love being around others and that is when inspiration strikes. But I think you’re right, it’s not while scrolling through a facebook feed 🙂
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