Thank you, Lord, for this day. May it be used for your glory!
Good morning and welcome back to another Thursday update! Today I want to continue my creativity mini-series by talking about the power of walking.
Before I dive into that, I want to share a story I read about in the Creative Confidence book first.
This is a 100% true story.
A few decades ago there were 2 young boys living in England. They went to some high school as most young boys do, and they both took a music class. Though they both enjoyed music, they never made good grades in class, and the teacher did not think they were good musicians whatsoever. Their lives were destined to work at the decaying factory in the little town of Liverpool.
Their names?
Paul McCartney and George Harrison.
It’s a funny story, but it is also an inspiring one. We should never let one person (even a teacher) tell us what we can’t do. Thank goodness those two decided they were going to pursue music anyways!
That story gives me some personal inspiration because I really love writing. I wrote stories in a tree in our front yard when I was really little. But I never did well in English classes growing up. I wish I hadn’t given up writing for as long as I did, but I’m glad I’m doing it again now!
So, walking?
Yes. This is another cool thing they talk about in the book. The idea is actually rooted in philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche who said:
“All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.”
The whole premise of this book is to think more creatively. Whether that’s in your current job, a new job, or a passion project. Whatever it is, thinking creatively can help us unlock work that gives us intrinsic value and fulfillment, as well as help us utilize all the gifts God has given us to their fullest potential.
And one tool to add to the toolbelt is walking. After I read that in the book I stumbled upon several articles from authors testifying to the powers of walking too!
One author I admire says he will write down his headline for that day’s article, and then go on an hour long walk. By the time he gets back the whole article is written in his head and he just has to pour it onto the page.
If walking isn’t your thing they also mention going on a drive or even utilizing the “muse” button as they call it instead of the snooze button. They say that when your brain is at that state in between sleeping and awake, your creativity is at an all time high. Why not turn your snooze button into something useful?
I’ve tried the “muse” button a couple of times and I just can’t stay awake, so I don’t know if it’s for me.
However, I do want to try walking more. Tay and I have already started walking after lunch with the dogs, and we do come up with some good ideas and conversations…at least when the dogs aren’t barking (I mean screaming).