In our busy lives, we often forget to take some quiet time for ourselves. By the way, sleeping does not count.
I love this quote because it speaks to me. Each time I have partaken in a quiet leisure activity, even if it is just sitting and contemplating in a natural setting, creative energy flows through me in the form of thinking of ideas for my blog, recalling a long-lost song, or remembering a scent that brings to mind a distant memory. Some of this quiet time is spent in the Word of God, reading, or simply refreshing my mind.
If we were having coffee, you and I would sit quietly outside, enjoying our beverage. No words would be needed because we are languishing in our contemplation in companionable silence.
Do you have a leisure activity that fosters your creativity? Take a few moments to think on this idea. Please share what inspires your creativity in a comment.
Second Wind Leisure Perspectives 
A long, lonely, or with someone I love, walk inspires me no end. And I agree…walking with my husband in the woods is inspiring “because” no words are spoken.
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That sounds lovely!
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Taking photos inspires me. For me every picture tells a story and some of my short stories have come from looking at photos that I have taken. Who’d of thought that before blogging I had no interest in photography what so ever.
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That is so true for me, too. I love taking pics but got more motivated to use my own images for my blog. One hobby begets another 🙂
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Reading inspires me. Both fiction and non-fiction. I also like watching documentaries and just sitting quietly and thinking. I love the quote. We all need those spare hours to ourselves. 🙂
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That’s great, Phoenix, I believe writers especially need that contemplation time!
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I think that too. 🙂
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All of the above! Walking, taking photographs (and then spending time editing them), reading, or just sitting on my deck with a cup of coffee are all ways that I love to spend my quiet leisure. Solitude refreshes me and allows my creative juices to flow.
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Sounds lovely!!
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For me I would have to say that listening to music or just being at the beach and looking at the ocean inspires my creativity. All because the possibilities are endless.
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I love to take a stack of magazines and pull out all the pictures I like . Then I glue them into sketch books, no artful arranging or too much thought, just working on instinct. When I look back through the notebooks later – I see that I am really contemplating and curating a vision of what I love. It always inspires me!
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I’m with Hugh. I love nothing better than a long walk with my camera, taking photos of my little world. Usually that inspires me and refreshes my mind. I always feel good after a photo walk. Thanks for the coffee chat x.
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My link today ODD BALL CHALLENGE
https://idahobluebird50.wordpress.com/2015/08/09/cees-odd-ball-challenge-august-9-2015/
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I try to do yoga every day and I find that it can be incredibly refreshing…especially just laying in Savasana. It can be incredibly difficult for me to really get into the pose if my mind is racing, but if I succeed, it’s so unbelievably relaxing. I’ve also become accustomed to sitting out, watching the sunset, and letting my mind wander this summer. So peaceful and so worthwhile.
Really nice post, Terri. It’s also useful to remind ourselves that we don’t always need to be doing something. Sometimes doing nothing is the most rewarding thing we can do for ourselves.
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Thank you, Britta, good that you are getting some peace!
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It’s funny how difficult it can be to be quiet sometimes—especially in the company of someone else. I had a very good friend when I was in high school whose friendship taught me the value of sitting quietly with someone. It was a good lesson to learn. 🙂
I also appreciate a long bath. It’s incredibly relaxing, and bathtime is good thinking time. 🙂
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So very, very true Terri. Even though I have simplified my life significant;y, I still seem to be able to find ways to fill my life with distractions and clutter. I find the best way for me to unwind and inspire creativity is by taking long sailing passages.
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When I run outside I sometimes write my blog in my head rather than concentrating on how fast or far I am going. Ideas just come to me as I think I am out in the fresh air and my mind is clear. I’m not really a very creative person but I think you just need to step back and ideas and thoughts will come. Thanks for a lovely post Terri and joining us at #AnythingGoes link up
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We definitely need some off time, I agree totally. It’s my walk along the beach that provides me with the opportunity to dream, to let my mind wander.
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Thank you, it is nice to “talk” to you 🙂
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Thanks for sharing with us at #JoyHopeLive!
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Spending time with my dogs – and shopping LOL!
Thanks for commenting on my blog. I truly appreciate it, and hope you’ll be back 🙂
Alicia
spashionista.com
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Shopping is good! Hope to hit the coach outlet today while in Oregon. ..no sales tax. You can count on me visiting your blog, Alicia 🙂
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