Empty Hours Foster Creativity

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.

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23 responses to “Empty Hours Foster Creativity”

Spashionista

Aug 24, 2015 at 10:39 am

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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1. Terri Webster Schrandt
  
  Aug 24, 2015 at 10:43 am
  
  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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magknj72

Aug 18, 2015 at 5:46 pm

Thanks for sharing with us at #JoyHopeLive!

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amommasview

Aug 13, 2015 at 9:25 pm

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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1. Terri Webster Schrandt
  
  Aug 13, 2015 at 9:49 pm
  
  Thank you, it is nice to “talk” to you 🙂
  
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sizzlesue15

Aug 11, 2015 at 7:06 pm

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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lisadorenfest

Aug 10, 2015 at 6:04 pm

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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Diana

Aug 9, 2015 at 9:04 pm

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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brittabottle

Aug 9, 2015 at 7:26 pm

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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1. Terri Webster Schrandt
  
  Aug 10, 2015 at 9:27 am
  
  Thank you, Britta, good that you are getting some peace!
  
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bettylouise31

Aug 9, 2015 at 4:42 pm

My link today ODD BALL CHALLENGE

CEE’S ODD BALL CHALLENGE AUGUST 9 – 2015

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desleyjane

Aug 9, 2015 at 3:44 pm

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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Michele

Aug 9, 2015 at 12:01 pm

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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walkerkaty0

Aug 9, 2015 at 10:53 am

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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Retirementallychallenged.com

Aug 9, 2015 at 9:42 am

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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1. Terri Webster Schrandt
  
  Aug 9, 2015 at 12:39 pm
  
  Sounds lovely!!
  
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phoenixgrey85

Aug 9, 2015 at 8:51 am

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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1. Terri Webster Schrandt
  
  Aug 9, 2015 at 8:57 am
  
  That’s great, Phoenix, I believe writers especially need that contemplation time!
  
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  1. phoenixgrey85
    
    Aug 9, 2015 at 11:18 am
    
    I think that too. 🙂
    
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Hugh’s Views and News

Aug 9, 2015 at 8:06 am

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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1. Terri Webster Schrandt
  
  Aug 9, 2015 at 8:35 am
  
  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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slvrhawk2014

Aug 9, 2015 at 7:43 am

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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1. Terri Webster Schrandt
  
  Aug 9, 2015 at 7:50 am
  
  That sounds lovely!
  
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● About Me

I’m a former university adjunct Professor and retired recreation & parks practitioner living in North-Eastern Washington State near the Idaho border. Second Wind Leisure Perspectives is my blog about living a leisure lifestyle, including photography, friends, fitness, and fun.