Why It's Healthy to Experience a Lull

(*Full disclosure: in order to practice what I preach and enjoy some "lull" time myself, I lifted the above graphic quote from one of my previous Mid-Week Oasis Moments. You're good with that, right?)

I post this from a lovely lull in the mountains of Colorado to remind you that taking a break is healthy for your creativity.

Here's how Brigid Schulte, author of Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time, characterizes this phenomenon:

Neuroscience is finding that when we are idle, in leisure, our brains are most active. The Default Mode Network lights up, which, like airport hubs, connects parts of our brain that don't typically communicate. So a stray thought, a random memory, an image can combine in novel ways to produce novel ideas. (You can read this entire Inc. article here.)

Remember, even if there's no vacation on your horizon, you can experience a mini-lull whenever you like. What if you give yourself permission to enjoy one the following? (Whether you have 10 minutes or an hour or more ~ any amount of lull time can be rejuvenating to your creative spirit!)

10 Ways to Experience Some Lovely Lull Time This Summer

1. Close your eyes and breath. (Yes, this could be called meditation...but it's also just relaxing to have zero stimulus coming in or out for a few minutes.)

2. Take a walk around the block.

3.  Doodle aimlessly.

4. Schedule a massage.

5. Flip through one of your favorite coffee table books. (We buy them...but sometimes we forget to enjoy them!)

6. Color in a mandala or coloring book.

7. Cut and arrange some fresh flowers.

8. Enjoy a solo trip to a museum, gallery or bookstore. (If you can find one!)

9. Peruse a favorite cookbook and choose a new recipe to try.

10. Spend 10 or 15 minutes completely lost in the Creative Oasis Moment of your choosing. (Remember: a Creative Oasis Moment is a creative experience that energizes and delights you ~ that makes time fly and your heart sing.) 

Wishing you some lovely lull time of your own this summer!

From my restful mountain Creative Oasis to yours,

Jill

P.S. - My "Create the Summer of Your Dreams Kit" will only remain available for a short time. Click here if you'd like to grab one while you still have plenty of time to enjoy more of the creative experiences you crave this summer!

Embracing Lull With All My Heart

I post this in-between a lull-filled week in Santa Fe and a lull-filled Thanksgiving weekend with family.

I've been embracing Lull with all my  heart and it's done my heart (and soul) so much good!

So far, my restful time of rejuvenation has included:

*  lots of reading in front of a roaring fire

*the delight of being snowed in for an entire day (which meant mimosas, more roaring fires, hot chocolate, more reading, naps, staring out the window at the gorgeous white-tipped landscape in a blissed out state, languid conversations, etc…) 

*an incredible massage and private hot tub/sauna experience at Ten Thousand Waves

* meandering through Santa Fe with no particular plan being led by serendipity and my nose

* heemeesheemees galore (my word for serendipitous experiences) 

* and probably the most relaxing time my husband and I have shared in eons 

Now I'm off to spend more lull time with my family, catching up, seeing photos from far-flung adventures, enjoying magical time with my three-year old niece, and dipping my toes into the holidays with my enthusiastic teenage daughter – we would have put a tree up two weeks ago if it had been up to her!

My intention is to remain resting in the lovely state of lull for a few more days. 

I am so grateful for this time…for my family…for my friends…and for you!

Wishing you some lovely lull time of your own this Thanksgiving weekend even if it's something as simple as closing your eyes right now and enjoy three deep breaths and a stretch to the heavens!

From my restful Creative Oasis to yours,

Jill

www.creativeoasiscoaching.com