create | mindwi.se edit

I never was an artist per se. I never was an avid reader neither. But one day, it started to slowly change. I became interested in new ideas, became a better reader. Instead of reading words, I was reading an entire work with passion.

With time, sharing my ideas and thoughts was a good relief for me to better communicate and to summarize new ideas just discovered. Now, I want to focus on better organizing those ideas.

These days, it seems like everybody want an opinion out of you, within seconds. In a face-to-face discussion, on social media, by text message, by phone, etc. But I'm a slow thinker, I just can't answer straight up without considering multiple angles at first.

What is more scary for somebody trying to be creative than a blank page? I'm having this issue since a few months, being unable to focus on writing for myself or for this blog. All that empty space creates anxiety in my will to express what I want to tell others.

It's exactly as there is too much noise around at a party and I can't talk. Can't focus, can't structure ideas, can't create.

What I need is:

• Reduce distractions, probably by using a pen and a piece of paper instead of the computer.
• Make more creative time in my schedule by specifying ranges to put down ideas on paper.
• Be able to link ideas by taking notes anytime in a notepad.

• Minimalism and mindful habits in life.
• Low-tech and tidy computer-related habits.
• Wise spending and ways to stretch money.

Obviously, those 3 main categories can expand on topics. But I started to think to regroup articles in those three categories and clean up even further the number of articles.

In a world filled with iPads and where the web is becoming less used (not the Internet, but the web as such), it is difficult to imagine that the creative side of each of us is developing. Because it must be said, creating is very different than consuming. An iPad makes it difficult to create content, emancipate oneself, write and reflect on what one experiences and sees while participating in a world that is already saturated with content. Already, it seems to me that the time is running out to read, consult, participate in everything I see on the web. And if we add to that the will to create, how can we navigate?

First, you have to see the problem. What I have already diagnosed.

Then comes the time to find solutions to better manage your time of discussion with the world through various tips. And also better appreciate it.

The problem? I like to read everything that interests me on the Internet, I like to write on my blog or by replying to articles, but I don't like racking my brains in order to have to write because the inspiration is not there. And writing 2-line texts is, in my opinion, not creating.

The solution? Better organize your time and focus on your goals.

To organize your time better?

• Divide the consumption and creation aspects into two, ie dedicate part of your time exclusively to consumption (therefore reading) and another part to creation (therefore writing).
• As a result, you will undoubtedly have a better overall concentration in each of the moments.

To focus on your objectives

• Eliminate distractions (whether through the smartphone which is always nearby, the email box always open or the temptation to consume while you are creating or vice versa): you have to learn to "disconnect" (get out of the world of hyper-communication and multitasking) when you want to create. Because this connection does not allow us to fully focus on the one and only task we want to accomplish.
• Declutter your cyber-environment by correctly choosing its sources (reduce to a minimum), eliminating bad habits (instant messaging, which takes all our time), limit the consultation of your Facebook page or your emails to each period of 4 hours at instead of 15 minutes, etc.
• Create a habit, for example always dedicating the same time of day to create (in the morning) or even plan time at the end of the day in order to take stock of what you have accomplished.

Sitting in an empty room, doing nothing

As an experimentation, I am typing this with my eyes closed, in a meditative state, in total silence. Good thing I know my typing. What I want to prove is that it is almost impossible for me to sit in an empty room and do nothing, like the old quote from Blaise Pascal. Even meditating, I have an hard time to focus on my breath and give up on the other thoughts. I constantly need to be connected, and that's a problem. The pseudo-stress it implies is stating to eat me alive.

I need to slow down.

Stop trying.

Stop reading.

Stop pretending to do something.

Start to be quiet in an empty room, with myself, while meditating.

One of the big actor in this problematic is technology. It creates so much distractions in the name of progress. I used to laugh at people using old stuff, old monotasking technology, like a bank book to keep track of their spendings and earnings. Now, I feel like that was to the point, more meaningful, less stressful.

I feel like to get rid of my smartphone, my computer, all screens. My work relies on them though, so it is quite difficult. But, even at work, I am distracted and overwhelmed by my need to read/watch/learn something new every single minute of my waking hours.

I aspire to be a better person. Not by improving every aspects of my life, not to be more productive, not to be wealthier, but by slowing down and to be more centered on what really matters: family and nature.

I want to regain my mental sanity, to be fully conscient of my mind and thoughts.

Just write

• close all windows on my computer.
• do not go on Internet to get influenced during that time.
• open the empty file.
• start to write as I'm doing right now.