Everything, Philosophy, Travel
Get Away and Think Big
Aug
A few weeks ago I left the hot and arid confines of the Southwest for the land of mountains, Colorado. I took some time to get away from work, computers, the workshop, and the daily habits that tend to take over in this crazy world.
Nearly as quickly as I had arrived in CO, I headed up into the mountains – camping this time of year at 9,000 feet is quite exceptional. Colorado has beautifully forested mountains, full of pine and aspen, sharply contrasting my current landscape of scrub brush and cacti. By changing the scenery that surrounds me every day, I am also changing pace. Everything feels new again. New sights, new sounds, smells and experiences.
This is extremely important for those that do creative work. Anything at any time can influence you and your decision making process in your creative work. So – when you find yourself doing the same thing day in and day out, you are essentially starving your mind of new thoughts and external creative influence. Breaking free of the habitual items on your daily to-do list will also help you gain another perspective and expose you to the unexpected which is like candy for your creative soul.
I chose to head out into central Colorado near a town called Leadville to camp for four days and climb the highest peak in the Rocky Mountain range, Mount Elbert at 14,440. The hike took me half the day and gave me very little to focus on except for breathing and taking the next step forward. This mind space is incredible. Without all of the inhibitions and stresses of daily life as a roaring background chorus, I was able to think about new things. New ideas. New solutions to old problems.
You don’t have to go far to find this space. Even something simple, like taking a walk at night, or riding your bike through a new neighborhood, or pulling your camping mat out and laying it down on your porch to relax and watch the sky for an hour…these are all things that can take you out of your routine and expose you to fresh experiences.
Try it out. In fact try it out in a different way each week and let me know what your results are in the comments below.
evan, i couldnt agree with you more. i spent three entire weeks in july in colorado, utah, idaho, oregon camping and hiking and sightseeing and i came back to pennsylvania feeling like a new person and it shows in my felting projects. no radio, no television – i had NO idea for 3 weeks what was happening out there. i recommended it to all my friends but too many of them are stuck on the treadmill and just dont get it. but i get it and intend to repeat it at least once a year.
always good to read your posts!
Thanks Toni! That also sounds like an amazing trip. I would love to spend that much time camping and road tripping – especially in that part of the country. I read about the car accident with Deni! That is so crazy – thank god she wasn’t hurt!
these are some beautiful photos.
I totally agree with that its important to do some things you never do to refresh the mind sometimes. when I don’t have a lot of time I sometimes just sleep with my head at the other side of the bed or once I tried showering without the lights on. its fun
Showering with the lights off! That’s an interesting one!
Welcome to the high country! As a CA transplant I can say that the ocean is where I grew up but the mountains are my home.
If you’re ever down Colorado Springs way don’t miss Garden of the Gods. If you want a hiking buddy drop us a line. 🙂
Mark – I am now out in the Desert Southwest. Though Colorado still does feel like home. I do travel back there often so if I am in the neighborhood – will be dropping a line.