Celebrating the Sound of Silence

I’ve been on a role with my writing lately (this past week, I sat down to write 3 days in a row, a record for me)! And I think I figured out the trick that gets me going.

A couple of weeks ago, I forgot my headphones at home on two separate (but close) occasions. I always carry a pair with me to hear music when I’m out. For an avid music lover like myself, this was pure torture.

I was left with no choice but to listen to the sounds of the commute all around me, including those awkward, lonely gaps of silence. Since then, the waves of creativity have been hitting me like never before; I actually feel like writing and thinking about writing.  And it feels pretty damn good!

I hate to admit it but without music constantly filling your ears, you can hear yourself think much better sometimes. Growing up, I would play music while writing, reading, studying, thinking, you name it.

All this time, I was under the illusion that drowning my thoughts in music was actually helping me think better. In reality, if you want to hear your creative thoughts, ideas, or inclinations clearly, nothing beats silence.

That doesn’t mean I have to quit hearing music all together (oh trust me, that’ll never happen). But I’d like to make more of an effort to take voluntary music-free commutes more often.

Now I can see why  people recommend writing when you first get up in the morning, before you even talk to anyone or expose yourself to any media. It allows you to tap into your creative “first thoughts”, greeting them with a clear mind and a fresh start.

 

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