Dear Reader,
Do you enjoy daydreaming as much as I do? I get some of my most creative insights that way. In fact, lately I have been starting my work day with five minutes of daydreaming! Here are some of the benefits I have noticed so far:
- I go forward into my workday feeling more relaxed.
- I feel less pressure to “be productive.”
- I am more productive!
- Specifically, I procrastinate less, struggle with perfectionism less, and feel more free to create.
- I am more focused on the most important things.
- I often engage my intuition and gain new insight to start the day.
- I remain fully present for longer throughout the morning.
Not bad for five minutes of doing what came naturally to me as a child, right?
I read somewhere that Einstein used to schedule regular periods of time to daydream. He would sit in a rocking chair on his porch with a golf ball held lightly between his fingertips. Then he would turn his mind loose. If he started to fall asleep, he would drop the golf ball and it would wake him up!
Of course, some of the things attributed to Einstein are not true, but it’s a great story, and a perfect lead-in to describe exactly what I mean by daydreaming.
Daydreaming, as I experience it, is a precise state of mind that combines relaxed awareness, the intention and curiosity to explore, an openness to what I discover, and an engaged sate of feeling. It’s quite a recipe!
I am usually sitting comfortably, but not in any particular position. My eyes are usually open, but my focus is softened. I know exactly how it feels, when I am in the state, and when I am not. I go into daydreaming mode quickly, and I come out of it quickly.
Daydreaming this way can take practice.
To help you, here is what daydreaming is not:
- spacing out
- intellectual thinking
- problem solving
- emotional indulgence (fear, anxiety, etc.)
- replaying old stories and memories
- meditation
At first, you may need to practice quieting these aspects of your mind and, of course, meditation can help with that. Daydreaming can be very spontaneous; let’s face it, sometimes we slip into that mode without even trying! So let it be easy, light and fun, without any expectation of the outcome.
Give it a try dear reader, and make sure to leave a comment letting me know how it goes!
I honor your loving heart,
John
John
After meeting you last night I explored your web-site, your blogs in particular. Of course I do not know you well yet, but look forward to changing that.
I already indicated a couple of common threads we share, though in no real detail. I now find your approach to counseling is also not beyond understanding. My daughter is in post graduate study in the bay area with a 90+ year old lady who has a school in Marin County, California. She uses acting as a medium in the process.
Your latest few blogs tell me we look at many of the same thing as special in life. I imagine you interpret them with a better sense of artistry than I do, but we see and value the same things. You have been lucky enough to have Maine as a touchstone in your life, while I have just recently become in touch with it. My home stone is Oregon, but the two states are not so different.
With my wife of a little more than a year, who coincidently went to the same high school you did, I am here now. While most great friendships in life begin in our youth. the rest being interrupted by time, work, and diverging interests. I suppose, given geographic stability, and more relaxed usurpation of time by other things that does not have to be the case. Who knows?
What I see in you, is an understanding of ‘things’ and people; an ability to relate, relax, and review the things that are and, therefore, the things that are not, part of personal peace.
It will be interesting to get to know you better through Toastmasters as my own soul mate and I will join your club in the near future. I suspect, even at this early acquaintance, you have much to offer many people, and are lucky enough to have the ability to do so. It’s nice to meet interesting people and I have probably met one.
Greetings Brian! I enjoyed meeting you at Toastmasters as well. I hope you and your soul mate do join when the time is right for you, because I think you will have a lot to add to our group, including your enthusiasm and ability to bring new perspectives. It is always fun when these commonalities show up among people. I have spent time in Oregon – the first time, on my hitchhiking trip many years ago – and I loved it. I did see similarities with Maine, right away. And so interesting about your daughter’s studies – are they with Anna Halprin by any chance? I will look forward to hearing more about your own adventures in life!
Best Wishes,
John