DRIFT TIME...REVISITED
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A few years ago I listened to a CBC interview with musician, artist and poet Patti Smith, where she described the importance of drift time in the creative process. She defined drift time as that vast and quiet space that we drop into when we allow ourselves to daydream. That space where our mind wanders and meanders from one free association to the next.
This is the place from which ideas are born and creativity thrives. It often comes when we’re doing mindless tasks like walking, cleaning the house or even showering. It’s a direct result of being bored and not having anything to focus our thoughts on. It doesn’t occur when we are going over our to do lists, checking our email or social media. It needs a vacuum, a space that isn’t filled up!
I wrote a blog post on this topic several years ago, as I noticed the challenge I was having around preserving my drift time. With the introduction of devices and the constant demand on our attention, my relationship to drift time has changed. It’s even more elusive and I now have to plan it into my day. And, I’m noticing, it’s getting tougher to do that.
What I observed then was that I had become less able to easily access that part of my brain that just floats and plays. I was often aware of this low grade feeling that I should be doing something, looking at something or checking something. Like a form of addiction, I felt a strong need to be checking in and then felt empty, like I had just wasted my precious time, as it really didn’t give me what I was truly needing - connection.
I realize that we now have a relationship to technology that is firmly rooted in our lifestyles and business practices. But drift time and spacious quietude is such a necessity for our wellbeing and absolutely essential for artists and creative output of all kinds.
So how do we balance these needs and recognize when we should be giving ourselves some space to just be? Here are a few things I’ve noticed for myself and maybe they’ll be helpful for you as well…
When there is resistance to making my art, because I am about to re-engage with the vast unknown, I often use technology, and the perceived “need” to check in, as a way of avoiding the familiar discomfort of doing my creative work.
I tend to prioritize staying up to date with my devices, usually checking in with my business needs before anything else. Thinking that cleaning the slate, or my to do list, will free up my mind for my creative work, while the opposite is actually true. How many times have I sat down to quickly check my email before heading to the studio, only to lose hours of my time and drain my energy?
Much like meditation, I can access “drift time” much easier when I don’t fill myself up with stimulation first. Can I reverse these priorities by creating new habits and recognize the benefits of nurturing this internal space, noticing how everything in my life and work improves as a result?
As creative professionals we have a relationship to technology that supports our business, and it does that very well. But what about keeping “office hours” so we have more time for play, rest and creativity? We now work all the time and there is no off switch, unless we push it. We have to be disciplined about this or we lose ourselves completely, our art is neglected and we feel stalled, blocked and frustrated.
These are some of the questions I am asking myself right now as I am constantly challenged by the relationship I have to technology. How can I give back to myself what came so easily before? What renewed commitments do I need to make to keep things in better balance for myself? In what ways can I step up and design a life that puts creativity first, with the firm belief that everything else will be better as a result?
We are living in a time where finding the value in cultivating our creative mind-space is essential. It’s more important than ever to preserve and nurture our creative lives.
Finding ways to allow for more drift time in your life will not only deepen your connection to your art making, but will bring more purpose into your daily life as well…and support your ability to create and innovate.
This is what I’m committing to for 2019, even as I am becoming more and more involved with my online coaching business. I know it’s for my highest good….and will help me to help you!
I’d love to hear about your relationship to technology and in what ways are you nurturing drift time in your life. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.