Good Vibes for Good Lives

Jason September 18th, 2006

I simply will not resist any longer. I know floating around in this cranium, I’ve got stuff to share.

So, let’s start with something that I’ve found myself doing a bunch lately, and that is writing down random thoughts. I’m convinced that everyone… and I mean everyone… has momentary flashes of brilliance. The question is, do we cultivate them? In a way, everyone is an Einstein and an Edison, a Socrates and a Plato, a Mozart and a Jimi Hendrix. We all think or say things from time to time that take our own breath away. But do we build on them?

You’ve heard it said the brain is a muscle. That means that all functions of the brain, from the structured to the creative, are all able to be developed, grown, and stretched. How do we do that? The same way you do a muscle… exercise. Hence, the analogy.

A good way to start exercising is to take the initiative to write down these little epiphanies as they happen. Have you ever noticed that these flashes tend to happen at a time when it’s not all that convenient to take the time to expand upon them? In the shower? On the way to work? At your kids’ softball game? While I’m not yet certain of the reason for that, I believe it is due, in part, to the mind being in a more relaxed state.

So, whatever you do, write it down, plug it into a Word document…whatever works for you. If my laptop is available, I use MacJournal for saving these kinds of thoughts. Otherwise, I carry index cards with me constantly. Get a small personal recorder to make verbal notes if you’re in the car, but be sure to review and write it down later. The simple act of writing things down increases our ability to not only remember those things, but to digest them more fully. By integrating the motor skill of writing with the thought, it’s like telling your subconscious mind, “Wow, that was great. Let’s do that some more.” Your subconscious will recognize the value you placed on that moment of inspiration if you consciously make the effort to acknowledge it. And, consequently, will work to deliver more. Exercise.

Then, review your notes regularly. Sooner than later, you will surprise yourself with some of the insights you’ve come up with. Expand upon them, if possible. Do not force it. If it doesn’t flow, let it go. If it”s valuable for you, it will come.

A big part of understanding the value of this practice comes with first understanding the value of yourself. Of your ideas. Of your potential. But, that’s another topic, for another day…

• Personal Growth , Personal Success , Self Discovery