Heading to my car after a full week at work, I felt weary, even disconnected. I placed my bag in the trunk and went to open the driver’s side door.
Then my intuition told me to take a walk. I tossed the phone in the glove compartment and went to wander residential uptown New Orleans.
Throughout an hour-long walk, as I moved my body and released endorphins, my weariness turned to self-centeredness. I developed weekend plans, gleaned perspective, and reveled in the fascinating architecture around me.
I churned information. Previously hatched ideas, previously consumed podcasts, and previously experienced conversations sifted and permeated throughout my consciousness, making new connections and securing old ones.
You have similar experiences during a long, hot shower. Because you are effectively doing nothing, you have revelations and insights. You consider out-of-the box ideas. Your consciousness is provided respite from the cast of constant stimulation.
You need to sift the flour to bake a savory cake. Take long walks, and take long showers.
In an incredible but frequently plugged in world of fast-fed information, it’s vital to take this time to process and integrate.
You need it to think for yourself, and to connect to yourself.
Cheers,
Joel
*Note* The idea for this blog post was actually born in the shower on Tuesday.
