How does travel support our creativity?
The act of creating is only part of the story
Travel is different things to different people, but I define a successful journey for myself as one that fills up my soul with a balance of inspired activity + learning, rest + reflection, and getting a true feel for the places I am visiting. I don’t want to need a vacation from my vacation, but I do want to get out of my routines and comfort zone to feel somewhat changed and definitely inspired by the experiences.
It has been some time since I traveled in this way. Since the dawn of covid, I have had some sweet excursions to visit family, a work trip here and there. I began with a couple of weeks on the island of Crete, and then met up with my partner/bf in London for the final week of the trip. We still have a couple of days before returning to the US, and I am already nostalgic for the depth and beauty of this trip.
When we look at supporting our creative process, it is important to recognize the different stages of the creative process. Quite simply they are: Inspiration + Spark, Ideation + Planning, Iteration + Creation, and Rest + Recovery. Each stage requires different support, but there are things that can nourish the full process.
The stage that we miss most often is Rest + Recovery. Without this, we burn out. It can be uncomfortable taking time to reflect and be less active, but without it we jump from project to project, trying to avoid the inevitable let down. It is a bit like shifting into late autumn- things get quieter and more introspective. It is so easy to get antsy when we are used to being in active, constant motion of late summer or big projects (or both!).
This is part of travel and retreat that can be so supportive. We shift out of our routines and responsibilities. We see new sights and hear different playlists in coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. (I have been using Shazam non-stop and discovering SO much new music, and that alone is filling me with new + different inspirations) We have unexpected conversations and experiences and hopefully really become present in our bodies and to our senses.
I decided to write about this today to complete a creativity cycle- I have been reflecting on so much of the last few years, but also being in London takes me back to so many past trips here over the last 20 years. Hearing new music and taking in some really intriguing art filled me with a spark of inspiration last night, and I was compelled to carve out a bit of time this morning to share my thoughts with you as my partner headed out on his own adventure. And here I am, feeling full, inspired and hopeful that my words help inspire you to carve out a bit of time to feed your senses and reflect on what you’ve been creating in your life since this time last year.
xoxoMs.AnnaLee
