When was the last time you had a really good think? I mean quiet time to yourself, to think about whatever it was that was on your mind? Maybe you took a walk, maybe you shut your office door, or maybe you just sat and thought good things about the people you love. No television, radio, phone or other electronic devices. Nothing to distract you from your thoughts and ideas. Why is it so hard in our culture to just sit, and just think?
I know why. Everywhere you turn there is input. I pumped gas yesterday and had four commercials emitted from the pump pummeled my brain, the car next to me was blaring it’s stereo, and the guy pumping gas on the other side was talking on speaker phone to his Mother. I could hear every word they both said…REALLY! I was exhausted when I got back into the car. And all I did was pump gas.
Today I actually sat in a chair for five minutes with no input. Nothing. No music, no tv, no movies, no phone, no pets, no one around…just me. At first it was uncomfortable, then I settled in and actually took multiple deep breaths. Then a strange thing happened…I was able to think. Not just fleeting thoughts, good, solid productive thoughts. Before I knew it five minutes turned to ten, and ten turned into more and more. Then I couldn’t contain myself anymore and had to write down my good thoughts and ideas. It was amazing the clarity I was able to obtain by a few minutes of just me with my thoughts.
I think that is what Lorraine Hansberry was trying to remind us about when she wrote these words. Instead of always thinking we have to be productive, doing, moving, shaking…what if we took time each day to just sit and think? How would our lives be different AND how would we be better people? How would we feel about ourselves and our work? After doing it for myself, I get it. It does make a difference in every aspect of who we are and what we do…when we just sit and think. Who knew?!?
Ann Art Gallery Blog 