Quieting the conscious mind
How can you quiet your conscious mind so you can hear what your subconscious mind – your Muse – is trying to tell you?
I’ve found hot showers work a little, but not reliably. Usually I resort to what I call ‘white noise’. Usually it is some form of music, sometimes with words, sometimes without. Often a particular playlist for a particular project. Somehow, putting on the headphones, drowning out the outside world and giving my mind something dominating to tune into, helps quiet my mind. Inside me, a switch happens. After a few minutes I no longer even hear the music, all I hear is my story, my characters, and I can write no matter what is going on in the world around me.
At least, that usually works. But sometimes it doesn’t.
I’ve had trouble in the past with meditation because I need to clear my mind and usually the quiet just encourages all the plaguing thoughts to crowd in. But maybe I need to develop the habit and reach the point where all is quiet before I start my time. Maybe, if I did that I’d find the benefits of mediation like Holly does. :-) I think I’m going to give it a try tomorrow morning before I start my writing for the day.
This post is in response to one of Holly Lisle's workshop activities from Mugging The Muse. I highly recommend this short (and incredibly cheap! just 99 cents!) course for any writer interested in developing their writing passion and firing up their Muse.