A drop in the ocean of ideas

Dirty dishes inspire me more than anything else these days.

Lately I've been tracking how I get inspired while doing the dishes. I've written two posts (here and here) about this process. I'm trying to turn it into an inspiration-finding system.

While there are many different ways to find ideas, is there a consistent method?

I'm asking this because as I did dishes last night, nothing came to me. I stared out the window, scrubbing away dinner's evidence. I thought about how many dishes there were, how I don't really like doing the dishes, how many clouds were rolling by, how each day seems longer as winter continues its fade.

But then I took a shower, and the genius ideas showed up there.

So my new part of the hypothesis is this: water births my ideas. So tonight I read about water, finding information from PhysicalGeography.net and Wikipedia.

These remarkable facts about water inspired wonder in me:
- Water is considered the "universal solvent" because it can dissolve so many different chemical compounds.
- Water has a high surface tension, which allows plants to transport food to their leaves from their roots. I imagined water moving from ground-level upward hundreds of feet to the tops of majestic Redwood trees — thrilling! It also plays a huge part in many other life-affirming processes.
- Water has been found throughout the solar system, and wherever it is found, it is seen as possible evidence for life's existence there.

So then I began to think:
- When I am dehydrated, do my ideas flow less smoothly?
- Does cold or hot water work best in prompting ideas?
- If I swam every day, would I be an inspiration-producing machine?

Upon reflection, I realized ideas still flowed well during my "dud" dishwashing session; they were not as original and writing-related as I'd hoped they'd be. While tidying the sink area, I felt relaxed and then happy to have completed it.

I'll head back to the notebook. If I keep a water-resistant one near my kitchen sink, I'll need a water-proof one for the tub.

A couple of conclusions stay with me: With water being such a part of the life process, it makes sense that it plays a role in the creative process. And sometimes doing dishes is just a way to clear a meal's mess.

I'll post additional ruminations. Playing with ideas and letting them float around in my head is at the heart of discovery.

This is my first Sunday Scribblings.

Comments

[patry]

I love Sunday Scribblings! Laini and Megg always come up with the best prompts.

Interesting about your water theory. One of the things that I do when I'm stuck is fill the tub with fragrant bubbles, make the water as hot as I can stand it, and soak. It works!

[KG]

Hi Patry! It is so wonderful of you to drop by with all of the busy-ness you are experiencing these days!

Thanks for your idea. I think I'll give that a try tomorrow. :)

[The Zero Boss]

You may have something there. Sometimes I'll take a shower for no other reason than that it helps me think. I get some of my best brainstorming done there.

[Juliet Wilson]

Interesting post. I often have great ideas in the shower but can't take notes in there. I don't have a bath, but the idea of a waterproof notebook by the tub sounds great, don't think it would work in a shower though...

[mindblob]

KG,
I just love this post. Oooh come on KG, tell us now... you MUST be Marry Poppins! I'm sure, please tell us, pleaaaaase! ; )

Really, this short-circuit into everyday life makes your day (and ours now) an extra-ordinary day, full of simple observations leading to great ideas.

"Playing with ideas and letting them float around in my head is at the heart of discovery." - WOW!

"Playing with ideas and letting them float around the internet is at the heart of sharing discovery" - Thank you.

[KG]

Hi Zero Boss! Very interesting that this works for you, too. And you write A LOT, about so many divergent things.

Thank you for visiting one of your delurkers. :)

[KG]

Hi Juliet! A commenter on another post had a great idea (which I didn't understand at the time, but your comment made me think of it): SHOWER CRAYONS! I found some at the toy store. You can write on the shower walls, and it washes right off.

Actually, my grout is a bit more colorful now, so if you want pristine grout, write your shower brainstorms only on the tiles. Then you can transcribe onto paper after bathing/brainstorming.

Thank you for visiting! It's always wonderful to "meet" a new blogger.:)

[KG]

Hello Mindblob! Thank you for appreciating the simple zen wisdom I find in life. And you are not the first one to accuse me of being Mary Poppins. Now, where did I put that umbrella? ;)

Your interesting post on the future of work is still floating around here, too. I've got a bit more processing, and then I'll be over for a comment.

[Gavin Heaton]

Some of my best ideas seem to come to me in the shower ... don't know if that means that I work better naked or if it is to do with water (ha ha). I dare say that it wouldn't be appreciated in the office!

But there is something contemplative and quiet about the running water that does seem to link instinctively with water.

[Hanna]

Haha, I like your writing, today I've posted my first Sunday Scribbling too! I think it has more to do with relaxing and the auto pilot (check my post today) than water, but if you dig water I recommend you to sit by the ocean and write! You'll have a blast!

[KG]

Gavin — LOL! I would definitely recommend you use only the water-creativity technique for the office. ;)

[KG]

Hanna — Congratulations on your first Sunday Scribblings! I've been over to check out your post and have left you a comment. Your collages are inspired.

Sitting by the ocean and writing is now at the top of my to-do list. Thanks for the suggestion and for visiting. :)