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.
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!
Posted by: patry | January 15, 2007 at 12:29 AM
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. :)
Posted by: KG | January 15, 2007 at 12:58 AM
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.
Posted by: The Zero Boss | January 15, 2007 at 03:14 AM
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...
Posted by: Juliet Wilson | January 15, 2007 at 06:37 AM
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.
Posted by: mindblob | January 15, 2007 at 03:23 PM
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. :)
Posted by: KG | January 15, 2007 at 05:23 PM
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.:)
Posted by: KG | January 15, 2007 at 05:27 PM
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.
Posted by: KG | January 15, 2007 at 05:30 PM
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.
Posted by: Gavin Heaton | January 16, 2007 at 09:04 AM
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!
Posted by: Hanna | January 16, 2007 at 10:26 AM
Gavin — LOL! I would definitely recommend you use only the water-creativity technique for the office. ;)
Posted by: KG | January 16, 2007 at 01:04 PM
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. :)
Posted by: KG | January 16, 2007 at 01:06 PM