Have you ever wondered why traveling, or seeing something new, inspires you to write? That magnificent waterfall from a day trip to Niagra Falls. That café's cappuccino made of liquid gold you can smell before it lands on your table. Or, that time, you were lost in Albuquerque and asked a rodeo clown for directions. Okay, so maybe that last one was a bit farfetched, but you get the point. According to Adam Gary, when the routine becomes stale, so does the work! Exploring new places keeps the mind keen to notice the details as well as exciting and memorable experiences. But why is this?
Because science!
The human brain is wired to be curious as a cat. Have you ever heard the phrase "the eyes are the windows to your soul?" That's because William Shakespeare was onto something spectacular, and I don't mean poetic nostalgia either. According to a psychological study in 2016, the human eyes work as a conduit for mirroring what is seen to what is experienced. Interestingly enough, that same study also discovered the act of staring blankly at a scene is the brain's way of problem-solving.
What does problem-solving have to do with poetic creativity? This "staring blankly" process allows inward reflection of what was seen rather than being distracted by the outside influences. Effectively putting the image to memory and thus eliminating what we writers call writer's block. Maybe you've wondered why a person could read a book and listen to music at the same time, or that isolating yourself in nature can bring peace of mind. That is because you're removing outside influences and focusing on what is right in front of you.
So the next time you have writer's block and can't craft a single lick of poetic verse. Think about exploring alternative ways to work. Removing those distractions will go a long way, scientifically, in clearing those pesky roadblocks.
Clearing Out The Gutters
Do you have a couple of minutes to spare? How about trying this little thought experiment to give you an idea of how the process of memory is key to imagination. Start by finding an object; any object will do. Take no more than five minutes to memorize everything you can about this object.
What colors does this object have?
How does it feel texture-wise?
What does it smell like?
What shape is this object?
After spending some with the selected object, close your eyes (no peeking). Try recalling everything you saw of that object until you can get a solid image of it. Now begin describing the thing with adjectives that it doesn't possess.
Did you see how quickly that original image changed? This is how the creative process works, especially so in crafting poetry. It is easy to jump from one idea to another, but it isn't as easy to remain focused on the one object at hand. So the next time you are writing a poem, close your eyes and take a few moments to really imagine what you are trying to express in words.
"Oh, The Places You'll Go."
Dr. Seuss figured it out when he made this children's book about the importance of seizing new opportunities, having an open mind to creativity, and trying out something new. Life is so full of adventure, and poetry isn't any different. After all, wasn't it John Galsworthy who once said "dreaming is the poetry of life," and wouldn't it make sense that poetry is built upon human experiences and emotions? Where should you begin to explore?
Go for a walkabout.
Sometimes getting out of your own head and personal space is needed. Not only for your creative spark to ignite, but for your physical and mental health as well. Grab a notepad/notebook and trek your neighborhood, your backyard, or a local park trailhead. Making sure to take note of any points of interest. These ideas don't have to be the next Hemingway. Jot down the first thing that comes to mind. Or, if you don't want to write, you could also take pictures with a camera or phone. The permanency of a photograph can be quite inspirational.
Discover a landmark.
Does your city, town, or village have a national landmark or a place of historical significance? Maybe there is a tourist attraction relative to where you live. Even if there isn't a place like this in your community, you could plan an excursion. Landmarks often have all kinds of significance, not just historically but poetically as well. What is more poetic than gazing at Mount Rushmore or looking up to Big Ben? Landmarks don't have to be one of the seven wonders either. It could just be a simple lake or museum as well. The act of traveling somewhere new is equally influential.
Take a stroll down memory lane.
Do you have fond memories of a childhood destination? Has it been years since you visited your hometown? Taking a stroll down memory lane is a great way to get those poetry energies pumping. You could turn the road you grew up on into your next title and reminisce about everything as you write. Take a visit to the school campus that was once your stomping grounds, or a hop skip away from where you had your first kiss. Maybe go on a camping/fishing trip where your family burned smores and shared campfire talks. The possibilities for poetic intrigue are endless.
Partake in local festivities.
Occasionally a town or city holds special events. These could be a fair, festival, carnival, or 5k marathon to raise funds for a cause. Whatever the occasion is, there is bound to be some human experience involved. Even going to the local tavern to listen to some live music that evening could prove beneficial for poetic thought. That catchy lyric could be the following best line in a new poem. Just make sure to give credit to the performer. With autumn right around the corner, there are bound to be plenty of hayrides, haunted mazes, and pie-eating contests to get those poetic influences roaring.
Sit on the park bench.
The act of simply sitting still has its benefits. Not only do you have time to contemplate life and stargaze, but you can watch people. Just please do so appropriately and responsibly. Observation of the moments leading up to a kiss, the composure of nearby joggers, dogs mingling with their owners, kids frolicking in puddles or on the playground across the way, or the rushing traffic of folks walking through the crosswalk. Learning about body language is a great asset for a poet.
Being a homebody.
Maybe you aren't the traveling type. With no intentions in mind, take a tour of your home. Sure, you've probably lived here for a long time, and you've seen everything your house has to offer, right? I'd bet against this conclusion any time of the week. How many times have you lost something or misplaced the remote to the television? What about the time you swore up and down that you put your wallet in your desk drawer, but now it isn't there. Almost always, a detail is missed. Take a look out the window for some new perspective. Walk around your garden, backyard, or sit on the porch. Home is where the heart is. The same is true for poetic ingenuity. Despite residing in this building day after day, there is bound to be something new to experience. Write about it!
Seeking enlightenment.
Discovering the hidden secrets of the universe may be far out of a person's reach, but for some individuals, introspection can prove uplifting when it comes to writing. Traveling doesn't necessarily mean leaving your home. "places can come from emotions, mentality, and media we consume," says Bendy Ngyuen. Whether that takes the form of journaling, catching up on that new season of your favorite television series, practicing some yoga as part of your morning routine, or simply watching the news on the telly. All of these actions resort to inward reflection and enable creativity to bloom.
Exploration leads to poetic creativity in many different ways. Whether you are sick of seeing the same scenery time and again, or if you need a vacation/holiday, getting out there makes all the difference for a poet. Matthew Hutchins once said, "the aesthetic of a dusty attic may put me in one frame of mind and influence my writing in a different way than the edge of a lake may." See, so no matter the location, or circumstance for that matter, anyone can grab a pen, a pocket journal, and get out there on a poetic journey.
