"Particles of raw inspiration sleeting through the universe all the
time. Everyone in a while one of them hits a receptive mind, which
then invents DNA or the flute sonata form or a way of making light
bulbs wear out in half the time. But most of them miss. Most people go
through their lives without being hit by even one.
Some people are even more unfortunate. They get them all."
Terry Pratchett - Wyrd Sisters
This is one of those quotes which resides in my mind. It perfectly
exemplifies how ideas strike. The problem is they disappear as quickly
as they arrive. It really pisses me off when I think something and
internally go "Great idea!" and promptly forget it.
Carrying a notebook has helped. I find I can often scribble those
ideas down quickly enough. I also use Markor and Syncthing on the
phone to be able to take notes when I am not able to carry a notebook.
However, this doesn't help when I do my best thinking.. in the shower!
For some reason, a morning shower is all I need to resolve work issues
or planning Scout activities and so on. I still have not worked out
how I can record the ideas which want to flit away.
My other ways of trying to absorb idea particles are to travel. There
is something wonderful about getting stuck on an issue, heading out
for a walk and finding the solution. I often find the commute to work
can be fruitful too. That is often a great place to get ideas for
radio shows or songs to play. I have considered using a voice recorder
as a way of recording those ideas.
One thing I really need to work on is how to prevent the usual work
distractions from stopping my recording the ideas which hit. I find I
can get stuck in an idea/distraction loop where ideas strike, someone
comes along and asks for something, the idea flits away and I am left
confused. Stress makes it worse which then leads to greater stress and
that is when I need to walk away for a bit. Well, ideally before then
like.
I think it is important to consider that some ideas are not to be.
They act like robins, hopping around but always ready to fly away when
you look at them. However, if those are the only ideas I can get then
I know something is up. This is when I need to return to meditating.
That damn monkey mind and the tricks it can play.
