You Are Now Entering The Creative Zone
Have you been to The Creative Zone lately?
It’s a great place to visit, isn’t it?
I’ve been there for the past few days, in case you were wondering.
Here’s how I got there:
I started playing guitar again. Mind you, I’m not a very skilled musician. I know how to play maybe five or six chords. I write simple melodies and sometimes record them on Guitar Tracks.
Despite my limitations as a musician, I absolutely love playing music. It puts me in The Creative Zone.
So what exactly is The Creative Zone? What does it feel like? How can you find it?
Allow me to describe my Zone experience these past few days as I recorded my latest song.
Maybe you’ll relate, and if you can’t, well, consider these the signs that let you know you’ve arrived:
1. I felt total passion, joy, and love for what I was doing.
2. Time does not exist in The Creative Zone; I started recording at 9am. A minute later I looked up and it was 3pm.
3. There is no hunger (for food) in The Creative Zone. I didn’t eat all day - didn’t even think about it - I was totally focused and immersed.
4. I felt challenged the entire time - frustrated by my lack of musical skill, singing ability, and engineering know-how, yet forging ahead anyway. I loved the entire process and was determined to record the music the best I could.
5. I left The Creative Zone when things got frustrating. I felt like I’d ruined the music. I took a walk and sat under a tree and let the sun shine on me. When I re-entered The Zone I felt clearer. I could hear the song with fresh ears and repaired the problems quickly.
6. I felt excited by the process - like I was on a mission. I wanted to record the melody for posterity. My friend Samantha sang harmony on the song, and I wanted her to have a nice recording.
7. When the tune was finished, I could hear the imperfections, but I knew I was done. I liked it. I felt tremendous satisfaction. I was exhausted…the good kind of exhaustion that comes from working hard at something meaningful to you.
The song is an instrumental - six minutes of a dreamy, repetitive guitar melody.
It’s called Epiphany.
Would you like to hear it?
Are you sure?
Okay…Go here.
(To read more on the subject of getting into The Creative Zone, check out a book called Flow.)
What about you? Are you in The Creative Zone? Be sure to leave a comment, describing what it feels like when you’re there!
Relaxing music - thanks for sharing. I was blessed to briefly get back into The Creative Zone again (after a long departure) last weekend. It was amazing to be on that “high”. The coolest thing was that it involved me having to be around others all day and I could see that they were moved by my passion and creativeness. It was as though it were contagious! The “high” from Saturday carried me throughout the weekend and helped to bring fabulous energy to my life and others’ lives on Sunday as well. It sort of makes you feel invincible at times!
I don’t know if my teeth are brushed. I don’t eat. I have been known for some pretty good blunders, from what I am wearing to what time, if ever I go to bed. I am completely unaware because I feel so aware of where I am. Good thing I am not always in my zone eh? Music was lovely ….thanks!!!!
Hi Mark - It’s great that you’re picking up your guitar again. I also see you’re taking pictures in the street again.
Cropping the zone was another creative idea.
Michelle - thank you…and I’m glad you found yourself in The Zone. I think people definitely pick up on that energy. Congrats!
Harmony - thank you too. Be careful you don’t go outside in your bathrobe. I’ve had times when I’ve been so in the zone I nearly walked out of my apartment in my pajama bottoms.
Barbara - thanks, the guitar feels good in my hands! And yes, I kept passing that Zone sign on my street and it sparked the idea for this post.
It sounds like you have been having a good time. The creative zone is a great place to be. It is a place where ideas overflow, and we are at peak performance. As a writer, I often get my creative moments, and then sometimes even though I may have ideas, I just cannot put them on pen and paper. When feeling like this, it is good not to force things. I would recommend taking a break So I really appreciate it when I get into the creative zone.
Your song was beautiful! It stirred my heart.
I am into the zone when I am in extremes. Either I am feeling happiness and passion or I am depressed. The in between place is not so productive. Music can really add to my zone. Reading beautiful short stories does too.
Laurie - thank you! I appreciate it. I hear you about the extremes. You sound like an artist to me!
Thanks for sharing that music - it’s nice and relaxing. I love the creative zone and I can only blame myself for not being there more often.
Mimi