Take A Hike, Get Inspired

One piece of advice to any writer is always bring a pen.

Phones die, typewriters are…impractical, and you can’t always rely on your memory.

As writers, we must always be ready to jot down a bit of inspiration.

A meaningful quote, the way a tree’s leaves twist in the wind, the formation of the birds flying overhead; inspiration can present itself to us in any multitude of ways…but not all of the time.

More often than not, we get stuck sitting at our computers, staring at that little line, blinking mockingly on the empty page. Almost daring us to try and articulate our thoughts using this mediated form.

Many times, we even start to doubt what we even sat down to write about in the first place. Thoughts swirling around your mind about what you could replace it with, or worse yet, the blank brain(Dun dun DUUUN).

Sometimes all it takes is to stand up, stretch, get more coffee, pet the cat, and you’re back at it.

Other times, it can last all day. Even into the next.

So instead of wasting time coming up with half hearted titles, and mind maps leading no where, why not do something beneficial to both you, and your writing?

Many times when I have come down with a serious case of the blank brain, I have found getting out of the house and into nature can drastically reduce symptoms.

Many of the great thinkers and scientist of history have written countless times about their inspirations from nature.

Drawing on its seemingly never ending supply of curiosities and wonderment, they formed the ideas that shook the world as people knew it, many of which formed the basis for the world we live in.

From Isaac Newton to Albert Einstein, the natural world never ceases to provoke thought, inspire invention, and lend its endless beauty to artists throughout time.

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” — Albert Einstein

For me, there is a little spot under an ancient looking oak tree in the middle of a field of wild wheat, about a thirty minute drive from my house.

Whenever I feel lost or hopeless in my writing, or anything else for that matter, I go there and just sit and become a part the environment.

How the grass rustles with the wind.

The rhythmic pattern of the creaking branches, some roosting birds bickering over a meal.

When you write, write with all five senses. Write what you feel.

When all five senses are used to draw inspiration from, the fog seems to lift.

So how can you benefit?

You don’t have to go it alone in the wilds of Alaska, or trade in your Honey Nut Cheerios for bugs and roots. All that is required is a good pair of shoes, a pen, and a map of the local area.

Pick your local park, nature preserve, national forest, anything away from the overbearing stimulus of the concrete jungle, and allow yourself to become engulfed in what has existed long before you.

Look up and down, behind rocks, watch the birds dance in the branches, hear the aches of the trees in the wind, the rustle of grass. Just be.

Nowhere in my life have I found more inspiration than in the ever-open arms of nature.

So remember to always have your pen with you. Always look for inspiration.