Sometimes, I feel like I live my days in different types of containers. My home is essentially a box, albeit a fancy one. When I 'go out' usually I place myself inside another compartment, my car, which I take to bring myself to another elaborate box such as a store. If I'm not careful, it's easy to spend my entire life enclosed in man-made spaces, with controlled temperatures and artificial lighting, all designed for my comfort. The trouble is, being comfortable is overrated.
There's something to be said for discomfort, especially if you're a writer. Without conflict or desire, our characters would be boring. I think the same can be said of us. It's easy to fall into a rhythm of daily habits, but if you want to be creative, plan on making time for something new, something different, something uncomfortable.
When you are stuck on a creative project (writing, painting, etc) try taking a break and give yourself a mini-adventure. Sing in public, go roller skating, eat food you've never tried before. Or combine the already existing elements of your life in a different way, such as mixing friends who have never met, even if they might not get along. (In fact, that only makes things more exciting.)
Another way to get out of your box is to experience it another way, such as blindfolding yourself and navigating your home that way for an hour. How does the space seem different? What senses can you bring to your writing that have been overlooked?
For me, just getting outside of my 'boxes' and being out in nature makes me see things new again. Walking through a forest challenges me to identify bird calls and enjoy the wind applauding through the leaves. When at home, I find that using natural light as much as possible keeps me in touch with the larger world as I notice the change of light and shadow as Earth pirouettes the sun. It makes me notice time differently. It reminds me that I'm a part of something bigger, more wonderful and extraordinary than anything I could imagine.
Writers, don't forget to get away from the computer and live a little! If we do the same things at the same time and have the same conversations with the same people every day, is it any wonder when we get writer's block? Get out of your box and do something uncomfortable. Your readers will thank you for it.
Picture: The Vanishing Soul (detail) mixed media on wood © Kathleen Sullivan Isacson, 2010
