Dropping into the Zone
When people hear I spent 13 years in a Catholic convent (I entered at 18 just out of high school), they often ask me when I first questioned if I should be there. My response: About 5 days in.
Whenever I'd begin to question – as I did many times through the years, the people I trusted to be my mentors and the voice of God’s will for me, would tell me to stop thinking so much. She would direct me to keep busy and stop thinking, with the admonition that "Idle hands are the devil's workshop."
No wonder I became a work-aholic – a tough habit to break!
But what I've learned through the years is the enormous difference between keeping busy to avoid our thoughts and getting active and creative to spark new perspective and welcome innovative, breakthrough thoughts.
Stay with me here...
If I'm struggling to make a decision or facing a situation that is causing me pain -- and I keep busy to avoid facing the problem, this does nothing to reduce the stress or resolve the situation because I’m not allowing my thoughts or imaginings to flow freely.
When I intentionally and purposefully choose to begin a creative project, I’m not avoiding my concerns – I’m allowing for new thought patterns and ideas to form.
Have you ever been "in the zone" -- you know, those moments where you are so engaged in an activity that you lose track of time, forget to eat, and don't stop to use the bathroom?
I don't know that I can name a time when I was "in the zone" while thinking intently about a problem or trying to talk it out with my therapist, coach, partner, or friend. While contemplating and conversing can be helpful – I need to get out of my head and into my heart, using my hands.
I drop into the zone when my hands are moving to create something new or transform something old. And when I transition from the zone back into “the real world,” I’ve gained new insight, confidence, and ideas to address my concerns.
That’s why I’ve launched Soul and Spaces - an experiential, project-driven coaching practice. More than simply talking about your life, dreams, goals – we move into action to create together.
Whether you want to discover new ways of cooking or turn your backyard into an outdoor oasis or upgrade a room – I’ll be your YouTube live – creating, problem-solving, and transforming with you.
