“Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.”
-Joseph Chilton Pearce
Is your brain attached to your body?
This is a silly question right because intellectually we know that our big awesome writer brains have a body attached to them.
But how often do you explore that connection? How do you see the role of physical movement in creativity, especially writing?
I could reel off study after study and statistic after statistic, proving that moving your body has a positive effect on your brain and creativity. I do recommend checking out the work of one of the foremost experts on the subject, my friend Dr. Tracy Alloway PhD (also the person who introduced me to the circus arts and changed my life forever!).
But, rather than taking a deep dive into the science of physical movement and creativity, here’s a story of a recent field trip I took here in Reno. Decide for yourself whether you think moving your body - especially in the form of PLAY - can benefit you as a writer.
Climbing Clouds
As part of my recent staycation here in Reno, I visited the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum. I will admit, my number one reason for going was to play. More specifically, to climb the giant cloud structure in the center of the museum that I’d hear about.
So, because I’m a child in an adult body, and also because there are no rules saying adults are not allowed to play on the Cloud Climber - I started climbing.
It became clear to me pretty quickly why this thing is designed for little kids. Navigating an adult sized body through the twists and turns and small spaces presents a whole set of physical challenges. (Fortunately, being a 48 year old aerialist has its flexibility and fitness advantages.)
The cloud climber was a mental AND physical challenge - squeezing, sliding and often scooching on my back across narrow spaces, having nothing to hold onto except the wire netting or various beams of the structure, hitting dead ends and having to scooch out backwards.
My brain and body were engaged the entire time in a constant journey of problem solving. “Okay where am I, where do I go next, and how do I manipulate my body to make that happen???”
Playtime at its very best!
A cool bonus for all of us as authors…
I was telling this story to one of my very wise book coaching clients, someone who is also a huge advocate of play and movement. She pointed out how the cloud climber structure is a metaphor for being an author.
Think about it: You set out and start climbing with nothing to grab onto, climbing, wriggling through small spaces, hitting dead ends, having to back up, flattening yourself to get through tight areas, wondering how you got into this, and generally not knowing where you’re going at any given time.
You finally make it to the top - finished book! And then you gaze downward, amazed at where you are and how far you’ve come.
Tell me that’s not an accurate depiction of being an author.
How is your daily play habit? Your daily physical movement habit? Your daily brain-body strengthening habit?
Exploring the relationship between brain and body, moving your body regularly, especially in challenging problem solving ways, like through play, is a legitimate tool for strengthening creativity.
Because sitting at your desk staring at your computer screen praying for a miracle sure as heck isn’t it.
PS: This also applies to being stuck in the process of writing your book! Need help? Check out my coaching options.
