This past weekend, I found myself in the Badlands of North Dakota in 100 degree heat. As my partner-in-crime rode the 50 mile Maah Daah Hey bike race, I went for a 12 mile hike. Crazy? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely.
I trekked through a petrified forest, stunningly stark landscapes, and near-dry creek beds. I ventured from the trail and bushwhacked my way through 3-4 miles. I saw prairie dogs (hundreds), bison, wild horses, a gigantic elk, a fox that had just made a kill, some grouse, and a red-tailed hawk. Mostly, I thought.
Being in the middle of nowhere is great for stimulating creative thought. The trick is to not try too hard; let the thoughts come to you as they will. This is something I’ve learned through meditation instruction–let your thoughts pass through you like clouds.
Sometimes you’ll come up with brilliant ideas (for me, I often envision potential story scenes or even entire plot lines when I’m walking around aimlessly), and sometimes you’ll think of nothing. On the days I think of nothing fresh/new/original, I try not to worry. At the very least I’ve primed my mind to receive new thoughts and ideas. I always capture some serenity through my treks that helps me fret less about day-to-day life and focus more on creative energy.
The main lessons: Get away. Be by yourself. Don’t be afraid to turn your brain off for a while. And always keep a pen and paper handy (you never know what might pop into your head).
-Kate
Author: KateBitters
Kate Bitters is a Minneapolis-based author and freelance writer. She is the author of Elmer Left, Ten Thousand Lines, and He Found Me. One of her proudest/nerdiest moments was when Neil Gaiman read one of her short stories on stage at the Fitzgerald Theater.