I am currently helping a friend get an album recorded (we are literally in Nashville for two days, working out arrangements and making some initial recordings). I forgot how invigorating it is to be part of the process of creating. Part of the purpose of this blog was to provide an outlet for me to create things (online word things), and to think some exploratory and experimental thoughts.
It is very difficult, I find, to carve out the time and space needed to really create something of substance. Dallas Willard has said that one of the things young people desperately need today is time to "unplug" from all the forces that pull them in so many directions, and keep them under so much deception. He’s really talking about cultivating the disciplines of silence and solitude, which are absolutely essential for any kind of creative pursuit (and authentic humanity). In our increasingly "always-connected" culture, this is more and more difficult and frowned-upon. If someone is unavailable for a few hours, we get offended at their "anti-social" behavior. But that "unavailability" is absolutely essential to the creative process. I think if we can build this kind of solitude into our lives, we’ll find ourselves creating things of substance, and we’ll be hooked.
I agree Ben. In November I took a personal solidtude retreat for 2 and a half days. It was great! I probably got more prayer and goal setting done in those two days than I would have on my normal schedule. I also had the oppurtunity to dream and be creative about what the future could hold. I need get away like that more often. I hope everything is well with you and the recording went well.
Yeah, a 2.5 day retreat sounds really great about now! That was one of those things I told myself I was going to try to practice regularly, and haven’t quite found the wherewithall to get it done. Good reminder for me.
I know it is really hard to carve time to get away. It was hard not to feel guilty when I was leaving the family behind. But it made me a better husband and dad when I got back.
Hey man! Sorry to bother you again. But I saw this posted on slices on Relevant’s website and thought of you…
Indie-rock legend Jeremy Enigk is reportedly finishing up his second solo record, the follow-up to his acclaimed Return of the Frog Queen, which was first released almost a decade ago. Enigk is known for his band Sunny Day Real Estate and later projects with The Fire Theft. Enigk plans to hit the road later this summer with his new material, so stay tuned for more updates … 2/15/06 | 9:34 AM