Daydreaming: The Theater of the MInd
“Writing is my profession… daydreaming is my fulltime job”
Like most artists, and as an existentialist, I find my creativity in daydreaming. Though one does not need to be an artist or an existentialist to daydream. Daydreaming can be viewed as the theater of the mind since this is where we stage our life’s ambitions, fantasies, and even create new realities. Anecdotally mind wandering has been associated with creativity for centuries. New research on daydreaming is offering validation that mind-wandering can make us happier and more creative.
“I was trying to daydream, but my mind kept wondering”
Steven Wright
To master the art of daydreaming, one must avoid constrained thoughts where we ruminate over unpleasant events and topics. And, to focus on thoughts that are free moving- meaning they skip from one pleasant topic to another. Positive mind-wandering has also been shown to enhance convergent thinking: that facilitates the kind of solution that just comes to you as an aha moment in a flash not knowing how we got there. A solution in the flash that trumps methodical testing and elimination of options.
“Sit in reverie and watch the changing color of the waves that break upon the idle seashore of the mind"
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Current research shows when our minds wandered in more fantastical ways like playing out implausible or bizarre, funny scenarios we tend to be more inspired and creative. This is especially true for writers since we think through stories as means to harness our creativity to find our aha moments. Artists use their aha moments to present works to an audience in the hope they will experience a catharsis brought on by their work.
“Daydream, imagine and reflect. It’s the source of infinite creativity”
Deepak Chopra
With this said, I will now direct you to a few of my works created by aha moments. First my song, “A Smile for Beverly,” and one of my rants from my teleplay, “My Life Template”. Both of these works came into being via a few aha moments when the song, and rants just appeared after days of mind wanderings as how to complete these works in progress. With this said, I hope these performances will spark your mind wanderings on a journey to creativity and happiness.
Be safe. Be well. Be Happy. Be Nice!
Existentially,
Rich and the Demitasse Players
Copyright of articles and accompanying artistic works reserved by Richard Cirulli
