This week’s theme is displacement activities. I have a lot
of these, and they aren’t just for writing. Anything which seems to have some
importance gets displaced unless it’s relating to the kids. If the grouting needs
to be cleaned I find a fascinating article online or a new book to read. If I
have an assignment due then suddenly cleaning the grouting is very attractive.
It’s a bizarre thing. Why do I do it? I have no idea. Once the important task is finally done then
everything is fine, but there is a certain anxiety in starting a task which holds
responsibilities.
So what is it that I am avoiding exactly? Once I get started
I enjoy the task and the anxiety is forgotten. Yet I think maybe the anxiety
can be useful. The more important the activity then the more anxiety I
experience and the longer I use whatever displacement activity of the day may
be. I start cleaning out the chicken house, or digging the garden. But are
these displacement activities a part of the creative process? I think they may
be, for me. I think the human brain does a lot of its work subconsciously and
allows it to surface when it’s ready. I
think a bit of hoovering allows the ideas to brew. I’ve added the teabag to the
brain ‘pot’ and it’s steeping for a while. When it’s had a chance to become as
saturated as possible then it’s time to pour out the ideas.
I displace the important things, to let them steep
awhile.