Johanna Herbst
May 20, 2023
Walking around with no agenda and being surprised at times where your mind ends up? That’s mind wandering in a nutshell. When did you let your mind take a break last time?
I only started doing it again recently after reading “Stolen Focus” by Johann Hari (amazing book!!). I could very much sympathize with Johann Hari when he shared that he did not waste time on mind wandering and kept an agenda at all times instead. At least listen to a podcast and learn something on your way to the supermarket. That was me as well!!
Mind wandering matters: it helps us make sense of things in our lives and get clarity on how we feel about them. If we let our minds wander, then our experiences are processed, organized, and analyzed. New random connections are made, a prerequisite for creativity. I guess it explains why we have some of the best ideas taking a shower or sitting on the toilet.
“Be efficient, maximize your time, and get things done!” That’s what kept me pushing and my mind busy… The notation of creativity triggered me since I consider myself a creative person. If mind wandering allows me to become more creative, I will give it a chance.
I started going for walks without trying to solve a problem. No agenda whatsoever and – spoiler alert – it feels great!! It gives me peace of mind to relax and not be “on” all the time. In German, we would call it “balm for the soul.” An guess what! I also had some creative ideas that just popped up in my mind… A true WIN WIN!!
When will you let your mind be free next time??