By Janie Reinart
You need to hear what you're writing,
and for that you need silence.
~ Philip Pullman.
As we enter into the winter season, I invite you to embrace the stillness. Stop and take a breath.
Writing and thinking are interconnected. Part of my writing process is luxuriating in the quiet around me. When I find that time, the silence becomes sacred.
Here are some thoughts from creative people embracing silence.
“Without great solitude no serious work is possible.” ~ Picasso
“When I am, as it were, completely myself, entirely alone, and of good cheer–say, traveling in a carriage or walking after a good meal or during the night when I cannot sleep–it is on such occasions that my ideas flow best and most abundantly.”~Mozart
“On the other hand, although I have a regular work schedule, I take time to go for long walks on the beach so that I can listen to what is going on inside my head. If my work isn’t going well, I lie down in the middle of a workday and gaze at the ceiling while I listen and visualize what goes on in my imagination.” ~Albert Einstein
There is something greater and purer than what the mouth utters. Silence illuminates our souls, whispers to our hearts, and brings them together. ~Kahlil Gibran
“One of the greatest necessities in America is to discover creative solitude.” ~Carl Sandburg
"Be alone—that is the secret of invention: be alone, that is when ideas are born.”~Nikola Tesla
"To communicate through silence is a link between the thoughts of man." ~ Marcel Marceau
Wishing you peace and prosperity in the New Year and time to hear what you are writing. The GROG writers are stopping for a breath. We will be back January 4, 2016.
Wishing you peace and prosperity in the New Year and time to hear what you are writing. The GROG writers are stopping for a breath. We will be back January 4, 2016.
Janie, what a beautiful post to take us into winter. This is very inspiring and poetic. TY.
ReplyDeleteThanks you Kathy. May the quiet be with you.
DeleteLovely, Janie! I'm looking forward to a quiet vacation and get caught up on writing and blogging!
ReplyDeleteTina, enjoy and be refreshed.
DeleteJanie thank you so much for the wonderful insights and quotes.
ReplyDeleteTherese,I loved the quotes too! Here is another quote.
Delete“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?”
― Albert Einstein
Did you ever see a picture of Einstein's desk? It was piles upon piles. Lol I always love that about writer's desks. Happy writing.
I immediately thought of Paul Simon's The Sound of Silence. Granted, the song is stuck in my head, but I love it so Thank You!!
ReplyDeleteJodi humming with you. "And the vision that was planted in my brain
DeleteStill remains
Within the sound of silence."
Oh, these are wonderful quotes! I get my quiet time in the shower or a long, luxuriating bath. I don't always come up with great ideas but I am one clean writer! :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd may I just take a moment to say thank you to all the Grog bloggers/writers who do such a great job here! You deserve a breath, for sure, and may your New Year be filled with moments of quiet as well as wild surprises!
Cathy, thank you. You made me laugh about the squeaky clean writing . Lol. May writing joy be yours!
DeleteJanie thank you so much for the wonderful insights and quotes.
ReplyDeleteTherese you are welcome. I was fascinated by the different people that sought silence--from scientists to mimes!
DeleteBeautiful post, Janie. Silence and solitude are hard to find in my busy days. I cherish those moments of calamity, but embrace the quiet when it visits.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, love your line "cherish those moments of calamity, but embrace the quiet when it visits." Now that's a quote to remember!
DeleteThank you for this, Janie. It's a great reminder that I need to be still to regain my footing. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteJilanne, Happy New Year with some sweet silence sprinkled through your days.
DeleteAh, I feel more peaceful just reading this. Thanks, Janie!
ReplyDeletePatricia, peace be with you and yours. Happy New Year too!
DeleteLovely post. Thank you. Enjoy the holiday season.
ReplyDeleteRosi you are welcome. Many blessings to you in the New Year!
ReplyDeleteyes! the best thoughts sneak in when the noise stops. thanks for sharing these wonderful quotes - and y'all at GROG have a good holiday.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, Have a peaceful New Year!
ReplyDeleteJust read an article in RealSimple Magazine-January 2016 titled,
ReplyDeleteCan I have some peace and quiet?! by Jennifer King Lindley. The word noise is derived from the Latin word nausea.The article states, "The brain works in networks that are in balance with each other. Constant noise pulls our attention ever outward and upsets the balance." The article also recommends ways to find quiet for all different ages from toddlers to adults. Check it out.
Thanks for this beautiful post, and a peaceful holiday to all!
ReplyDeleteChristy blessings of the season to you and yours. Happy New Year too!
DeleteJanie, Have just come off the road after a happy but noisy trip. The quotes and artwork you have collected are altogether exquisite.
ReplyDeleteThis post is a blessing to every reader, me included.
Blessings to you + HNY 2016, too!
Thank you Jan. Glad you are home safe. Blessings, health, and prosperity to you and yours in the New Year!
Delete