Sometimes, the key to creativity is simply stepping back.
As this email goes out, I am sitting somewhere within the JFK airport, waiting on a plane that will take me to Paris. From there, I’ll drive to Normandy for a women’s autumn coliving camp at a chateau. For succinctness, I’ve been telling people I’m going on a retreat. Being an editor and writer, I’ve been reflecting on the word retreat and what it truly means. In my mind, the related word that comes up the most is space.
Whether it’s physical or mental, space is essential in life. For this retreat, the goal is to create physical space to connect, work, recharge, and have some fun. But what does space mean in the context of creativity?
The Power of Space in Creativity
Creativity thrives in space. Whether physical or mental, carving out space allows for new ideas and breakthroughs. When we talk about writing, particularly fiction, this idea of space is closely tied to the subconscious. Sometimes, we’re so focused on the conscious details of plot and character that we forget the subconscious is driving much of the story.
The Role of the Subconscious in Writing
The subconscious plays an essential role in storytelling, often working behind the scenes to bring together ideas and themes in unexpected ways. How often have you stared at your story, stuck for hours, only to have the solution pop into your mind while you’re in the shower or on a walk? That’s your subconscious at work, solving creative problems when you give it room to breathe.
Cultivating Mental Space
In our fast-paced world, creating space isn’t always easy, but it’s vital. To nurture your subconscious, you need to allow quiet moments to emerge. Try walking, sitting in silence, or just letting your mind wander without distraction. On this retreat, I’m looking forward to exactly that—time to sit quietly, reflect, and let my subconscious do the work. These moments of mental quiet allow your creativity to surface in ways you might not expect.
Embracing Breaks and Consumption
Taking breaks is part of the creative process, not a distraction from it. Whether it’s going for a walk or reading a book, these moments of stepping away can inspire your creativity in new ways. Consuming other forms of art—watching films, exploring museums, or reading—can provide fresh perspectives and ignite new ideas. The key is to see these activities as a necessary part of fueling your creativity, not something that pulls you away from it.
Trusting the Process
Finally, remember that creativity doesn’t always happen on command. There are moments of flow and moments of waiting. That’s okay. Sometimes breakthroughs take time, and the space you create will allow them to unfold naturally. As writers, we have to trust the process and know that those moments of silence or perceived inaction are just as valuable as the moments when the words are flowing.
As I head into this retreat, I’m reminded of how crucial it is to create space for creativity, to step back and trust that the subconscious will do its work when we allow it to. I encourage you to create a retreat of your own—whether physical or mental—and see where your creativity takes you.
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