Youve heard of thinking outside of the box, that splendid practice of seeking unconventional answers to problems, freeing yourself from constraints, and brainstorming your way to the new and exciting. Its wonderful, but our typical thought grooves are often firmly imprinted, and thinking our way to better thinking can be as difficult as pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, or by your hair, for Baron Munchhausen fans. So, how can we more capably think out of the box? Dont do it! Instead, try boxing out of the think! Physical activity, particularly of the challenging, totally engaging kind, is a great way to make you let go of your conventional thought processes. Martial artists who spar each other absolutely, unconditionally, MUST let go of their everyday thinking patterns unless they want to get bopped on the nose, or worse. The other day, when I was body surfing in some great waves in Santa Monica, I was so enthralled that I forgot everything else in the world except what I was doing at the moment. Not only was this relaxing, but later, numerous ideas for articles and projects easily cascaded through my mind, like WAVES. Literally, you can box your way out of the think by pummeling a punching bag. Set a nice rhythm, let your mind get into every strike, and before long conscious thoughts may simply vanish. Again, any physical activity might help, including jogging, but Ive found if I must be in the present to perform, then, by definition, Im in a perfect spot to have new experiences, and even to think new thoughts. |
