Writing is going well...now I will be away from the project for three days to attend a seminar. It will be a totally different climate -- with more people than I've been around in months. There will be nonstop conversation and mental "input". I may take notes or jot down new ideas for this or that part of my writing...but I won't have large blocks of time for extensive "output".
I've been attentive to the wisdom of occasionally lying fallow during this sabbatical. It is an important part of creativity's cycle.
Farmers allow fields to be fallow to increase the productivity of the field. The plowing or tilling of land, without sowing it for a season; as, summer fallow, properly conducted, has ever been found a sure method of destroying weeds.
To plow, harrow, and break up, as land, without seeding, for the purpose of destroying weeds and insects, and rendering it mellow; as, it is profitable to fallow cold, strong, clayey land. (from Brainy Quotes.com)
Although most of my days have been dedicated to extensive writing, I have incorporated into the rhythm regular fallow cycles. For a block of hours or a full day, if necessary, I set the writing projects aside. I notice that there may be obstructions developing even when I am "on a roll" of creativity. Just like in a vast field, there are "weeds" germinating...clods forming...even while the crop is growing.
I begin the fallow time by praying ... stirring my desire for God's companionship,and for the inspiration and counsel of the Holy Spirit. Reading scripture prayerfully but without mental rigor seems to break up any clods of ego rigidity. The roots of the weeds of fear or doubt are exposed during this time...and the weeds begin to wither. Resting in the Lord, my objective is to practice receptivity...listening...moving into mellowness and pliability.
Lying fallow, resting from the task of production, is actually profoundly "productive".
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