August 27, 2012 In appreciation, imagination, inspiration, life and the universe By Patricia Saxton

Swimming with Mermaids

My daughter saw a mermaid once. Although that’s not the sort of thing one goes around telling just anybody, I truly believe her. I haven’t seen one myself, but I happen to know a lot about them. :  ) I think, in fact, that I may have been one in another life, which may explain why swimming came so easily to me ~ who knows.

Who knows anything, really. It’s a big universe out there, full of surprises and wisdoms and puzzling arrangements of scientific particles, and things we don’t even know that we don’t know anything about, not even a tiny morsel.

In some ways, many ways actually, life’s a mystery ~ and we get to play in it, muck around in it and mess it up and try to make it right. And try to enjoy it. Make it less an exercise in futility, and more an experience of joy, a journey of discovery and meaning, a lovely ride.

So I’m taking some much (much) needed time (did I say how much?) to un-plug and practice just being for a little while. I wish it were longer ~ in my opinion, time off should be a minimum of 2 weeks, preferably 4 ~ but one does the best they can. Rejuvenate, as they say. It’s a time to do as the spirit moves, and only that. Which includes, of course, some swimming with mermaids.

See you next week sometime. Have some good journeying while I’m gone.

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October 4, 2009 In business, creativity, graphic design, presentation By Patricia Saxton

Stefan Sagmeister: The power of time off

Every seven years, designer Stefan Sagmeister closes his New York studio for a year-long sabbatical to refresh their creative outlook. He explains the often overlooked value of time off and shows the innovative projects inspired by his time in Bali.

His talk is insightful, enjoyable and worth watching – though for some reason the video wouldn’t embed, so here’s the link:

ssagmeister

Now, my thoughts:  In theory, it makes sense. But there’s that pesky element of economic feasibility and other practicalities / responsibilities.

I did take my own sabbatical at one time – 6 months in a beautiful place, devoted to pursuing other aspects of my creativity. It was a time when I felt I could do it, based on a relatively lesser amount of responsibility – ie;, no children yet. It was a fantastic gift, a treasured, productive time.

As downright appealing as it is, a sabbatical like this would be much more difficult to orchestrate now. And as such – for those who can’t up and go to Bali – it’s important to be able to find and nurture places of growth and inspiration right from where you are.

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