In what context are you most open to what the world is telling you? In the third post in the Life Sabbatical series, I introduced the concept of the Openness Equation to help describe three emotions that help us be open, boredom, awe, and joy. In developing this idea, I read and listened to a bunch of resources that I thought others might find interesting too. So here's a list, and as I discover more, I'll continue to update it (last updated 11/30/2017).
Articles
Being Busy Is Killing Our Ability to Think Creatively Big Think (July 10, 2017)
Boredom is Good for You. The Atlantic (June 2017)
The Danger of Convenience. Raptitude (November 21, 2017)
In a Distracted World, Solitude Is a Competitive Advantage Harvard Business Review (October 19, 2017)
Nature’s Influence on Brain Health. Mindful Matters Blog (April 21, 2016)
The Difference Between Open-Minded and Closed-Minded People Farnam Street Blog (September 18, 2017)
Why it’s good for grown-ups to go play Washington Post (May 20, 2017)
You Can Boost Your Creativity By Looking at Art Business Insider (Dec. 9, 2014)
Books and Essays
Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do by Wallace J. Nichols (2014)
The Painter of Modern Life by Charles Baudelaire (1863)
Podcasts
Hurry Slowly is a new podcast that explores how you can be more productive, creative, and resilient through the simple act of slowing down. I’m only a couple of episodes in, but I thought that episodes 2 with Florence Williams and episode 3 with Craig Mod were both really interesting.
Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert – I love the format of this show. Best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert does a coaching session with a person having a creative dilemma (including homework assignments), then has a discussion with a noted, creative friend, and then reconnects with the coachee months later to check in.
Places & Experiences
Findhorn Foundation – at the beginning of my life sabbatical, I spent two weeks in this eco- and spiritual community in the Scottish Highlands. There are many such communities in the world, but this one has a special place in my heart, and might be of interest to folks who love nature and gardening and learning about spirituality.
Goldsworthy in the Presidio – for two years I worked in the Presidio of San Francisco directing programs on cross-sector leadership. The second year, I realized that we had an amazing experience that combined reflection on art and reflection on nature, right where I worked and included this experience in the agenda. It’s amazing and beautiful, and I recommend using Wood Line as an opportunity for walking meditation.
Labyrinth Locator – I first walked a labyrinth in the Red Mountains of Utah, and it was a profound experience. There is a wonderful history to labyrinths and they can be found all over the world. Walking one doesn’t take too long, and can be a beautiful way to slow down, be present, and reflect. This site helps you locate where there are labyrinths nearby. Or, as a very generous former colleague once did for me, if there are leaves or snow on the ground, you can actually create one relatively easily.
