May I ask, are you right handed? This may sound odd, but I bet the use of your left hand (if it is non-dominant) also played a small part in your inspiration. Just a thought. In any case, it sounds like a great method: driving, recording, listening back. I love driving-and-thinking as well.

I really appreciate the idea that doing what I really, really feel ike is a form of discipline. I think you’re right! I never would have thought of that and it’s definitely eye opening in a great way.

Thanks for being a pal! Susan

I give a lot of talks at my local Center, and have been doing so for almost 15 years. I also used to be a consultant and trainer, and occasionally facilitated day-long workshops. Many of my preparation habits have really never changed, and I’ve usually fallen into the trap of perfectionism, criticizing my style. I keep thinking I’ll discover a way to keep a flow of logical 3-fold logic at the same time as not flatten my inspiration or the possibility of present-moment flashes of insight.

I had an interesting experience when I assistant-directed Guide training in Austin last year. During my 3-hour drive from Houston, I used my hand-held digital recorder to record inspiring thoughts about my topic whenever they arose. That night and the next morning before the talk, I listened to the recording and made notes. I gave the best talk I’ve ever given. There was something about speaking the ideas first – when it came from inspiration rather than flat obligation – that made my subsequent notes helpful rather than an obstacle. I also love driving-and-thinking. That weekend, the combination seemed like magic.

One more thought. I think that doing what you “really, really felt like doing” is a healthy form of discipline.

Keep blogging and writing! Thank you. Contemplating these things has been very timely and helpful for me today.

Celeste

and as if I didn’t already feel connected to you, and your journey– I too have a convertible mini cooper! mine is, however, orange