Continuing on from last week - we reveal the second half of sacred text from ‘The Hermit’s Guide for Staying Creative with Cabin Fever’.

5. Contemplation

Now this is some old school hermit behaviour. If you find yourself staring off into space and daydreaming (which I also highly rate as a sometimes activity) and want to get stuck back into it then try active or passive mindfulness.

** Passive ** – find an object, nature people might want to select a stone or leaf and city people use your pen or troll doll, even a spoon will do. Have a moment with the object. Hold the object, feel it, think about it. What is a spoon? Now associate, extrapolate, be with the spoon thoughts. Set a timer or know before you begin that it is a finite window. If you have a productive time or discover untold genius then start a contemplation journal. You will be pleased at how quickly these thoughts begin to inform your practice.

** Active ** – This involves using your body. Almost every yoga, tai chi and martial arts group will be making online offerings. Support one of these groups by signing up for something, it can be five minutes or a regular class. There are also lots of fabulous activities for free. Active contemplation can also come from walking or working out. Concentrate on the activity while you are doing it. Really get into it, if you find your thoughts wandering to a ‘to do’ list then congratulate yourself for being so dedicated then let it go, come back to your body. If none of this appeals to you then I suggest Beyoncé your day and have an outfit change, use that time as your active contemplation.

6. Research

Feeling stuck? Make a research list. Now I don’t mean the research list you already have of things you want to do but are avoiding, make a list just for your curiosity. Silly, off the cuff subjects that seemingly have no connection to your work. Stick a page on the fridge like a shopping list so you can add to it when inspiration strikes. The threads of connectivity that appear may turn you into a conspiracy theorist and then you’re really doing cabin fever right!

7. Random and Delightful

Do something wacky for pleasure. On purpose, as part of the routine. Write lists that are for the express purpose of ticking. While you’re writing the lists practice forming letters in different ways. Leave love notes for yourself in post it stickies. Go outside and talk to a plant like you would a co-worker. Download Duo-lingo and take Mongolian classes. Order some weird indoor plant seeds online and get obsessive about growing them. Make a replica world map out of buckwheat flour on the kitchen table, then use the flour to make muffins that are neither sweet nor savoury but a combination of both. Anyway, you guys have got this part.

We hope this list really kickstarted your creativity during these difficult times. Follow on social media as we continue to update you on our whacky creative journey. Stay home, stay safe <3