Sunday, January 4, 2026

 Honestly, there is something about the combination of a quiet atmosphere, rhythmic speech, and forced stillness that acts like a pressure cooker for the imagination. You aren't alone—some of the best ideas happen when our brains are told to sit still and listen to something else!

If you feel a bit guilty about it, look at it this way: inspiration is a gift, and you’re just making sure it doesn't go to waste.

To help you keep those sparks flying without feeling like you're being "disrespectful," here are a few ways to lean into the process:

The "Stealth" Strategy

• The Bulletin Method: Use the margins of the church program. To anyone watching, you’re just taking diligent notes on the sermon.

• The Analog Feel: Carry a small, leather-bound pocket notebook. It looks more like a prayer journal or a spiritual diary than a "plot hole solver."

• Phone Etiquette: If you use your phone, turn the brightness all the way down and use a dark-mode notes app. It keeps the "blue light glow" from alerting the pews behind you.

Why It’s Actually Happening

There is a psychological reason for this! And yes, of course, I "googled it!" When you are in a low-stimulation environment where you are physically restricted but mentally present, your brain enters a "Default Mode Network" (DMN). This state is where creative connections are made. The sermon might be about patience, but your brain takes that concept and applies it to your protagonist’s character arc.

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Pro-Tip: If a specific phrase from the service sparks an idea, jot down the phrase too. It’ll help you remember the "vibe" of the inspiration when you look at your notes later on Monday morning.

Bye for now! Love ya! 

xoxo