Transform Your Writing Using All Five Senses
Design your dream writing oasis
A coherent sequence of words is a living organism. There requires a unique cocktail of external conditions for that organism to thrive and survive as with all living matter. This cocktail is called environment. As humans, we have an arsenal of senses that acts as the conduits to protect our personal domains, down to the most frivolous perceptions. We often take them for granted, but we shouldn’t, especially when it comes to writing.
Sensory experience creates inspiration. By utilizing our full arsenal, we maximize the paradigm of our words to a level of boundless generosity. We all have different palates, perspectives, tactile obscurities, olfactory preferences, and sound tolerance. You should consider each one when creating your ideal writing habitat. Below is my sensory recipe to serve as an example.
Sight
How does the area look? Are you a material minimalist who appreciates small spaces and bright natural sunlight? Or, do you prefer the dimness of a cavernous hall adorned with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves? Natural light (or lack thereof) is a consistent fixture of my optimal writing environment. I seldom write in the company of an electronic lightbulb.
Besides light, the presence of motion is my other make-or-break criteria. While many need visual stimuli to maintain the kinetic energy of thought, I prefer a distraction-free zone of stillness. This is why I enjoy writing in the country. There are few cars and pedestrians at ground level and no skyscrapers above obstructing my galactic micro-bulbs.
Sound
What do you like to listen to while writing? Is it the ambient backdrop of soft instrumentals or the chatter and clatter in a cafe? Heavy metal or complete silence? I am of the first category, preferring mild acoustic stimulation that complements flow rather than obstructs it.
Touch/Feel
Do you sit on a plush chair or couch, perhaps with a soft pet on your lap? Do you use a standing desk and favor the sensation of your feet on the ground? I go with a sturdy chair that has a soft finish. I like to be comfortable without any soporific undertones.
Smell
This one is quite possibly the most underrated and underappreciated. You catch the whiff of a burning fire before seeing its glow or hearing its crackling. Scents are often nostalgic and unearth revelations that can enrich your writing. On the other hand, is there a more loyal aromatic companion to the written word than coffee? While it is sometimes difficult to resist, I prefer the simple delight of fresh air — regardless of season or temperature. Each day has an original fragrance. As long as notes of food do not impart it, I’m good to go. Along with natural aromatherapy, I also keep some clean-scented essential oils nearby.
Taste
See above for coffee. As scent does with aroma, taste creates a deep flavor of nostalgia. It can bring you back to Grandma’s kitchen during your childhood or a standout dish from a recent trip. For the same reason that I appreciate the relative neutrality of fresh air, especially outside the city, I keep my palate clean too. That means plenty of water with the occasional sprig of mint and squeeze of citrus. I seldom write before brushing my teeth. It would leave me — and my writing — with a bitter taste.
Summary
We all own a personal blueprint for ideal writing conditions. They reflect our personality and resulting writing style. Design yours with all five senses in mind. They each have the power to activate creativity and flow. A sound (no pun intended) writing environment can be a potent remedy to combat writer’s block. Mine contains elements of simplicity and neutrality so as not to allow a single sense to disrupt productivity. I suppose it is no coincidence, therefore, that Helvetica is my favorite font.
What are some of your idyllic writing conditions? Please feel free to share a response!
