yes, and the rest of it is utterly terrifying. But facing that darkness makes us stronger too. For the fringe weirdo part of the population, which is possibly our 'classification' there is no way of pretending to be normal. We just take the rough with the smooth!
So true! Most people only see the world the same way. Having a different perspective can be alienating, especially as a kid, but it sure does allow you to find innovate faster.
There is not much of 3am shadow in darkness that haunts hallways of the mind but sees the way to clarity to reduce the anxiety that bombards with vibrations and the thoughts that you may think of wild at the time, wake up and write them down see where they go in morning light. There is a lifting mechanism to keep you cautiously aware. While sleeping your mind travels circuitous paths and returns with answers. You can accept or reject. But if you don’t write the message down you will forget.
Ah yes. I too have the random cool idea train of thought running on the 3AM schedule. Of course it switches back to the 4AM schedule in a few weeks. That's why I keep a notepad next to my bed, so I can write down the thoughts as it rumbles by.
However in the morning the challenge is to decipher these "mind prescription scribbles" that were written in the dark.
Another substacker called this 3 a.m. awakeness as The Watch. I have been holding The Watch for quite awhile. Husband Jeff is just starting it ... he's just turned 66 ... which is kind of when it starts. We are no longer surging ahead, climbing the ladder to success. We've both arrived, so our brains are redirecting that frenzied pace of thinking into other more entertaining ideas. My problem, though, is that the ideas are coming at me all the time at Mach 4 speed. It's quite distracting. Kind of makes it harder to wrangle all these critters into the corral.
The speed of ideas is definitely a problem. Sometimes I like to imagine I'm floating above a busy freeway at night, watching the headlights and taillights come and go. I imagine my thoughts are like that. I can't make out details, but I can enjoy the picture of them in motion.
Yesterday my main goal was to read all the substacks in myemail. Got it down to two. Whew! All that reading blew up my brain to where I couldn't get to sleep. There is a downside then. Too much friggin' awesome stuff out there. Somebody could push the red button and blow up the world and I wouldn't even notice.
So relatable Jason! Really fabulous post. This stood out: "Thanks to my anxiety, while many people are limited to the occasional three o’clock musing, I am inundated with exquisite, weird thoughts all day long."
Thank you! We are all so different in the ways our minds work, but we all have the same desires to be seen and to create in one way or another.
Oh how I relate to these type of thoughts! Exciting isn't it
Thanks! Most of the time it's thrilling!
yes, and the rest of it is utterly terrifying. But facing that darkness makes us stronger too. For the fringe weirdo part of the population, which is possibly our 'classification' there is no way of pretending to be normal. We just take the rough with the smooth!
Yeah, for sure, very terrifying at times! We just have to surf the waves
Exciting, but I do find it to be a gift and curse that you have to master navigating.
Yes I agree Daniel. Mastering the navigation between the darkness part and the gift part!
One thing I forgot to add is that you can get meta and just write about the process of failing to navigate it. Never waste an opportunity to write!
Very good point Daniel 🙂
True! It's easy to get swept away
Interesting re-framing..
I used to call everybody I know to make sure they're okay...
Hi, Jason!
Hi! Being hyper alert does have downsides too, for sure.
Recognize you so clearly. This is so wonderfully affirming.
Thank you!
That is the same philosophy I preach to my son, “Autism is your superpower. It gives you a unique perspective on the world. Embrace it “.
So true! Most people only see the world the same way. Having a different perspective can be alienating, especially as a kid, but it sure does allow you to find innovate faster.
I love this! It’s a great way to reframe what can feel like a burden 💚
Thank you!
☝️😎 Sometimes I think you’re a mind reader, Jason.
Ha! Thanks! I'm glad this resonated.
There is not much of 3am shadow in darkness that haunts hallways of the mind but sees the way to clarity to reduce the anxiety that bombards with vibrations and the thoughts that you may think of wild at the time, wake up and write them down see where they go in morning light. There is a lifting mechanism to keep you cautiously aware. While sleeping your mind travels circuitous paths and returns with answers. You can accept or reject. But if you don’t write the message down you will forget.
Middle of the night inspiration is fleeting! My problem is I often can't understand my scribbles. 🤣
I use my phone flashlight
I appreciate this so much, Jason! Absolutely enjoyed the glimpse into your earlier work as well, it's also phenomenal :)
Thank you!
You are an affirming dude; thank you!
Thanks!
Ah yes. I too have the random cool idea train of thought running on the 3AM schedule. Of course it switches back to the 4AM schedule in a few weeks. That's why I keep a notepad next to my bed, so I can write down the thoughts as it rumbles by.
However in the morning the challenge is to decipher these "mind prescription scribbles" that were written in the dark.
🤣 Often, I can't read my either. Other times, I can read them but I cannot make sense of them.
Another substacker called this 3 a.m. awakeness as The Watch. I have been holding The Watch for quite awhile. Husband Jeff is just starting it ... he's just turned 66 ... which is kind of when it starts. We are no longer surging ahead, climbing the ladder to success. We've both arrived, so our brains are redirecting that frenzied pace of thinking into other more entertaining ideas. My problem, though, is that the ideas are coming at me all the time at Mach 4 speed. It's quite distracting. Kind of makes it harder to wrangle all these critters into the corral.
The speed of ideas is definitely a problem. Sometimes I like to imagine I'm floating above a busy freeway at night, watching the headlights and taillights come and go. I imagine my thoughts are like that. I can't make out details, but I can enjoy the picture of them in motion.
Yesterday my main goal was to read all the substacks in myemail. Got it down to two. Whew! All that reading blew up my brain to where I couldn't get to sleep. There is a downside then. Too much friggin' awesome stuff out there. Somebody could push the red button and blow up the world and I wouldn't even notice.
So relatable Jason! Really fabulous post. This stood out: "Thanks to my anxiety, while many people are limited to the occasional three o’clock musing, I am inundated with exquisite, weird thoughts all day long."
That's totally it Jason!!! And it's why I do my sketchbook stuff too. Solidarity with you!!!! 💚💚💚
Thanks! Yes, art helps keep everything in balance.
Yes, can't imagine how we'd live without it...
"Anxiety is your imagination run amok." This is such an interesting perspective. I'm going to ponder this one a while... Great job, Jason, per usual.
Thanks!
… squirrel, squirrel, ball! That’s how I try to explain it to earthlings …
Thank you for this!!!
I am basically a golden retriever in human form!