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I’ve been thinking about this a lot this year as well: I’ve heard that the creative network of our brains will just not switch on when we don’t feel safe, and that’s been helpful for me to know. But also quite depressing as a reason for not being creative

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That’s really interesting. I don’t know whether that can be demonstrated in terms of neuroscience, but it certainly feels true.

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No, I don’t either; I don’t remember where I heard it. I am bad at keeping references for the things I hear

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Thanks Hattie, another insightful, thought provoking newsletter. I experience this as well. I come up with better ideas when I'm relaxed.

Evolution seems to have let us down here. You'd think that if ever there was a time for creative solutions it would under pressure, say when facing down an angry saber toothed tiger.

Hope the creative hour is productive for everyone. I can't make it this time which is a a bummer because I usually find it works for me. Interesting that it seems to work for other people too, despite being a form of pressure. Maybe there's good pressure and bad pressure, or enough pressure and too much.

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I like that Geoff Dyer excerpt a lot, and agree with it: I'm never more productive than when procrastinating away from a pressing work deadline. The pressure of the rest of work and life is a helpful part of it all, most of the time.

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Completely agree, I "mess up" my Notes app on holiday -- the sense of possibilities! Cannot wait for your book, finally pre-ordered <3 Soon in autumn will join you on those writing classes as well!

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