For me, creativity sometimes manifests itself mostly when I'm in an amazing place. Usually, it would be a beautiful, out of the ordinary setting that would fill my senses. Watching a sunset on a beach, with the low hanging clouds tinged with shades of colors from the setting sun - sometimes they seem closer than usual, as if they're trying to envelop me.
When I was cruising, I vividly remember night passages when I would be scribbling phrases in the dark so that I would remember different things the next day when I'd want to write them into the log, or write an article about an idea that just popped into my head. I found if I didn't write at least key words, I'd somehow forget the exact words or idea that was just perfect, and the words wouldn't sound as expressive the next day as they seemed the night before.
Other times, I remember things that are like a photo I can still see vividly in my mind, although no photo exists. Sitting in the cockpit of my boat on passage from Venezuela to St Thomas, I remember looking back at the dinghy davits, solar panels on top of them. The Southern Cross was bright and perfect right above them. The rest of the sky was brilliant with stars that illuminated the waves as they came toward the beam of the boat and the boat, heeled over, slid gracefully over the top of the wave into the trough. It was a beautiful night and even though I was allowing myself 10 to 15 minute naps to get some rest, I sat there for a long time, just watching the sea and the sky and drinking in the experience.
On another overnight passage, I was sitting in the cockpit looking out at the black night, feeling apprehensive, since I was running away from a hurricane that later devastated Grenada, which I had just left. I was feeling a little drowsy until I noticed movement in the water - and light! Dolphins had come to play near the boat, following alongside and the phosphorescence made them glow so that I could see their entire shape. It's as if they knew I needed company, what a way to get rid of the sleepiness!
The beauty of the islands helped me create hundreds of photos, some better than others, of course. The features of the landscapes of the different islands and beaches were just perfect for creating photos that I can still get lost in. I can still remember the day I took some of these pictures, the subject matter makes it that vivid in my mind. Sometimes a photo will bring back an entire day.
If you're having trouble creating, try a change of scenery, a walk on the beach or a hike in the mountains to see a vast panorama. You'll be surprised what a new outlook you'll have.
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