freedom through limitation

22/05/24

trying to find freedom in limitation. the overwhelming stuff, overwhelming choices of activities don't play well with executive funcion problems. and so i'm trying to combine two concepts.

first thing: limit the "what" in each of my categories. for a given time at least.

• only two tarot decks - enchanted and somnia
• only two video games - baldur's gate with friends, animal crossing for myself
• two books - rick rubin and bell hooks
• two sketchbooks - collage and limited palette drawings

it leaves a lot of room for boredom (important!) or intentional emptiness (meditation, prayer, nietsen), also important.

one thing per category would also definitely work. don't feel like reading this book? there are four other leisure activities to do, or you can focus on one of your responsibilities. but it felt a little too punishing? i'm not sure. if two don't work out i might try one as well.

second thing: artists on youtube have been doing an "8 hour challenge" - if you can spend 8h doing a 9-5, can you commit equally to your creative life? the rules are half an hour of art, half an hour of a "boring" break, riding on the dopamine reset trend. repeat 8 times. i'm not going to do that exactly, but i like the alternating half hour blocks. a reminder to:

• switch it up
• work/rest
• get off the computer and onto one of the "approved activities"

let's see what happens!