"本を計画するのに最適な時間は皿洗いをしている時です。"

Planning a book while doing the dishes might seem a bit odd at first, but let's break it down. The heart of this idea is that sometimes our best creative thoughts come to us when we're engaged in mundane, repetitive tasks. It’s those moments when our minds can wander freely—without the pressure of needing to be productive or the stress of focused effort—that we often find inspiration. You’re scrubbing away at a stubborn pan, and suddenly a plot twist springs to life. It’s like magic.

This concept isn’t new. In fact, it’s been whispered among writers and creators for ages. Think back to the days before digital distractions—writers and artists would often find their muses during routine activities. Fyodor Dostoevsky, for instance, reportedly found inspiration for his complex characters while on long walks through St. Petersburg.

Now, let’s paint a picture. Imagine you're there in your kitchen. You’ve just finished dinner, and the sink is full of dishes. You’re not thrilled about cleaning up, but you know it has to be done. You grab a sponge, squirt some soap, and start the process. The water’s running, the rhythmic scrubbing begins, and your mind starts to drift. You're not worrying about the next chapter or that tricky dialogue anymore. Instead, you start to think about how your protagonist might react in a similar situation. Maybe they’re washing dishes too, pondering their life choices. Suddenly, you see it clearly: the resolution to that plot hole that’s been bugging you for weeks.

This method can be applied to any creative process. It’s not just about writing books. You might be an artist, a musician, or even just someone trying to solve a complex problem at work. The trick is to let your mind relax and wander while your hands are busy with a task that doesn’t require much thought. It’s a form of active meditation, where the mundane acts as a backdrop for creativity to flourish.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? First, identify those mindless chores or routines in your daily life. It could be washing dishes, mowing the lawn, or folding laundry. Next time you’re about to dive into one of these tasks, set a creative intention. Tell yourself that you’ll think about that story plot, or that big idea, or that tricky problem while you’re working. Don’t force it—just let your mind wander.

Let’s put this into a relatable scenario. Picture Debbie, a busy mom who’s also trying to write her first novel. She’s juggling kids, work, and life. Every evening, after dinner, she faces a mountain of dishes. One night, as she’s washing a particularly greasy pan, she starts daydreaming about her book’s characters. She imagines them in her kitchen, dealing with everyday issues. Before she knows it, she’s got a brilliant idea for a new chapter. She rinses off her hands, grabs her notebook, and jots it down.

The beauty of this approach is that it doesn’t require extra time or effort—just a shift in how you view those everyday tasks. So next time you’re facing a sink full of dishes, embrace the opportunity. Let your mind roam free and see where it takes you. You might just stumble upon your next great idea.