Do you ever feel stuck in your ideas?
Last week I was feeling a little claustrophobic as I got nearer and nearer to an important deadline in my dissertation work. I needed to complete a literature review of the research related to my areas of interest, and I needed to arrive to my supervisor’s office Monday afternoon with a rough plan for my research question and study design.
The work itself was clear enough, but I kept getting caught up in my thoughts of doing it (rather than just sitting down and getting the work done).
I felt close-minded when I approached the ideas and research findings I was supposed to be exploring. Ever time I looked at the pile of research textbooks on my desk, or the saved articles on my computer, I found three other things that direly needed my attention instead (I’m sure it was truly imperative that I took out the recycling and washed my dishes in those moments).
This change of scenery was exactly what I needed to get out of my head and out of my own way.
I decided I needed a change of scenery (and we’re not talking a trip to the library). It worked out well that I had plans with some friends to visit Cobh, a small town on the southern coast of Ireland, that weekend. With a quick search, I found a beautiful bed and breakfast located a short walk outside of town. I booked a night and committed to making this little getaway the study retreat I needed to settle down and focus in on my work.
Last weekend was a phenomenal experience! Our Saturday morning started off with a quick 25 minute train ride from Cork to Cobh. Upon arrival we wandered out of the train station and along the water, soon reaching the edge of town where an impressive glass monument stands in memory of the Titanic and its passengers.
A couple notes about Cobh: it was the last stop of the Titanic in 1912 and thus has the Titanic memorial as well as a museum. The port has served a significant role throughout history, and Spike Island, nestled within the harbor, has served as everything from a village to a fortress to a prison over time.
I’m going to pause myself there, otherwise I’d ramble on, but it was an information-rich trip. Spike Island has recently undergone a transformation into a historic tour destination. A quick ferry ride from Cobh and suddenly you’re learning the complex history of Spike as you hike up to the fort and through old prison cells.
My friends and I spent our Saturday on Spike Island, returning to Cobh so they could catch the train back to Cork. From there, my study retreat began. I wandered my way out of the town center to my BnB, where I was greeted with fresh scones and tea and then shown to my room.
Let this be your permission (if you need and want it) to plan a little retreat of your own. Remember, it doesn't have to be expensive or intense, it just needs to offer a new experience and/or new space to encourage your mind think a little differently.
This change of scenery was exactly what I needed to get out of my head and out of my own way. With a full day of exploring lingering on my mind, I pulled out my research and spent the evening and next morning intently focused.
It’s funny, isn’t it, how space and environment can play such an important role in our inspiration and focus? My trip was not long, less than 30 minutes away and nicely packed into a weekend. It also was not expensive or elaborate. But it offered my ideas space to flex and expand.
I returned to Cork on Sunday afternoon feeling refreshed. Not only that, I returned with plenty of information and next steps for my Monday dissertation meeting.
Let this be your permission (if you need and want it) to plan a little retreat of your own. Remember, it doesn’t have to be expensive or intense, it just needs to offer a new experience and/or new space to encourage your mind think a little differently. I’ll certainly be planning many more study retreats as I work through my dissertation this year (and it’ll partially be my excuse to visit other parts of Ireland).
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