Embracing the Night: A Creative’s Perspective

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Image courtesy of ChillMusicLab
Daily writing prompt
Are you more of a night or morning person?

In my youth I would have said that I was a night person. Even now, with my understanding of circadian rhythms, and the need for good deep sleep, there are still things about the evening that I enjoy.

It is hard to say whether my appreciation of the night is a genetic echo, carried foreword from ancestral ways of life that are long forgotten – or if it was conditioned into me, the result of experience and temperament? The question feels similar to the debate about introverts and extroverts. Are they born, or are they made? Regardless of the root, let us explore this darkened tree and its mysterious fruit.

The Creative Perspective

There is something quiet and peaceful about the night. It is the time that I feel most comfortable, most creative. As an introvert, the hours after sunset often bring about feelings of energy and excitement for me. Perhaps it is the natural tendency to turn our minds inward as the material world fades with the last rays of light. Or maybe it is the mystery that thrives in shadows, just out of sight, where imagination plays.

I have read in numerous places that night time is the best time for our creative work. Conversely, it is claimed that highly technical and organized work is best done in the early morning. According to what I have read the brain is naturally wired to function in this way – as an extension of our natural circadian rhythms. As someone who thrives on creativity, these studies resonate with me.

My Process

For me the creative process has always involved music. Over the years my tastes have changed and evolved. For a very long time I have gravitated towards electronica in the evening. Initially it was trance, then my tastes moved more towards the downtempo chill scene. If you find yourself reading this in the late hours, feel free to check out one of my favorite playlists. I did not create it, but I can say that Chill Music Lab does curate some excellent downtempo electronica on their youtube channel.

https://youtu.be/MC1jEQOfqEw?si=4MJtNOUkPgqQKM7H

With the chill beats rolling through my headset, I slip into some comfy clothes, put on the slippers, and turn down the lights. This is my time. To be alone. To be creative. In the peaceful quiet I turn my eye inward, searching for the creative spark. It only takes one. A single burning ember, to set fire to the night.

Peace & Light

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