Category: Self Examination

Looking beneath the surface to understand why we do what we do

SILENCE AND CREATIVITY. CAN YOU FEEL IT? by Art Smukler, author & Psychiatrist

by artsmuklermd, posted in Self Examination, Writing

When was the last time you got in your car and drove in silence?

No radio. No Pandora. No talk show. No streaming.

A while right?

It’s become a built in habit. Put the car in gear and click on the tunes.

So what happens when you drive in silence?

It just so happens that a lot happens. All those feelings and thoughts that are lying somewhere in our minds, below the surface of conscious thought, begin to surface. Old memories. An interaction with a friend that you haven’t thought about in years. Forgotten lovers. Forgotten enemies.

These are the building blocks of a next novel, or a work of art, or a song. Often, the creative process is just lying in wait within us. That’s how THE REAL STORY, a mystery started. A patient and a girl that I hadn’t thought about in years. The unconscious holds a wealth of information and passionate feelings. The more you free your mind to ALL thoughts and feelings, the more creative you can be.

So…turn off the radio and listen to yourself.

On the other hand, I really do like to listen to jazz.

Hmmm. Maybe I’ll compromise?

Take a comfortable chair in my bookstore, close your eyes, and let your mind wander. Coffee’s on me.

Any thoughts or ideas. Please feel free to share.

Thanks,

Art

SO WHAT HAPPENS TO A PSYCHIATRIST AFTER HE RETIRES? by Art Smukler, author

by artsmuklermd, posted in Psychiatry, Self Examination, Writing

I really have no idea, except for one particular psychiatrist – me. The weird thing, or maybe not so weird, is that the time ( now 4 1/2 years ) feels like maybe a month or two. Even with Covid, the time didn’t just fly, it was like a supersonic disappearance into a black hole.

Not that it wasn’t pleasant and rewarding, it was certainly both. And I’ve loved it.

One observation is that as the time went by and my days were filled with interests other than psychiatry, mainly writing fiction, and I spend my time wondering how my fictional characters will navigate the obstacles and catastrophes that I’ve invented, I also wonder how the real people, my cherished patients and friends, who I haven’t seen in all this time are doing.

Thinking about it, it’s no wonder that my retirement was such a seamless transition from my psychiatry practice. Now, I’m trying to help my imaginary characters resolve their conflicts instead of helping real live people.

By the way, if you ever notice that some things that I write are some of the same things that I would say during a session don’t be surprised. It all comes from the same mind.

Also, and very importantly, if you’re of the mind, please go on my blog and let me know how you’re doing. It would be a treat and I promise to respond.

My next blog will be all about what it’s like to publish and perish and then rise from the ashes.

My previously published books, CHASING BACKWARDS, SKIN DANCE, and THE MAN WITH A MICROPHONE IN HIS EAR are still available – but not for long! You’ll see what I mean in my next post.