Headcold

Some updates are in order. Nothing earth shattering but the thesis is slowly moving along. I can’t seem to get past the central chapters I have been working on. I kept going back to restructure it. I think it is fine because while I have the macro structure, the fine path the writing takes shapes itself as I write, connecting one idea to the next, bridging one concept to another. Soon I would realise that I need to move up a level and reshape the higher order of things etc. I bemoan my lack slow progress but I am finding bits of inspiration along the way.

Meanwhile it had been a cold day in Melbourne. It just reached a top of 10 degrees today and it snowed quite heavily in the hills and part of the countryside of Victoria. Of course this is nothing compared to my time in the UK and Europe but somehow I didn’t feel it as much there. Either its because I was always prepared for the cold or I expected it to be cold anyway. But as a result I have scored myself a cold. Don’t think its the flu because I am not suffering other symptoms such as muscular aches, headaches etc. But my nose is quite congested, and it seems like there are perpetually a few slugs hanging at the top of my throat.

James recommended that I get some Friar’s Balsam. I am supposed to add a small capful to boiling water in a pot or bowl and inhaling the steam containing this rather rank smelling tincture. Its supposed to help clear the sinus and banish the slugs. I have yet to try it and I will do it before I go to sleep I guess.

Meanwhile I decided to pamper myself over the weekend. I splurge on some new tea. This one is called Jade Ring Jasmine and it is very nice. This little rings of tea unfurling in the hot water – very pretty. It cost me $25 for 50g. Not a bargain. I also got a small bottle of Ylang Ylang essential oil for the oil burner in my room. It smells terrific and it makes me feel cosy and good. In fact I am in my room now, sitting on my bed and writing this entry. My back propped up by some big pillows and my laptop supported by my bolster. I will need to get going and get back to shaping this thesis and hopefully get to move on to the following chapter.

place and rituals

I am trying to find ways to increase the productivity of my thesis writing. From my search and reading, in the main, this has to do with Place and Rituals. Finding the right place that is most conducive to productive writing.

One book acknowledges that what works for one person may probably be disastrous for another. The summation is that there is no ‘right place’ to write. Some work best in a quiet place but others find the library with some background traffic very conducive. In fact some talk about writing from their couch or even bed. I don’t think that would work for me. In fact, the library idea is worth trying. I guess I might have an inkling that it might work for me. A cafe may be too distracting.

Another idea is that of rituals. Spending 5-10 tidying up, clearing the space, cleaning or having a cup of tea sets the mood and prepares the mind for more productive writing. Even lighting some incense or burning some essential oils. Whatever works I guess.

But interestingly, none have mentioned the greatest nemesis to thesis writing, especially for those in the 21st century who are connected: msn’ed, facebook’ed, friendster’ed, gmail-chat’ted, ane of course live-updates from email clients. Someone is always a’beckoning in some timezone, be it night or day. We live in a world of endless modes for self-distractions. Even Google can be the Delilah to our Samson as it teases us with that pure white rectangular box, begging us to type something in.

OK, enough distractions. I will experiment and will report back on how I fare.