I move very slowly. It’s usually material first. I sit with the material for a long time.

I move very slowly. It’s usually material first. I sit with the material for a long time.

Jim Hodges

The quote reflects a thoughtful and deliberate creative process. The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking time to engage with and understand the material before moving forward. This suggests that creativity isn’t just about quick ideas or spontaneous bursts of inspiration; rather, it involves a deep, contemplative engagement with the subject matter.

By stating “I move very slowly,” the speaker highlights a preference for patience over haste. In many artistic or intellectual pursuits, rushing can lead to superficial understanding or missed nuances. The focus on “material first” indicates that there is value in immersing oneself in what one is working with—be it text, art, concepts, or experiences—before making decisions on how to proceed. Sitting with the material allows for reflection and deeper insights to emerge.

This approach can be applied beyond creative fields into everyday life and personal development as well. In today’s fast-paced world where rapid consumption of information is common, taking time to fully understand an idea before reacting can foster clearer thinking and more informed decision-making. For example:

1. **Learning:** Instead of skimming through information quickly for grades or work-related tasks, spending ample time digesting content leads to better retention and comprehension.

2. **Relationships:** In personal interactions, allowing oneself time to reflect on conversations before responding can enhance communication skills and emotional intelligence.

3. **Decision-Making:** When faced with important life choices (career moves, relationships), giving oneself space to weigh options deeply instead of opting for quick resolutions often leads to outcomes that align more closely with one’s values and long-term goals.

4. **Mindfulness Practices:** Engaging mindfully in activities such as journaling or meditation aligns well with this idea of sitting quietly with material—whether thoughts or feelings—to explore them thoroughly rather than rushing past them.

In essence, embracing a slower pace invites depth in our engagements—both creatively and personally—and encourages us not only to produce better work but also to cultivate richer lives filled with meaning.

Created with ❤️ | ©2025 HiveHarbor | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer| Imprint | Opt-out Preferences

 

Log in with your credentials

Forgot your details?