Question: Pick a problem you've encountered recently in your life that is giving you some stress. It can be at work, at home, in your social life, etc. Next, sit in a room alone and listen to some music (your choice) for the next 15-20 minutes. While listening to the music allow the problem you've chosen to float around in your mind. Don't try to solve the problem.
Make notes of any thoughts, images, concepts, etc. that come to mind during this process whether or not they relate to the problem. Don't judge anything you write down. After you turn the music off take a look at what you've written. Without getting too in-depth see if anything on the list is helpful. Write a paragraph regarding your thoughts about what you see on the list you created. (Remember we're thinking creatively here. Sit with a thought for awhile before assuming anything.)
After completing the activity please answer the following questions to further explore your experience:
1. What was most helpful about this exercise?
2. What was most challenging?
3. Could you apply this type of activity in another area of your life? Could this exercise be helpful in the future?
4. How would you rate the value of this exercise on a scale of 1-10? Why?
5. In one sentence, what did you learn?
6. Building upon your thoughts in number 5, what ideas were generated and which ones were most interesting? Why?
7. Would you prefer this activity to last weeks?