Traditional note-taking is broken and outdated. You highlight books, save articles, and jot down ideas. But when was the last time you used those notes? Probably never because it’s not efficient.

The Problem With Taking Notes

If you’re using a digital reader, you may have built small knowledge centers organized for each book. But you can’t decide how to organize those ideas. You are limited to the scope of the book. And that can become frustrating. Also, what about podcasts? You can’t take notes on Spotify or any other podcast app. At this rate, your mental notes will pile up, and you will forget most of them.

Tradition Note-Taking

I love the <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/p/the-second-brain-method">idea of a second brain </a>. I wrote about it. I shared my Notion template a few months ago and have used it since then. But building a second brain is not for everyone. You don’t always need that level of complexity. Sometimes, all you need is something simpler to store notes and ideas. A dynamic space that lets your ideas breathe, grow, and connect naturally.Are you ready to grow your garden? Here's how to do it step-by-step. But first, what is a digital garden?

The Second Brain Technique

You're reading an excerpt from <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/">The Challenge</a> — a weekly newsletter dedicated to self-improvement, goal-setting, habits, time management, and health tips.Every week, you'll receive:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">A life-enhancing challenge</li><li class="ql-align-justify">A custom infographic to track your progress</li></ul><a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/subscribe">Join 3700+ driven individuals</a> and take your first challenge.

The Challenge

Traditional note-taking is linear and static. You have a notebook or any other space and write everything there. But a digital garden isn’t organic. It’s interconnected and ever-evolving. And that’s why it works.Think of planting seeds (raw ideas), nurturing them (on the workbench), and harvesting valuable knowledge. If done right, a digital garden offers:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Organized, easily accessible thoughts. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">A dynamic system that grows with you. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Clearer, actionable insights that avoid overwhelm.</li></ul>Whatever your daily responsibilities, cultivating a digital garden can transform your productivity and creativity.

What Exactly Is a Digital Garden?

Creating a digital garden doesn’t need to be complicated. I will also give you a Notion template to start. But if you wish to update it or create your own, here’s what you may want to do.

How to Build a Digital Garden

Choose a tool that fits your style or that you already know. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, especially if you’re beginning.Popular options include Notion, Obsidian, Roam Research, or your website. I recommend Notion because it’s user-friendly and highly customizable. Also, if you’re already using my second brain template, it’s easier to integrate it into your existing workflow.

1 — Choose Your Platform

Your digital garden should follow whatever structure you want. It’s yours — organize it as you wish. But a clear structure will help it thrive if this is your first time. Here’s a proven setup.

2 — Set Up the Core Sections

Use this section to capture fleeting thoughts, inspirations, or interesting conversations. It may be the book you read or the podcast you listened to this morning.Collect here everything that catches your attention. Anything that has the potential to be helpful in the future.Example: Notes from books, conversations, articles, podcast extracts.

🌱 Seed Notes — Raw Ideas

In this section, you will keep all the polished ideas you’ve developed further.Some ideas will never make it to this section. Yet, you will upgrade the best ones. You will actively take and build them further. They will become more complex systems. And you can always get back to check them whenever you need it.Example: Personal lessons, frameworks, summaries.

🍃 Evergreen Notes — Refined Insights

The resource library is a fundamental piece of a second brain, so we will also integrate it here. In this section, you will keep all your favorite articles, books, videos, and podcasts organized for easy reference.You can easily retrieve the source if you need to check an incomplete note. Or maybe you want to consult a resource to get more ideas. Put here everything you consume.

📚 Resource Library — Curated Inspirations

You must work on your ideas if you build a digital garden. And sometimes you need a few days, or even months, to fully elaborate a concept — that’s why you need a workbench.Project, drafts, research notes — collect everything you’re working on in this section.Example: Draft blog posts, research notes, ongoing projects.

🛠️ Workbench — Ideas in Progress

Finally, you will have a central entry point with quick access to recent notes, favorites, and easy note-taking tools.

🏡 Dashboard — Central Hub

As for a real garden, a digital one will thrive only if you give it attention daily.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Make it a habit. Add one new note per day to keep ideas flowing.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Refine regularly. Review seed notes every month and turn them into evergreen content.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Delete old ideas. Some concepts remain frozen for so much time you don’t even remember why you wrote them. Delete them before your seed notes section becomes too crowded.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Connect ideas. Use internal links and tags to create meaningful connections.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Experiment with formats. Don’t limit yourself to text. You can build mind maps, lists, tables, or visual notes. </li></ul>

3 - Keep Your Digital Garden Growing

To get you gardening quickly, I've created a <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/p/the-ultimate-guide-to-building-a-digital-garden">comprehensive Notion template</a> you can use immediately (find the button below in the article).What’s Inside:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Pre-build sections: Seed Notes, Evergreen Notes, Resource Library, Workbench and Dashboard.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Tagging & filtering system for organizing ideas.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Example notes demonstrating how to use it.</li></ul>How to Use It:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Beginner user → Use it as it is for immediate productivity and creativity.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Advanced user → Customize with your categories and workflows.</li></ul>

The Digital Garden Notion Starter Kit

I started building a digital garden a few weeks ago, but it has changed my creativity.It transformed scattered thoughts into clear connections. Over time, this habit became more than just productivity — it enhanced my creativity and clarity and reduced stress.Download the Notion template and create your first three seed notes — ideas you've recently found intriguing, insights from something you read, or conversations that sparked your interest.Share screenshots or descriptions of your digital garden with our community. Let's inspire each other and celebrate these initial steps!

The Challenge of The Week

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Next Steps

Stop losing ideas! Learn how to build a digital garden to organize, connect, and grow your knowledge — plus grab a free Notion template to get started!

productivity

Productivity

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

creativity

Creativity

leadershipandmanagement

Leadership & Management

The Ultimate Guide to Building a Digital Garden (with a Free Notion Template!)

Allow your mind to wander to activate the brain's default mode network, which is essential for creativity and innovative thinking. Take walks without digital distractions.

1. Embrace Boredom

Use AI to explain new concepts at progressively advanced levels, testing your understanding at each stage before moving on.

2. Progressive Learning

When tackling complex problems, use AI to create structured outlines or visual maps of key considerations, but solve each component independently.

3. AI as a Scaffolding Tool

Challenge AI's outputs by asking for counterarguments and alternative viewpoints to refine your own ideas. Use AI as a "devil's advocate."

4. Collaborative Sparring

Designate times when you refrain from using AI, such as the first part of an intensive work session or during creative tasks, to preserve cognitive abilities.

5. Establish AI-Free Zones

Five ways to use AI without eroding your brain—keep your cognitive edge in the age of automation.

strategy

Strategy

education

Learning & Education

artificialintelligence

Artificial Intelligence

scienceandnature

Science & Nature

5 Ways To Use AI—Without Surrendering Your Brain

Writing is an invaluable tool for exercising our cognitive faculties. Extensive and diverse research has suggested links between writing and mental capacities in such domains as memory, critical thinking, creativity, verbal skills, and overall health.

How Is Writing Helpful?

Writing can help improve memory by creating deeper connections with the material at the neurological level. Research has shown that writing by hand correlates with a stronger memory than writing with an electronic or mechanical device.In a 2014 study done by scientists Mangen and Verlay, it was demonstrated that the sensory-motor activity of writing by hand relays information back to the brain, which assists in information recall.It may therefore be helpful to incorporate handwriting into tasks in order to improve memory.

Writing And Memory

Writing facilitates a deeper connection with the material being studied. Beyond the typical storage and retrieval of data, critical thinking requires analysis, reflection, creativity, and careful reasoning. Writing can assist with this by helping us review our own thoughts, reflect once again on the material, and repeat what was established before, ingraining the information into our brains even better. Free writing also sparks the curious and thoughtful parts of our brains, exercising our ability to think critically and improving our thinking as a whole.

Writing And Critical Thinking

Research suggests that writing can have an impact on creativity, according to a study comparing expert and non-expert writers.Lotze et al. (2014) found that expert writers showed higher brain activity and performance on creative indices, suggesting a link between writing and creativity. It is unclear if experts become creative through writing or if they write because they are creative, but engaging in creative activities can potentially enhance creativity.Expert writers show higher brain activity and performance on creative indices.Unclear if writing leads to creativity or vice versa.

Writing And Creativity

Writing expands our vocabulary . When we are challenged to express ideas more clearly or creatively, we push beyond the boundaries of our original vocabulary and explore new ways of communicating .One study (Wolsey, 2010) suggests that when we are challenged to write about complex topics , our vocabulary and manner of expression improve, leading to a growth in our verbal skills. These insights support the idea that through writing, we can expand our vocabulary and become stronger communicators.

Writing And Verbal Skills

Research has shown that writing can have a positive impact on health, reducing stress and aiding in coping with trauma.
Expressive writing or journaling has been recommended as a way to work through complex thoughts and improve mood, providing relief from anxiety and physical symptoms.
<ul>
<li>Writing can reduce stress and help cope with trauma.</li>
<li>Expressive writing or journaling can improve mood and reduce anxiety.</li>
<li>It can also lead to fewer adverse physical symptoms.</li>
</ul>

The Health Benefits of Writing

How writing can improve your critical thinking!

health

Health

problemsolving

Problem Solving

music

Music

Writing as a Thinking Tool

"Is it time for the next project because the clock or calendar says it's time, or because the work itself says it's time?"

The artist's job is never truly finished.This is because the artist's job is of two kinds:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">the work of doing</li><li class="ql-align-justify">the work of being</li></ul>Creativity is something you are, not only something you do.Staying in it means a commitment to remain open to what's around you.  What you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell.There is no telling where the next great story, painting, recipe, or business idea will come from.Be ever present.

24/7 (Staying In It)

How many times have we decided to just flip a coin to find out.Do I want option A or do I want option B.And how many times do we secretly hope that "heads" or "tails" will appear when we have set our parameters.What am I truly rooting for?This is the option you go with.  While the coin is spinning in the air, your heart has already decided which option it wants.Let the coin fall.Don't look at it.Go with what your heart desires.That's how you choose.

How to Choose

"What we say,what we sing,what we paint - we get to choose.......The art is the final word."

The mission is to be in the present moment with the work.Clean slate is our ability to see the work again like it was the first time.This may require time away from the work.Let is sit for a minute, a day, a week, a month.When you return with a clear perspective, you will more likely have the discernment to see what the project wants or needs.Time is where the learning occurs. ﻿

Clean Slate

What motivates us?What drive us to finish certain pieces and not others?This energy that comes from our work feels similar to another force of creation in the world:Love ❤️You catch yourself losing track of time, forgetting to eat, withdrawing from the outside world.It generates excitement in you.It commands your attention.The call of an artist is to follow the excitement.

The Energy (In the Work)

"The best work is the work you are excited about."

Art exists in the same circle of death and rebirth.When consumed with a single work to the point where we feel it is our life's mission, we leave no room for new art to be born.While the artist goal is greatness, it's also to keep moving forward.Every artists creates a living museum of finished works.  One work after another.Keep moving forward❗️

Ending to Start Anew (Regeneration)

"A work of art is not an end point in itself.It's a station on a journey.A chapter in our lives.We acknowledge these transactionsby documenting each of them."

Making art is a serious matter.The opposite is also true. Making art is pure play.Some of the best ideas come from a playful state.Stress reduces our creativity.  Reduces our resourcefulness.In play, there are no stakes. No boundaries. No right or wrong.Let your spirit be free❗️Embrace your inner child with a fresh new box of crayons.

Play

"Whether the work comes easily through playor with difficulty through struggle,the quality of the finished piece is unaffected."

We have stories about ourselves,and those are not who we are.We have stories about the work,and those are not what the work is.You are you.The work is the work.As artists, we're called to let go of these stories.We move forward in the energy of curiosity to see what transpires.Even if perceived chaos, there is order and pattern.The work is you.You are the work.

What We Tell Ourselves

"Being an artist meansto be continually asking,"How can it be better?"whatever it is.It may be your art,and it may be your life."

As I continue to share the books I read, I hope you follow me on this journey.Remember that all the Deepstash publications I do end up being a subject for my podcast "All About Books"<a href="https://www.brianmunroe.tv">www.BrianMunroe.TV</a>

Thank you❗️ I hope you follow me.

There are so many great insights in this book I decided to break this into 2 parts.  Here is part 2 - Enjoy‼️

mindfulness

Mindfulness

The Creative Act - Part 2

Be strong like the tree, flow like the water, and stay true to yourself. Grounded, adaptable, and always authentic. 🌲 (evergreen tree) - stability and consistency.🌳 (bare tree) - resilience and growth through challenges.🌴 (palm tree) - adaptability, strength, and thriving through adversity.💧 signifies fluidity and flexibility.

Be🌲🌳🌴, be 💧, be YOU

Be🌲🌳🌴, be 💧, be me.

Rooted in nature, flowing with life, and always staying true to who I am.

Be like a tree: strong, adaptable, and resilient

philosophy

Philosophy

Be tree, be water 

We are all creative in one way or another. In The Creative Act, Rick Rubin reminds us that creativity isn’t reserved for artists; it’s a universal trait that lives within us all, waiting to be embraced.

Creativity is for Everyone

The depth of The Creative Act by Rick Rubin is truly astounding. There is so much wisdom packed into its pages that I’ll need to cover it in two parts, starting with this first part.This is a book I know I’ll return to again and again, discovering new insights with each read.

A Book Worth Revisiting

Early in life, I always considered myself creative through my oil painting and art. Over time, my creativity shifted to training development and delivery, where I found new ways to express myself. Now, it’s showing up in writing and podcasting, continuing to evolve as I explore new ways to share ideas and connect with others.

Creativity Evolves over Time

"There's a time for certain ideas to arrive, and they find a way to express themselves through us."

Creativity is not a rare ability.It is not difficult to access.Creativity is a fundamental aspect of being human.It involves bringing something new into existence that wasn't there before. Could be art, a conversation, a solution to a problem, or a new way of thinking.Creativity is about perceiving, filtering, and curating experiences for ourselves and our audience.

Everyone Is A Creator

Though artists generally aren't aware of it, the end work is a by product of a greater desire.Our creations allow us to share a glimpse of the unseen, an inner landscape that is beyond what we could image.Watch for moments that take your breath away, whether a beautiful sunset, the sounds of amazing music, or a design that captivates your attention.Harnessing this energy can be useful in your own creative pursuits.

The Unseen

"Look for what you notice but no one else sees."

A practice is the embodiment of an approach to a concept.An approach to living in a state of openness.Requires setting up daily rituals and constantly refreshing awareness to maintain the state.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">A daily walk.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Savoring our meals by eating slower and with intention.</li></ul>One day you realize you are always in a state of awareness at all times.

Practice

We are all different. We are all imperfect.Imperfections are what makes each of us and our work interesting.If a creator is afraid of judgement, they will never move forward in their creations.The desire to share the work needs to be greater than the fear of judgement.It is in our imperfections that some of our best work shows up.

Self Doubt

"The person who makes something today isn't the same person who returns to the work tomorrow."

When it comes to art, rules are different.The laws and rules of math and science are different than the laws and rules of art.Artists follow assumptions, not absolutes.Rules direct us to average and our goal is not to fit in.Value your own approach. Holding every rule as breakable is a healthy way to live as an artist.

Rules

There are no shortcuts.Patience is required for crafting a work that resonates and contains all that we have to offer.If there is a rule to creativity that is less breakable than the others, it's that the need for patience is ever present.Experience life slowing. Taking in the experiences it presents.Re-image your ideas.  And now do it again.

Patience

Art creates a profound connection between the artist and the audience. Through that connection both can heal.

Inspiration involves creating space for insight.Practice meditation and contemplation as a method of quieting the mind to achieve inspiration.It's about both our quality and quantity of download.One can never be sure when this spark of insight originates.An artist's life cannot be solely based on waiting for inspiration.In its absence, we may work on other areas of our work that does not require the power of "awe."

Inspiration

"Talent is the ability to let ideas manifest themselves through you."

Part 2 of this book will come next week.Would love to have you follow me❗️Hope you all enjoy my content and remember each entry in Deepstash turns into a podcast:www.brianmunroe.tv

Would Love To Follow

The object isn't to make art, it's to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable. - Robert Henri

The #1 New York Times bestseller. From the legendary music producer, a master at helping people connect with the wellsprings of their creativity, comes a beautifully crafted book many years in the making that offers that same deep wisdom to all of us. "A gorgeous and inspiring work of art on creation, creativity, the work of the artist. It will gladden the hearts of writers and artists everywhere, and get them working again with a new sense of meaning and direction. A stunning accomplishment.” —Anne Lamott “I set out to write a book about what to do to make a great work of art. Instead, it revealed itself to be a book on how to be.” —Rick Rubin Many famed music producers are known for a particular sound that has its day. Rick Rubin is known for something else: creating a space where artists of all different genres and traditions can home in on who they really are and what they really offer. He has made a practice of helping people transcend their self-imposed expectations in order to reconnect with a state of innocence from which the surprising becomes inevitable. Over the years, as he has thought deeply about where creativity comes from and where it doesn’t, he has learned that being an artist isn’t about your specific output, it’s about your relationship to the world. Creativity has a place in everyone’s life, and everyone can make that place larger. In fact, there are few more important responsibilities. The Creative Act is a beautiful and generous course of study that illuminates the path of the artist as a road we all can follow. It distills the wisdom gleaned from a lifetime’s work into a luminous reading experience that puts the power to create moments—and lifetimes—of exhilaration and transcendence within closer reach for all of us.

habits

Habits

books

Books

Rick Rubin

The Creative Act

In "In the Blink of an Eye," Walter Murch introduces the "Rule of Six," a hierarchy of criteria for evaluating a cut in film editing. He argues that the most important factor is emotion: Does the cut convey the right feeling? Only after addressing this should editors consider story, rhythm, eye trace, two-dimensional plane of the screen, and three-dimensional space. By prioritizing emotion, editors can create a more engaging and impactful viewing experience.

he Rule of Six: Prioritizing Emotion in Film Editing

Walter Murch draws a fascinating parallel between the blink of an eye and the cut in film editing. Both are brief, unconscious actions that can have a profound impact. Just as a blink can signal a change in attention or emotion, a cut can shift the viewer's focus and create meaning. Murch suggests that editors can learn from the natural rhythm of blinking to create cuts that feel intuitive and emotionally resonant.

The Blink of an Eye: A Metaphor for Film Editing

While "In the Blink of an Eye" primarily focuses on editing, Walter Murch also emphasizes the importance of sound in filmmaking. He argues that sound can be just as powerful as visuals in conveying emotion and creating a sense of immersion. Murch shares examples of how sound design can be used to enhance the impact of a scene, even if it's not consciously noticed by the viewer.

The Power of Sound in Filmmaking

Walter Murch highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking, emphasizing that editing is not an isolated process. He discusses the importance of communication and collaboration between the editor, director, and other members of the crew. By working together, filmmakers can create a cohesive and compelling final product.

The Collaborative Nature of Filmmaking

In "In the Blink of an Eye," Walter Murch reflects on the evolution of digital editing and its impact on filmmaking. He discusses how digital tools have changed the editing process, allowing for greater flexibility and creativity. Murch also explores the challenges and opportunities presented by digital editing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a focus on storytelling and emotion.

The Evolution of Digital Editing

technologyandthefuture

Technology & The Future

movies

Movies & Shows

Walter Murch

In the Blink of an Eye

Dunn emphasizes the beauty of imperfection in art. She encourages artists to let go of the pursuit of perfection and instead focus on the process of creation. This approach allows for more authentic and expressive artwork.

Embrace Imperfection

One of the exercises Dunn suggests is drawing with your non-dominant hand. This technique can help artists break free from their usual patterns and discover new forms of expression. It encourages spontaneity and can lead to unexpected and inspiring results.

Use Your Non-Dominant Hand

Dunn advises artists to look for inspiration in their daily surroundings. By observing and sketching everyday objects, artists can find beauty in the mundane and develop a habit of seeing the world through a creative lens.

Find Inspiration in Everyday Objects

The book encourages artists to trust their instincts and follow their creative impulses. Dunn believes that intuition plays a crucial role in the creative process and that artists should listen to their inner voice when creating art.

Trust Your Instincts

Dunn suggests experimenting with various art mediums and techniques to discover new ways of expression. This experimentation can lead to unique and personal artistic styles.

Experiment with Different Mediums

Dunn encourages artists to find inspiration in the world around them—nature, everyday objects, and even fleeting moments. By staying observant and curious, artists can turn ordinary scenes into creative fuel. Sketching a coffee cup, capturing the texture of a tree, or noting the interplay of light and shadow can lead to fresh ideas. Creativity thrives when artists engage with their environment, allowing inspiration to flow naturally. By embracing this mindset, artists can break through creative blocks and develop a more fulfilling, authentic practice.

Let Your Surroundings Spark Creativity

In Pursuit of Inspiration by Rae Dunn is a visual guide encouraging artists to embrace creativity through techniques, sketches, photography, and hand-lettered insights.

In this visually rich hardcover volume, beloved artist Rae Dunn shares her favorite techniques for approaching a blank page. From drawing with your nondominant hand to sketching with objects found in nature, each chapter offers a simple yet surprising catalyst to help readers get in touch with their own creativity. Full of gorgeous watercolors, sketches, original patterns, dreamy photography, and hand-lettered insight from the author, In Pursuit of Inspiration offers a unique glimpse into the process of a successful fine artist. It's the perfect how-to book for artists of all skill levels who prefer freeform experimentation to step-by-step instruction.

artsandculture

Society, Arts & Culture

Rae Dunn

In Pursuit of Inspiration

"Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen, and thinking what no one else has thought.”

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the things you can think up if only you try!”

"Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.”

“You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

“Creativity is contagious, pass it on.”

The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.

“Creativity is just connecting things.”

“Creativity doesn’t wait for that perfect moment. It fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones.”

"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.”

Creativity quotes that will inspire you to create!

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

10 Famous Quotes on Creativity

Find 100+ Facts about Creativity - Curated by others from trusted sources like Books, Podcasts & Articles - Genuine Insights from like-minded Users like You!

The Ultimate Guide to Building a Digital Garden (with a Free Notion Template!)

5 Ways To Use AI—Without Surrendering Your Brain

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The Creative Act - Part 2

Be tree, be water

The Creative Act

In the Blink of an Eye

In Pursuit of Inspiration

10 Famous Quotes on Creativity

Seven Transformations of Leadership

It's time to
Read like a Pro.

The Ultimate Guide to Building a Digital Garden (with a Free Notion Template!)

5 Ways To Use AI—Without Surrendering Your Brain

Writing as a Thinking Tool

The Creative Act - Part 2

Be tree, be water

The Creative Act

In the Blink of an Eye

In Pursuit of Inspiration

10 Famous Quotes on Creativity

Seven Transformations of Leadership

It's time to Read like a Pro.

It's time to
Read like a Pro.