The feeling of one's brain tickling
I first heard the expression "this tickles my brain" via Instagram comment. It was some type of video of sand being pushed around in a mesmerizing way. I couldn't put into words how the video made me feel, but it did, in fact, tickle my brain.
I googled the expression: The phrase "tickle my brain" is a figurative expression that means to stimulate someone's curiosity or mind in a way that is intriguing or enjoyable. A similar phrase is "scratches your brain" which is used to describe a sensation that engages the mind deeply, provides a sense of satisfaction or relief, or yields a strong emotional response.
This feeling resonates.
I brings me back to a time I visited an art gallery in Fredericksburg, TX. I had two hours to kill before my friends arrived in town and spent that time meandering around the little town. I didn't even want to go into the small art gallery I walked past. No one was in there, I didn't want to have to talk to the gallery attendant and explain why I was there (the awkward person in me). But something drew me inside. I walked inside and was immersed in an experience. I have been in a couple art museums before, but never a gallery with newish art. I thought I would quickly pause at each piece of art until I made my way through the gallery then leave. But this art made me pause. It gave me a deep sense of relaxation, to my core. It also warmed my chest cavity. I am pretty sure it lowered my blood pressure with the calming sensation that passed over me. It felt like a drug. It truly "tickled" or "scratched my brain".
I think back to another time when I made pottery with a potter friend in San Antonio, TX. The throwing clay part was OK, my perfectionist tendencies came out to spoil that fun. But afterwards we took some leftover clay and just created. We created little trays and wall hangings and ornaments using additional clay and impressions of items surrounding us. I felt the same sensation here of deep calmness and brain tickling. This was true creation for the sake of creation flowing out from me.
This is what photography does to me. There are some photoshoots that feel like business and I enjoy those. I want to offer the best product for my clients and that brings a feeling of satisfaction like no other. But then there are shoots where everything comes together - the location, the lighting and the client is equally inspired and willing to engage in the creativity. When these moments happen it's an experience. I can feel that sensation again in my brain, my gut, my chest. The photoshoot I did with Marlo (pictured at the top and below) was one of those instances. I felt so inspired. I could feel this itch I didn't know I had in my brain being scratched. Then I got my first look at them on the computer and it did not disappoint. Marlo is a dear friend but she was also a dream client. I've done several shoots with her that are worthy of a whole post in itself, but for another time!
Music does this for me as well. I played the flute from middle school through college and the right ensemble + director + music arrangement could mean magic. It is a tangible experience when this happens and it is inspiring. It has flavor. To have those recordings or bottle the feeling would be amazing.
This "brain tickling" - it's the stuff of heaven. I think this feeling will be present in heaven with The Lord - he loves music and art. He created it, after all.
Just thinking through these memories brings back the sensation.
If this feeling resonates with you and you have a shoot idea in your mind that you can't quite figure out how to put into words but it is bursting from you - I WANT to chat with you! Even if you're not in Alabama, I want to chat with you about it. Even if nothing comes from it other than an email penpal where we toss inspiration back and forth. If you do live nearby, I would love to help make your vision a reality. Let's chat.
This blog was originally published on 12/16/2024 then migrated to a new site.
