This is just a friendly reminder to break out of your routines; we are all gently being awakened from our winter’s state and this is a great time for all kinds of shifts and stretches. This week, why not plan an outing (solo or with others) that will stimulate you a bit. It could be a trip to the museum, art gallery, park, cafe…whatever tickles your fancy. But push yourself a bit to do something that you might not normally think of doing.
Maybe even get there in a different way. Like, if you would normally drive, try taking public transportation. Doing something different makes you more aware of your surroundings. It awakens the senses and that little creative creature that lives in you.
It doesn’t have to cost you a dime. If you’re so inclined, take a notebook and pay attention to words you hear, actions you see, animals you meet. When it strikes you, write something.
One day last summer, my cousin asked me to pay attention to the animals and insects that I came across on my next walk. (It was a lesson in animal spirit guides; she’s always teaching me neat things.) I did. I was practically tripping on my own feet because I was suddenly bombarded with scurrying ants, busy beetles, flighty butterflies and hungry bees. Where did they all come from? I came home from the walk and wrote descriptions of these critters and realized I could write a lot about a little ant. My imagination was being stretched.
That’s what I’m hoping this task does for you. Stretch your imagination. Notice something new in something old. Pay attention to life as it scurries by.
Happy Tuesday!
What a great suggestion for “Try This – Tuesday”. My sightseeing was just around my yard, but it produced a little poem. (I’m going to have to start a separate journal of just things inspired by stopping at this site) I saw the title, and that instantly gave me the idea to go out back and look around, listen to the sounds, then come back in and write it all down.
The first day of Spring is usually an evaluation day of sorts for me; what was the winter like and what are the expectations for the coming seasons, etc.
Warm thoughts and blessings to all.
Whenever I feel stuck (really good and stuck) this is what I do. I venture out for something new. It almost always works.
Great post.
Ntathu,
Let me apologize for taking so long to respond to your kind and supportive words. Taslim’s blog has sparked my writing nearly every time I’ve stopped by.
I certainly agree that there is some sort of flow to writing, or any creative process. I wish I could put my finger on the switch that starts that flow so that I wouldn’t have so many days where nothing seems to happen.
However, there is always something happening inside of us and our mind has a funny way of logging it all in for later use. Over the past several months I have been bombarded with ideas for paintings, sculptures and various other artistic pursuits. The surprising thing about that is they are all areas which I have experimented in quite sporadically over my life and none of them have I ever felt terribly confident or proficient at. Yet trying to put those same ideas into words has been a pretty frustrating exercise.
Thank you again for your support. After stopping by your blog, it seems that you are quite a fan of poetry so your opinion is greatly appreciated.