Recently I was asked a few questions about my writing practice. I thought I’d share it here in this space.
I have written at different times in my life in various situations, for many reasons, both for others and myself, as in journalling.
I wrote when I home educated, preparing work for my daughter; part of our way of life back then. At the same time, I was studying and researching for my BA and MA in Social Anthropology.
Writing as part of these and for my dissertations which involved looking at the effects of tourism in a rural Greek village, while living in situ, was a busy time.
I wrote as a complementary therapist with work involving Shiatsu, studying oriental medicine and homeopathy. I journalled considerably for my three-year teacher training course in tai chi, chi kung and meditation. I wrote studying flower essence therapy and more recently Feldenkrais and writing.
Eventually, I took all these experiences into my creative writing career and my MFA which involved writing a novel. Now I write as I study to become a poetry therapist.
The questions I was asked recently are the following:
Where do I write?
I know I am fortunate and blessed to be able to go to a designated space in my home where I can write in absolute peace. I can even move the phone to another room although I seldom do, I prefer not to be contacted when I’m writing. In this room, there is the need for a new carpet, new computer chair, and various additions to satisfy my needs for the room to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
However, the space is mine alone and I really appreciate that. In effect it is my study, where I read for my studies, write, edit, and prepare for my writing for wellbeing groups as well as writing poems and short pieces of prose. And of course, read and read!
The calendar I have on the wall above my desk this year is one from Survival International. Great pictures of other ways of life and ways of being.
It is not always tidy in my study; I must say I do work better when it is. Having said that I will have a tidying up flurry once a week to put ‘stuff’ back into their rightful places! At the moment there are four bottles of flower essences sitting on the desk, which I have used recently. They need to go back into my essences cupboard, especially as they need to be kept in a dark and cool space, alongside other sacred sprays and oral essences. There is a small basket with papers flowing from it which needs to be sorted through, some to be shredded I expect, some will surprise me and take me away from what I am doing.
Procrastination happens sometimes especially as I sit by a window, it’s sunny today. I can do that at certain times of the day quite easily. I’ve often berated myself for procrastination and yet I read a lovely piece about it recently in David Whyte’s book, Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words. He states that:
“Procrastination when studied closely can be a beautiful thing, a parallel with patience, a companionable friend, a reveller of the true pattern already, we are surprised to find, caught within us; acknowledging, for instance, as a writer, that before a book can be written, most of the ways it cannot be written must be tried first in our minds – on the blank screen, on the empty page, or staring at the bedroom ceiling at four in the morning. Procrastination enables us to taste the single malt essence of our own reluctance.”
This made me feel better about any of my procrastinations in terms of my own growth, encouraging me to think about the feelings behind or associated with procrastination. Am I procrastinating from writing this piece at this moment in time. No, I don’t think so, it all adds to the rich tapestry of words I may use in my writing. I will probably come back to meditate on this.
Back to my study after that brief interlude!
On my desk is a large printer where I print out hand-outs for my groups. I try not to use too much paper. I do print out research papers as I find it difficult to read papers on-line these days; my eyes object strongly.
I have a great light which assists me with a bulb which casts a light like daylight, shining brilliantly onto the page, it can be toned down too. I sit in a rather old chair which has seen better days, I hope for a new one soon. This one is not beneficial for my spine and I occasionally find myself hunching over my desk, something I thought I would never do. So, I must remedy that, otherwise I will be using remedies and exercises to straighten me out!
It is so important for writing, in my opinion, to be in a good position with feet firmly planted on the ground and spine straight, shoulders and neck relaxed and chest open. When we write, depending on the subject, sometimes the content can affect our bodies and we need to every so often stop, listen to our bodies and breathe deeply for a few moments.
The late zen master of mindfulness Thich Nhat Hahn recommends fixing up a small bell on the computer to remind us every so often to stop and breathe. Great advice. I have this it in my awareness, but I must confess when I am writing, especially if it is fiction, I can become lost in my protagonist’s story, for instance with all the emotions they might be feelings. Therefore, I need to just get up, do something else for a while, go outside into nature or stroke the dog, make another cup of soothing tea.
Writing for wellbeing can soothe our bodies and our minds.
I seldom work in other areas of the house, a habit cultivated in academia and in my MFA days of creative writing. It can be broken but I find it easier to fit into this zone. There is one exception though and that is when the weather is drawing me outside. Thinking of this I can say that my writing places can go with the seasons. I love to write in the garden at any time in the summer months when it’s warm. The sounds of nature are inspirational, birds singing, bees buzzing, the chirping of grasshoppers in the long grass and rustlings in the huge beech hedge, along with a light breeze all aid my concentration.
The sound of machinery can destroy that in an instant. However, I try to ‘switch’ those sounds off, I find it difficult.
At times I think I live in a village of incessant lawn mowers where the first hint of the sun and the lawn mowers appear. I allow my garden to be semi-wild, lot of wild flowers amongst the cultivated bushes and plants, even the flower beds merge into this pattern which of course the wild-life and insects love. Bees moved into the side of my cottage last year and, wonderfully exciting is that although it is only February now one or two scouts have been seen venturing out.
When do I write?
I write mostly in the morning, ideally after walking the dog and my Tai Chi, Chi Kung or Feldenkrais practice. I feel I have more energy at this time of day and increased alertness. If I start early, I will work through until a late lunch leaving me feeling satisfied at what I have achieved. That sense of fulfilment gives me a boast to not only see me through the day but gives me the impetuous to move forward with my writing.
This is also the time when I will plan my workshops. I write them, then walk myself through the editing process as I imagine myself in the workshops I facilitate. I visualise the group of participants and what I want to present to them.
If I am journalling or memoir writing I do notice that I mostly write when I’m happy and carefree. It is very beneficial to write when I feel sad, troubled, or dis-satisfied, not negative emotions, simply ones it is healthy to be aware of. When writing at these times it is an opportunity to let go of any problems, unwanted thoughts, understand them and endeavour to acknowledge them. If there is a particular angst, I might write for a while in bed before sleep to let go of anything unwanted in my consciousness at this time. This will be after a short meditation.
Why do I write?
This is a good question. At times I have sat here in my study and contemplated this. I’ve thought I could be outside, walking and gardening and not beavering away at my desk. I have been known to almost resent this but, on the other hand, there is a driving force within me. Of course, I argue with myself, I don’t have to be writing. How contrary we humans can be.
I do know I long to be in nature as much as possible so I’ll be off out in a minute and resume this later. I think this issue will be resolved when I can fulfil my dream of having a wee writing shed at the bottom of the garden, living with the elements. I’m working on this dream!
Sometimes, I feel I shout inside, I don’t have enough time, what with an old cottage to keep together, a garden and a dog who wants walks. Really it is a question of prioritising although as a mature writer now I do feel the passage of time goes by so quickly. I want to achieve so much. I alternate between feelings of impatience and being in the present moment which of course is far more productive and satisfactory. Therefore, a question of balance.
I ask myself what I would be doing if I wasn’t writing – travelling, socialising, playing with children, all wonderfully glorious things to be doing. However, I came to writing late and I’m learning so much, writing feeds my soul. It is definitely a learning process, one that reveals more of my inner world, about myself and this life journey, past, present and the thoughts of the future.
For whom do I write?
As you can note from the above, I largely write for myself. However, this is not completely true. I write indirectly for others. I feel that writing helps me to work through all sorts of issues; I test myself internally, go to the edge, evolve, grow, love, understand. This means that when writing in this way of being open to change, one can learn to love oneself. I am firmly of the belief that if one can’t feel good about oneself, how can you offer love, compassion and understanding to others. I feel this into the writing for wellbeing groups I facilitate, hopefully inspiring others which I have been told I do. It is a two-way exploration as we give and receive in these groups, sharing and caring.
I have books and books of scribbles, pieces of writing, of thoughts, inspirations, and yes insights. I would like to write them down into a concise book for my family; one of my daughters has asked me to write of my life as she says she won’t remember all the anecdotes and experiences I have told her about from time to time. I would dearly love to, whether I will manage to do so is yet to be seen but hopefully the time will come; there is so much!!