The Care & Feeding of Our Writing Selves
In these modern lives we lead, we're bombarded by so much.
As writers, part of the job is to be filter-feeders—taking it all in, and finding new ways to communicate about people, places, events, and things through our words.
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This has the potential to overwhelm anyone.
Especially now. Especially in a world that's becoming increasingly hostile to discourse on opposing views. Especially in a world of book bans, in a world where writers and other artists are being censured.
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What's a writer to do?
Destressify*
*Thanks to davidji for the terminology!
Easier said than done, of course, but one of the best things we can do to support creativity is reduce stress! Our brains are designed to respond to danger in the environment by throwing us into overdrive. You've probably heard a lot about the fight, flight, or freeze response, which is one way of describing the actions of the sympathetic nervous system.
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First, acknowledge that it's darn hard to chill out when everything in the world feels like a chaotic cluster#@k. Then, dig in and find a way to do it anyway.
Get Support
Writing is a solo pursuit, but that doesn't mean it has to be done in isolation.
Find a writing partner, form a writing group, join a workshop, get a coach—somebody or something to help support and encourage you, because: YOU ARE A WRITER!
Try New Things
Variety is the spice of life.
The human brain craves variety.
When things feel stuck, try new things: Take a walk, listen to new music, eat new foods, try a new art form (color, paint, draw, sculpt, collage, weld, cook, garden, build)—whatever you do, give your brain something novel anytime it starts spinning in the mud.
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Check out Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way for some inspiring ideas on to offer your brain some novelty.
Yoga Nidra for Writers
I recorded this Yoga Nidra practice with writers in mind.
Hit play and give it a whirl... It could just become one of those aforementioned new things.
Who knows? Your brain might like it!
A meditation alternative for folks who don't like/can't/won't meditate...