Sunday Stories - articles, books, podcasts - what stories I am intrigued by and how they relate to me.
Two years ago, my intention at the New Year was to spend more time writing - to discover more about my voice and what I may have to share. I have continually found this to be difficult as I had no idea what to document when it came to sitting down with pen and paper. I cook and often share recipes, but a cooking blog never quite felt like it fit. I journal - and I have off-and-on (often more off than on). But, again, my gut feeling gave me the inclination that journaling was not the type of writing my intention was calling me toward either.
In mid-November, I started a writing course / workshop / community group with about 15 or so women (just happened to be all women) from across the country, age spectrum, background, and point of view. IT just so happened the first module was titled "Finding Your Voice" - kinda spot-on, right? Our connecting point - Linda - who was offering the course, and I think, too, the practice of Yoga (capital Y intended - to indicate yoga asana, but also the spiritual and life practices of Yoga). The formal time, for me, consisted of two 6-week modules with a week break around the New Year. Others in the group are continuing another 6 week module as they prepare to submit book proposals in their journey as writers. I know the formality of a book is not where I am today. I am writing for the pure creative flow and for the understanding that inevitably is unfolding. Not having a “goal” or desired outcome (re: book proposal that leads to publishing) is incredibly freeing for this Type A-get-it-done-kind-of-woman.
On many of the Tuesday evening nights as we Zoomed together, I took notes of authors and books on writing or creativity or spirituality others mentioned as inspirations. This led me to The Artist’s Way and author Julia Cameron’s tool kit for cultivating the creative self available to each of us. (I also discovered Natalie Goldberg and Anne Lamott, but that is for another day…..)
I started the book - felt inspired - bought it for a Secret Santa gift for another - put it down to focus on the course - and, now that the formal course meetings have concluded, I find myself ready to start fresh. Yes, I do have a hope that the practices in the book allow for a level of structure similar to that of a class setting with prompts and suggested homework. I admit this mild expectation fully. I know myself well enough to understand this is helpful to me in staying connected to my process with a bit of a nudge behind me.
No matter what your age or life path, whether making art is your career or hobby or your dream, it is not too late or too egotistical or too selfish or too silly to work on your creativity.” ~ page xvi (Introduction)
Onward - one word at a time.