i had read about a challenge before… maybe it wasn't a challenge, just a way in the door to get you started on writing again, getting creative juices flowing.
the challenge was write. whatever is in your mind, for 5-10 minutes straight, without putting down the pen, without stopping to think.without considering if it makes sense.
i had always tried… but the blinking line on the screen mocked me. no words would come….
and so today, the clouds parted and the blue sky dotted with playful white clouds… i packed my bag with my camera, journal, and pencil. a short walk to the lake to sit and breathe…
here is my non-stop babbling…
sitting on a moss encrusted bench. worn down by lashing wind, rain, life.
a warm sun blanketing the top of my head, and a gentle whisper in the wind of change in the season across my back…
my feet sink into the marshy grass,
the lake so full and heavily pregnant-water lapping at the high tide.
a man in his boat, solitary, silent, making one with the water,
crawls his way across… a voyage.
i was seeking inspiration,
thinking that there was none to be found in these moments-in these days.
when all it takes is a minute, to notice the unique moments that are happening around you.
wishes blown in the wind.
spiders weaving webs
grey swans who have matured into teenagers, their down feathers slowly turning mature and white.
the silence, and music of life surrounding…
a deep breath, felt all the way down into my toes…
a machine hums in the distance, cars passing even further…
conversations overheard by business suits, stretching their legs, getting some air. soaking up this rare autumn blue.
writing words as they come, without thought. a child's flip flip flip of their shoes, squawking and squealing as their mother chides on…
two older women, lost. deep in conversation.
their companionship strong and sacred.
faces turn to meet the sky.
as i packed up my bag and started to head home… i started to focus more on the small stories unfolding around me. little school children in their uniforms-free from the day of school, playing at the park, their mothers bringing them into the local bakery to pick out a cookie…
noticing the dad and his daughter, feeding the ducks. his mobile rings and he answers with a soft voice, his wife, partner, lover…
give it a try… it's amazing how quickly it opens things up. changes your perspective.
-xo.
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