Cross-train Your Writing

There are moments in our lives, there are moments in a day, when we seem to see beyond the usual — become clairvoyant. We reach then into reality. Such are the moments of our greatest happiness. Such are the moments of our greatest vision. - Robert Henri

Henri called these levels the “song from within.”  We have a tune inside that catches our attention and fluffs us with wonder. Learning to listen takes moving into a space of marvel. Our rational mind often steps in and grabs us to return to the ordinary.  

To adventure in peak experiences requires a flow moment. Movement of pen or fingers on the keyboard settles into words without judgment or concern. Adding scents, tastes, sounds and color expands the possibilities.

Creative Write: Try cross-training with your senses. Select three types of your favorite music. 


Choose one for its lyrics, another for melody, and the third for varieties of rhythm and changes.


Write from the beginning to the end of the piece by combining the music with a sensory image. 

Begin writing to the first selection by adding color: magenta, lavendar, azure. Let words arrive where colors and sounds blend. 


For the second choice, write into flavors or scents: cinnamon and vanilla yogurt, apples, toast, leaves in autumn, grass, gardenias.

Shift again to writing out sounds to the music: bump, rattle, sizzle, clack.

Discover where listening to music and combining imagery leads. Let the words flow with the notes in a cross-training experience.