Discover Non-Attachment

As human beings, we want aspects of our lives to turn out a certain way. When we cling to a strict outlook, we can often stifle the outcome.

We attach to:  material possessions, relationships, money, and outcomes. Often, frustration results from these attachments. When individuals do not act according to our expectations or we do not gain material possessions, we feel anxious and sad. 

The desire for an outcome hampers the energy of writing projects.

Practicing non-attachment with a writing project takes time. If, during the creative stage, we focus on a flow of words and ignore the result, more ideas percolate. 

This also assists to release attachments in other areas of life. 

Do you ever feel like you’re holding on to something for the wrong reason? Are you too attached to the outcome of a situation or a result during writing practice? 

Live in moments of movement. Stay aware of "now" activities to avoid judgments and expectations of outcomes. 
 
Let go! 

Flow to notice how to grow. Write about attachments in a freeflow style. 

Notice how staying in the writing moments expands your thoughts.

Play with Memories

Remember a flower that brings a story.

Add a view with colors.

                          Include a time of year. 

Weave scents, sounds and tastes into your memory.

Recall an animal or two.

Bring in a beverage enjoyed at a cafe.

                What happened in the shade and shadows?

Taste the textures.

Add body language
and dialogue.

Select a favorite tune. 

 

Train to Write

When only four years old, I attended a football game at the Rose Bowl with my father. We settled into seats with hot dogs, peanuts and Delaware punch. Excitement filled the stadium and rippled throughout my body. 

My father's first advice, "Watch reactions. Don't just follow the ball." During warm ups, he pointed out ways coaches related to the players and how they responded. He talked a lot about the intensity of training that went into the game. He also encouraged my writing training in similar ways.

Training to write begins way before pen meets paper or fingers tickle keys. Making a friend of curiosity initiates a first step of preparation.Writers need to become omnivores of experience. Nourishing wonder involves all the senses to receive transmissions from life's stimuli.

How do you train to write?  

Investigate ways to stretch and train before writing.  Squint and notice how it changes your perspective.  

Delve into discoveries by doing what you don't usually do. Try different points of view.

Listen to music of all types.

Play!

Practice imaginative thinking by searching for nuances and connections.

Notice reactions to situations. Investigate cause and effect. 

 

When watching sports like a football game, go beyond a focus on the ball. 

 

Observe the body language, reactions and responses of players. In what ways do they anticipate way before a play unravels?

Nurture awareness by seeking adventure with a child's eyes. Let go with no agenda or time keeping for a set period each day. 

Questions add another dimension to training. What amuses? What confuses?  Which mysteries need investigation? Let self-discovery push to the edges. Remain open to possibilities.

Choose another art form to cross-train your writing. Draw or paint. Don't forget to dance to enhance movement and rhythm. 

 

Develop a yoga practice for breathing and balance.

Take advantage of life's disruptions. Use

them for story.

Become restless and relentless. Then write about it.

Writing goes way beyond the basics of grammar and syntax. Football season might inspire new approaches. 

Start your training today.