... you ever awoken from a restless sleep feeling as though you needed to write but were too depleted to even pick up a pen, let alone sit down and write ... ... If you have
Rejuvenation
Have you ever awoken from a restless sleep feeling as though you needed to write but were too depleted to even pick up a pen, let alone sit down and write something worthwhile? If you haven't felt this way at least one time or another, you are definitely in the minority. Consider yourself unique within the the vast majority of writers struggling with what I call the depletion condition. Many depleted writers, in their attempts to reach a deadline will force themselves to charge forward with their writing regardless of how it makes them feel. If more care is not taken to feeding your writer's soul, you could experience feelings of resentment, inadequate health, and creative blocks that might produce debilitating results.
Lee Humphries, an interdisciplinary research analyst and President of ThinkingApplied.com eloquently stated in his article on the Ecology of Creativity that "one of the lamentable facts about our culture is that it holds free time in such low esteem and subtly chides those who engage in it.... this value more than any other passed down to us blocks the avenue to creativity."
As a society, we are overrun with "to do" lists and spend little time on reflection and relaxation. Ironically the busyness of our lives might not produce the rewards we are seeking. Our rigid schedules can deplete not only our energy but our creativity. In contrast, take a look at a child's view of the world. If you have ever watched a child at play, you do not see someone looking at the clock concerned about when they need to stop fingerpainting and start reading a book instead. Furthermore, you do not see a child becoming upset with him or herself when they spend longer periods of time on one task than on another. On the contrary, you see a child lost in a world of his/her own creation. Children are naturally spontaneous and uninhibited.
How can writers incorporate this unrestrained way of being into their own lives? It may be as simple as looking at who you are and what you enjoy doing. How one writer relaxes and refuels his/her creativity may vary greatly from another.
Here are some questions to ponder:
1. When you think about taking a break from writing, what comes to mind for you? 2. Are you feeling guilty for thinking about time spent away from your writing? 3. Are you relishing the thought of a rewarding experience that can help fuel your energy to write again? 4. If you do not take breaks, how do you feel? 5. What signs do you recognize in your body?
It is no surprise that by taking more breaks from your writing, you will feel better and enhance your creativity. The sooner you can become aware of what depletes your energy and recognize what works for you in refueling your creativity, the better off you will be as a writer.
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." Pablo Picasso
Copyright 2003, Lisa Collazo. All Rights Reserved.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lisa Collazo is a licensed clinical social worker and personal and professional writer's coach. She helps writers discover their authentic voice and challenges them to begin taking risks with their writing. Ms. Collazo's services for writers include individual telephone coaching. She can be reached by email or phone at: Lisa@writewhatyouknow.com www.writewhatyouknow.com 512-445-7498
