Writer's Retreat

Winter pictures-Mupsu

Okay so, I've been reading this book about how to become a more insightful writer.   In it, the author, Terry Cox (2000) teaches the "art" of being open to receiving our creative energy.  At the same time, I've been reading a book about finding your true passions and life's purpose, by Paul and Sarah Edwards (2003).  Terry Cox, stresses "Things often come when we aren't "officially" looking for them, but that we often miss it because we're not paying attention, or open to it," while Paul and Sarah Edwards (2003) stress "Ignoring the desire for this "magic" feeling is what gets us into dull, mundane, and intolerable lives.  Heeding it is what takes us to places better than we dreamed of.  It's the natural high of life that leaves us fulfilled-so full in fact that we're flowing with energy and want to reach out and give it to others." Acknowledging this  power is what allows artists to fully express themselves in their work.

To clear our minds and help recognize the passions and ideas that come to us, Terry Cox suggests a few soul searching exercises which I have shortened for the purpose of time constraints.   This is a really great exercise!  It worked for me, so I  thought I'd share it with you!

This exercise is for the writer and non writer alike. Look at it as a special treat for yourself.  To set the mood, I suggest you set aside some free-time, about an hour, get your most comfortable robe or pajamas on, grab your tablet and pen, your glass of wine, cup of coffee or tea, your buttery popcorn or favorite snack and curl up in your cozy spot and enjoy yourself with this life enriching, fun exercise! You'll be amazed at how much you discover about yourself!

Exercise 1

Spend some time with yourself.  Ask yourself "What do I love?"  Listen for your answers, and as you hear them, write them down.  Notice how your list, grows, changes then goes back to where you began.

Exercise 2

Now in a separate column, change your question to "What would I do if I could do anything I wanted?"  Don't limit yourself to what you think possible or what your responsibilities are or what the world "out there" will let you do.

Exercise 3

Narrow your lists down to the things, people, places and ideas that you love most. These are the things you're most passionate about.  According to Paul and Sarah Edwards (2003) identifying these passions will reveal a lot about yourself.  It will also help determine your strengths and weaknesses and help you in locating your gifts, talents and career path.

Completing these short exercises should leave you with a new sense of well being.  You should feel renewed and energized with a new purpose and outlook on yourself and life. You're worth it!



References

Cox, T. (2010). You Can Write Song Lyrics. OH: Writers Digest Books
Edwards, P. S. (2003). Finding Your Perfect Work: The New Career Guide to Making a Living, Creating a Life. NY: Penguin Putnam Inc.