I know this to be true. The more I write, the more I want to write, the easier the words flow. When I think I can’t write, when it’s just not coming, if I just put pen to paper (or fingers to keys), I know it will soon catch fire. If I’ve had a good day of writing, I rise the next day, ready to write again!
True, sometimes it still won’t come. But I believe that’s about rest and refueling. Not about writing. When the writing doesn’t flow it can feel as if I’ve gone dry. But that is just an erroneous construct of the mind. Unless there’s something wrong with your brain, you cannot be devoid of thoughts. It’s simply not true. Get out in nature, take a nap, have some fun, think about something else, something lighter. Then you will see that there’s plenty of material and steam there for you.
When others claim there’s nothing to write about or they can’t find the time, I know they haven’t shown up to write. Your presence alone can start a brush fire. And before you know it, you’re excited about writing again! Not having time is merely a matter of priority (or fear). If you really want to write, if you’re not afraid there will be nothing to say, you find the time. The bios of writers are stuffed full of stories of getting up at 6 am to write for an hour before the rest of the household wakes up. Staying up late and writing into the wee hours. Catching 15 minute segments throughout the day to write. There is always time if you choose it. Writing needs no special equipment, just a pen and paper. No fancy set up. It can happen anywhere, in any space of time.
I write for a living. So I have to write whether I feel like it or not. 9 times out of 10 (10 times out of 10 if I’m taking good care of myself) if I show up and start, something will flow.
I wonder if there are other things this rule might apply to: Nothing breeds love like love . . . Nothing breeds gratitude like being grateful. Can it work with positive thoughts, too? Social networking is one of those things that feeds on itself. Put out a little energy and you get so much more back!
Are there others?
The Positive Slant On the Path 
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April 26, 2010 at 8:52 pm
arjunasoctupus
I would like to passionately disagree. Not necessarily with you, but with many who take a similar mistaken position.
Writing is a great thrill and the joy of having expressed something that is so personal and maybe touches the universal is like having the tip of your tongue touching life’s electric pulse.
But…why torture the world if the writng’s not flowing. Why are there all these blogs that ask people to check in with their 250-500 words a day?
Why are you writing if it’s such a force. Why not find something better to do? It’s like people who sit for hours very still pretending they are meditating. It’s such a waste. Nothing is happening and you’re not getting any more clear.
Now cue reactions of moral superiority and no feeling. Grow up.
And better still. Stop writing!!
April 27, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Alexandra Coulter
Dear Arjuna,
I’m glad you feel safe here at my blog. You are welcome to keep expressing yourself. And I look forward to linking back to your blog.
I know you meant no personal offence. Frankly, it’s not easy to offend me. But you did poke a hole in my genre, my industry. I don’t know these blogs of which you speak that ask people to check in with 250 words day. (Sounds like a challenge I’m up for!)
The self-improvement field can start to get a little overwhelming. When have you read enough books, listened to enough lectures before you get it? Eventually, you need to work it for yourself. Know that you have all the answers and all you need to do is practice. A Buddhist story talks about using the teachings to get you to the other shore, but then you leave the boat behind as you continue on.
Since it is my business, I like to think that there are people out there who still need to hear it. And hear it the way I say it.
My point was just about the flow of certain things. When you avoid doing something it tends to breed more avoidance. When you’ve allowed yourself some leeway, it makes it easier to excuse the next time. But I like to keep to the positive side. Nothing breeds good feelings, like good feelings. Nothing breeds laughter, like laughter. Nothing breeds yawning, like yawning . . .
Best, A.
April 28, 2010 at 8:04 am
arjunasoctupus
Hi!
There’s so much balance in what you say – I am sure you very good at what you do.
With self-improvement though, do you think a kick can be as helpful as a good hand?
I think there’s a space created by self-improvement – the genre as a whole – that creates an almost licentious attitude – that I DEMAND to be helped.
This is not without a great deal of frontline experience I should add. I worked for about a year as an email life coach – perhaps a basis for the frustration!
My approach was to help where I could and acknowledge the real feelings people were experiencing but coax them to some sort of self-sufficiency. And that meant being less than sugar-coated in some respects. An approach I think that was more effective than professional. One can compromise the other, don’t you think?
With kind wishes,
Arjuna
April 28, 2010 at 8:06 am
arjunasoctupus
Just to add, your tip about flow, about sitting over a task and relaxing is helping me hugely in my morning.
I could talk to you for hours!
Arjuna
April 27, 2010 at 12:11 am
Alexandra Coulter
My Dear Friend,
I agree that if writing is a drag, you shouldn’t be doing it. But you take such a negative approach to this! My point is just that when you write, it makes you want to write more. That’s all. I do, sometimes, come to the desk not as on fire as I’d like to be. But I write, so I write. And in the process of writing, I feel more like writing, more alive, more on flame from the writing I’ve done. I know many people who want to write, who talk about writing, but don’t often use the practice of showing up to write. It’s not a forceful practice, but one of just showing up and allowing the pen to touch the paper, the fingers to touch the keys.
I have to disagree with you on the topic of meditation, as well. I believe that if you have 10 seconds of clear thinking while sitting and meditating, it will expand in your consciousness and bring you insights long after you have risen from the meditation.
Thank you for keeping things interesting on my blog!
April 27, 2010 at 8:29 am
arjunasoctupus
Hi Alexandra,
Thanks for your gracious response. It is how I see it though. I prefaced my comment with not a disagreement with you – so why express it here – because I felt safe.
My frustration is with is these blogs that ask people to check in with 250 words a day. The culture of needing and self-improvement. RElax!
Enjoy a ten minute break to clear your mind but wean yourself off self-help and just help yourself.
That’s all I have to say. Thanks for this space Alexandra, I apologise if I caused personal offence and thank you for your gracious responses.
Arjuna
April 29, 2010 at 4:20 am
Mary Ann Coelho
Hi Alexandra, I agree with you about the writing – Just keep doing it. You don’t necessarily have to be a writer/journalist, etc. to want to write or write – it is good therapy for whatever is ailing you. I started writing/journaling again for the last three years and I find consistency is the key. It has helped me so much to open up to myself and feelings. One of the things it has done for me is help me to be more fluid in my writing and more confident in myself. I accept myself more for who I am and know that I don’t have to be perfect in all my writing. Just go with the flow. There are always people out there that can help us to write better if that is our choice, maybe take a class or something. Well, I just thought I would pass that along. You are a great inspiration Alexandra and I am glad I have met you. Talk to you soon. Mary Ann
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