This was great. Thank you for pushing me to embrace the practice of capturing moments just for me. Iโve moved back to writing ideas, questions, documenting moments in a notebook away from anything digital. The shift back to analog - the act of writing with pen on paper has somehow unlocked a new level of creativity for me. I did not see it until reading your article, but my notebook is where I practice.
Isnโt it interesting to think about? I have my notes app where Iโll write an idea down and I night voice note a friend and share my thoughtsโฆ but it still doesnโt feel like practice to me?
Iโm curious to play with the idea more and also still figuring out what that would even look like?
I love this question! You are so right. One of the top trends involves showing the behind the scenes, the process and the practice, but if itโs all on display then there is no real space to experiment, grow and develop. I think the answer is in obscurity. In my walk of faith this is seen in moments to step away, pray and meditate. As a writer, I journal my prayers, thoughts and questions in obscurity. Still, this idea encourages me to take it a step further. I often hold a mental picture that Iโm only performing for one, God of the universe, so why not speak, dance, draw and create in obscurity just for Him. To me thatโs all encompassing of worship. It also gets the reps in that is needed in safety, with pure intentions and free from criticism.
Thank you for the question. I hope more lean into it and find space and time to test, iterate and rehearse without the pressure of going public. Itโs worth a try & Iโm definitely going to make more time for it.
Thanks for sharing Bree! I love the concept of writing in your journal as practice and also the fluidity that that might then turn into something more that you do share โจ๐
I really love this newsletter, it resonates so deeply! I have been drawn to post less, do less and share less in favour of doing the deeper work of simply being. It is so countercultural in this world but it has been incredibly restorative too. After all, we arenโt human doings but human beings
Iโm right there with you! When I came to Substack I came with the mindset of โIโm going to post when I have something to sayโ which has felt so good!
But this concept of- where am I practicing when I donโt feel like I have something to say has helped deepen the concept ๐
I wrote a whole year of gratitude journaling during my first year with my daughter (before everything fell apart...) I really appreciate the focus it brought me. And now Iโm thinking about getting back into journaling but in a different format.
Handwriting somehow just brings my mind calm and clear. It feels good โจ
I wrote a whole year of gratitude journaling during my first year with my daughter. I really appreciate the focus it brought me back then. And now Iโm thinking about getting back into journaling (but in a different format) Handwriting somehow just brings my mind calm.
I tend to approach this in reverse. Iโm constantly writing thoughts and poems, and taking photographs that inspire meโthis is how I connect with my inspiration. Then I let them marinate in my subconscious until one begins to speak and let me know itโs ready to become more. Thatโs when I weave it into one of my newsletters.
This was great. Thank you for pushing me to embrace the practice of capturing moments just for me. Iโve moved back to writing ideas, questions, documenting moments in a notebook away from anything digital. The shift back to analog - the act of writing with pen on paper has somehow unlocked a new level of creativity for me. I did not see it until reading your article, but my notebook is where I practice.
Ooohhh I love how you mentioned an analog practice has been helpful for you Marsha! Thank you so much for sharing ๐ happy creating!!
I don't think I do... Except for my writing in my notebook maybe... But I don't know if I would call that practicing... ๐ค
Oh, and taking photos with my phone, I guesss....
But this might be a good idea, thank you for making me think about this one ๐๐
Isnโt it interesting to think about? I have my notes app where Iโll write an idea down and I night voice note a friend and share my thoughtsโฆ but it still doesnโt feel like practice to me?
Iโm curious to play with the idea more and also still figuring out what that would even look like?
I love this question! You are so right. One of the top trends involves showing the behind the scenes, the process and the practice, but if itโs all on display then there is no real space to experiment, grow and develop. I think the answer is in obscurity. In my walk of faith this is seen in moments to step away, pray and meditate. As a writer, I journal my prayers, thoughts and questions in obscurity. Still, this idea encourages me to take it a step further. I often hold a mental picture that Iโm only performing for one, God of the universe, so why not speak, dance, draw and create in obscurity just for Him. To me thatโs all encompassing of worship. It also gets the reps in that is needed in safety, with pure intentions and free from criticism.
Thank you for the question. I hope more lean into it and find space and time to test, iterate and rehearse without the pressure of going public. Itโs worth a try & Iโm definitely going to make more time for it.
Thanks for sharing Bree! I love the concept of writing in your journal as practice and also the fluidity that that might then turn into something more that you do share โจ๐
I really love this newsletter, it resonates so deeply! I have been drawn to post less, do less and share less in favour of doing the deeper work of simply being. It is so countercultural in this world but it has been incredibly restorative too. After all, we arenโt human doings but human beings
Awww thanks Rae!
Iโm right there with you! When I came to Substack I came with the mindset of โIโm going to post when I have something to sayโ which has felt so good!
But this concept of- where am I practicing when I donโt feel like I have something to say has helped deepen the concept ๐
I wrote a whole year of gratitude journaling during my first year with my daughter (before everything fell apart...) I really appreciate the focus it brought me. And now Iโm thinking about getting back into journaling but in a different format.
Handwriting somehow just brings my mind calm and clear. It feels good โจ
I wrote a whole year of gratitude journaling during my first year with my daughter. I really appreciate the focus it brought me back then. And now Iโm thinking about getting back into journaling (but in a different format) Handwriting somehow just brings my mind calm.
You will be so happy as the years go by with these wonderful
Memories u have saved for your family GREAT THINKING .
I tend to approach this in reverse. Iโm constantly writing thoughts and poems, and taking photographs that inspire meโthis is how I connect with my inspiration. Then I let them marinate in my subconscious until one begins to speak and let me know itโs ready to become more. Thatโs when I weave it into one of my newsletters.