freewrites – Page 5 – The Write Spot

In this Just Write post, we’ll take a look at the idea of listening to your body as a way to get past blocks toward your creativity.

First, turn off your cell phone or put to vibrate. Unplug from Facebook and emails. Eliminate as many distractions as you can.

If you are experiencing extreme grief or pain, please get professional help. This post, of course, cannot replace the need for professional assistance.

Ready? Here we go.

We all experience grief, trauma, sadness. And we have our own ways of handling those stresses. There is no one right or wrong way to handle these difficulties. What is right for one person, may be wrong for someone else. What works for me, might not work for you, so take what works for you from this post, ignore the rest.

Let’s take a moment now to breathe, relax and get settled.

Take a deep breath in and let out with a whoosh.

Deep breath in. Relax. Let go.

Drop your head to your chest and rotate in a circle.

Rotate shoulders in a circle.

Scan from head, down to your toes. Check in with your body.

Notice places that are tight. Notice any uncomfortableness.

As you scan your body, become aware of any place that draws your attention – notice what part of your body calls out to you.

Place the palm of your hand on the part of your body that calls your attention. Or bring your breath there if it’s not reachable with your hand.

Allow your hand to be filled with the information of that place.

Take a deep breath in. Let it out with relaxing sigh.

Thinking about that place in your body that calls out . . . what do you notice? Who hangs out there? Who do you see?

If you could have a conversation with that part of your body, what would it sound like?

If you have blockages in your life, your work, or your creativity, your body can tell you what’s going on. If you are stuck, notice where you feel it in your body.

When you pay attention to that stuck feeling, you can work past it and then you will be free to work as you wish. Discover what’s really bothering you.

When you are ready, write about what you have discovered. Write about that place in your body that wants attention. Or just write about whatever is on your mind.
Writing prompts on The Write Spot Blog are designed to encourage writing that takes the writer on a journey of discovery.

Our freewrites can refresh our memories and remind us of times past. It’s like excavating — digging deep and dredging up memories.

You can start writing very simply — with pen or pencil and paper or keyboard.

To go deep into your writing — rest both feet on the floor, rest your hands lightly on your lap or on the table. Take in a deep, nourishing breath and slowly let it out. Another deep breath in and s-l-o-w-l-y release. Sink into your breath and relax on the out breath.

Review the prompt and start writing. If you get stuck and don’t know what to write next:

~ Write the prompt . . . sometimes re-writing the prompt brings up new ideas.

~ Write “I remember. . . ” and go from there.

~ Write “I don’t remember. . . ” and see where that takes you.

~ Write “What I really want to say . . . ” This is my favorite to inspire deep writing.

Whatever methods you use . . . just write.
Today’s writing prompt: The next time . . .
Write about . . . Summer.
What is the worst thing that could be taken from you?

Set your time for 12 minutes. Write. No thinking. Just write.

Post your freewrite here on The Write Spot Blog.

Photo by Jane Person
Write about someone you know who is currently serving in the military or who has served. What branch of the military? What country? What would you like us to know about this person?

Is there an author who writes about the armed services or books you like with a military theme? Tell us, we want to know.

Photo of Purple Heart Medal taken by Jane Person. Her father, First Lt. John Person, was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart following his combat in World War II, April 1943.
The Purple Heart is one of the most recognized and respected medals awarded to members of the U.S. Military armed forces. Introduced as the “Badge of Military Merit” by General George Washing in 1782, the Purple Heart is also the nation’s oldest military award.

Prompt: Write about someone in the military.
Today’s prompt: Write about how writing has changed your life, or an aspect of your life.

Submit your 600-word essay reflection on the writing life by emailing to Writer’s Digest magazine at: wdsubmissions@fwmedia.com with “5-Minute Memoir” in the subject line.
Today’s prompt: Standing in a doorway . . .

Photo by Jim C. March
The following is an excerpt from “When every letter counts,” by Kevin Cullen (no relation to me that I know of). — March 2014 issue of The Writer Magazine.

Kevin writes:

I have been in the newspaper game for more than 30 years, which qualifies me as a card-carrying old fart.

I have tried to embrace new technologies and platforms pushed upon us by enthusiastic, young tech geeks who talk about Facebook and Twitter with the zeal of evangelicals. Online is where it’s at, even though we still make most of our money from the dead tree version.

But what has all this meant for writing? Because, let’s face it, the biggest advantage all forms of written journalism have over the immediacy of TV and radio is the ability to deliver depth and strong, evocative writing.

Writing short and writing long require different disciplines. It’s the differences between writing a poem and writing a short story. When you tweet, every letter counts. When you write for the web, enjoy the freedom.

Note from Marlene: Ideas for strong and evocative writing posted on The Write Spot Blog. Click on titles below for inspiration for strong and evocative writing.

Crafting scenes a reader can see — and sense

Watershed Moment Prompt #57

The Power of Place

Essence of You Prompt #45

What to do? Just write!
Sit back, relax. Take a few deep breaths. Relax into your breathing.

Think about rooms from your childhood. Let your mind wander around various rooms:

Your bedroom

Your parents’ bedroom

Your grandparents’ bedroom

The room where you ate your meals . . . kitchen or dining room

Your grandparents’ dining room.

Here’s an excerpt from Lynn Henriksen‘s book, Give The Gift of Story, TellTale Souls’ Essential Guide*, page 58, excerpt written by Robin.

Jamie and I would crawl into our cozy little bed between the softest apple-green sheets that matched the apple-green carpet and the apple-green walls. We took turns as to who had to be squished against the wall and who was to be on the outside nearest Grandma. We always took turns with everything at Grandma’s house, I figure that’s how she kept the peace.

Now, settle into a room from your childhood. Look around. Really look around. Start from the doorway and move around the room. . . write about what you see, what you remember. Include color, smell, texture. What did this room feel like? Who decorated this room? What influenced the decorator?

Prompt: Write about a room from your childhood.

* Give The Gift of Story, TellTale Souls’ Essential Guide is now out of print. Lynn’s latest book, the “new and improved model,” as she writes, TellTale Souls Writing the Mother Memoir: How to Tap Memory and Write Your Story Capturing Character & Spirit is available at Amazon and Book Passage in Corte Madera, California.