I used to feel a shapeless longing—an aching emptiness that filled with sound whenever I picked up a guitar or a blank notebook or a set of colored pencils. Any time I so much as dipped a toe in creativity, the ache grew louder, pleading for immersion. I wrote angsty songs that seem to be about unrequited love, and maybe they were. It feels that way sometimes: as if there is some creative and infinitely loving energy swirling around me, just hoping I’ll give it the time of day. As if I am being chased by a muse. Not a brilliant muse necessarily. Just a really persistent one.
Thanks for these great reminders to just...allow. Allow the trying, and the messiness of the trying, and the playing and the experience to unfold however it will. I also appreciate the reminder that even when something is blocking us, like illness or some other curveball, we can be "writing" in observing and fully allowing that experience to be had, too. Nothing has to be a waste. And, lastly, I add my personal plug for 100 poems, which is the brightest spot of the new year so far!!
So much to like about this! The idea of low pressure writing attitudes, the feelings of wanting perfection opposed to actual efforts ,trial and error and the deception of "could have". Seriously considering the 100 poems challenge, happy year of the sh*tty first draft!
I am so here with you in this. More fledgling, for sure, but here. Here is what matters, not the perfection of the piece. In realizing that this was part of the thing that kept/keeps stopping me as well, I've come to also see the other side. If we give/write from a place that's honest and real, it's not like our gifts/output is worthless if not perfect. For me I think it's so about staying in touch with that inherent worth in us all.
Lisa, this resonates so much! The 100 poems project is a wonderful space and is getting more poetry flowing in the world. It also grounds me in a particular way, the writing, trading, sharing and listening. You are a brilliant and marvelous writer. I enjoy whenever you create and share.
Thanks for these great reminders to just...allow. Allow the trying, and the messiness of the trying, and the playing and the experience to unfold however it will. I also appreciate the reminder that even when something is blocking us, like illness or some other curveball, we can be "writing" in observing and fully allowing that experience to be had, too. Nothing has to be a waste. And, lastly, I add my personal plug for 100 poems, which is the brightest spot of the new year so far!!
So much to like about this! The idea of low pressure writing attitudes, the feelings of wanting perfection opposed to actual efforts ,trial and error and the deception of "could have". Seriously considering the 100 poems challenge, happy year of the sh*tty first draft!
I am so here with you in this. More fledgling, for sure, but here. Here is what matters, not the perfection of the piece. In realizing that this was part of the thing that kept/keeps stopping me as well, I've come to also see the other side. If we give/write from a place that's honest and real, it's not like our gifts/output is worthless if not perfect. For me I think it's so about staying in touch with that inherent worth in us all.
Lisa, this resonates so much! The 100 poems project is a wonderful space and is getting more poetry flowing in the world. It also grounds me in a particular way, the writing, trading, sharing and listening. You are a brilliant and marvelous writer. I enjoy whenever you create and share.