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One of my health goals is to stop taking so much aspirin and other painkillers. It causes more problems than it helps. This has been an ongoing goal for years, and recently I found something amazingly simple that is really helping!
The Painful Side of Writing
When I started writing, I don’t recall ever reading anything about health problems associated with writing. But sitting for hours, especially at a computer, takes a toll on your neck, back, wrists, and hands. The associated headaches and back pain keep many writers on painkillers of one sort or another.
Then my daughter suggested that I get some yoga DVDs. My initial reaction was negative. My mental image of yoga was of some spaced-out chanting person twisted into an inhuman pretzel. Not for me!
Yoga for Writers (and other stiff people)
I quickly learned that my ideas were outdated. From my library, I checked out “Healing Yoga for Aches & Pains,” which was as soothing as a massage (and got rid of my headache!) I have yet to try “Yoga for Inflexible People.” My favorite DVD so far is Yoga: Sitting Fit Anytime, which has nine separate 3-5 minute segments addressing individual needs of people who sit at computers for hours.
It’s easy to follow, you do it sitting, and it targets neck and shoulder tension, lower back pain, upper back pain, tight hamstrings, headaches, and carpal tunnel problems. There was even a segment for stiff hands and fingers. There was no chanting. (FYI: I skip the New Agey intro–not for me! Just want the stretches.)
Preventive and Restorative
If you don’t have aches and pains from writing, thank heaven. But also consider doing some routine stretching to prevent developing such problems. If you already suffer from head, back and/or arm pain, consider yoga as a drug-free solution. Your body–AND creative mind–will thank you.
[P.S. If you long-time faithful readers thought this sounded like a repeat, you're right. Had a ripping headache today that I finally got rid of with the DVD stretches! Thought you all might need the same reminder I did.]
Holidays always seem to sneak up on me. I think it's my resistance to the stores' insistence on mingling bunnies and marshmallow peeps alongside the Valentines cards. My brain screams, That's not real! Not yet!
It's kind of how I trick myself by setting the kitchen clock ahead ten minutes so I'm not late in the morning, then I pour another cup of coffee thinking I have way more time than I do.
Easter is late this year, and that's my favorite way to celebrate it. When it comes in the dull middle of March, it seems so...well, like it's in the dull middle of something.
Right now, here, the buds are coming out on the trees and we're leaving the heat off during the day. I've even got the kids outside helping to clean up the yard and doing the garden thing.
We're clearly not a yard-obsessed family (seeing as we found a rubber tire in the brush-clogged part of our yard we just started cleaning out), but there is something about working together to clear out brush and branches that makes you think about concepts like renewal. I've always thought we should make resolutions at Easter instead of New Year's when there is still so much chocolate left over.
6 Comments on Happy Easter!, last added: 4/23/2011
Coincidentally, part of the reason we are clearing out the brush is to string a hammock between two trees in the yard. Kind of a lazy ambition, but hey.
Oh, I am envious. I used to teach 4 days and had one to write, but alas, I was asked to take on another day, so for the past few years I have worked full time. I long for those 4 day teaching weeks, though.
I'll be that much poorer, Shelley, but I really want to try having real time to write. It doesn't start until mid-May. You I pretty much have to fight for writing time; hopefully this will be worth it.
You surely will get plenty of writing done with that new schedule. :)
I want to rewrite one of my wips. I'm talking about typing it all over again. I want to give it a major makeover, so I just can't type over it. I want to start fresh.
What have you given up in order to have time to write?
When I started out, giving up my hour of pleasure reading in the afternoon (the kids’ naptime) was the biggest sacrifice I made. I loved that hour of escape where I rose above my daily chores and relished adult language and words longer than one syllable. Yes, I could still read at night when the kids were in bed, but by then I was too sleepy to keep my eyes open.
Are You Sacrificing TOO Much?
We’ve talked lately about tracking your time and then sacrificing some of your current pleasures in order to write. And yes, time for pleasure reading may have to be cut back drastically in the “learning years.” Like many writers, my pleasure reading is now used as a reward. (I often set my timer and write for thirty minutes, promising myself a ten-minute reading break for each thirty minutes of writing. I love those reading breaks!) I try to read at bedtime too, but I still fall asleep too quickly.
I once had a student who read five romance novels per week, every week. Really! I had no problem recommending that she turn 75% of that time into writing time. Most of you don’t have that kind of time to read for pleasure–and I don’t either. You may only have thirty minutes to an hour for pleasure reading. And when you give it up, you’re losing a writer’s #1 most favorite pastime: reading.
Short-Term Sacrifice
If you’ve given up pleasure reading in order to write, I hope you will be able to add it back to your life soon. I think writers need to read. (And not just books on craft or books in the genre you hope to publish in.) Reading for pleasure nurtures our soul–and keeps us in touch with what readers want.
So how can you balance this while you’re learning to write, especially when you’re juggling a day job and/or a family? Make use of alternative methods. Discover books on tape, and listen during car pools or while washing dishes. Discover books on MP3 players like Playaways, or download digital books from your library, and listen to them while you run or garden.
When my time was the shortest–when the kids were small and I was working another job in addition to the writing and school visits–all I could carve out for pleasure reading was fifteen minutes per day. It wasn’t enough time to finish a book in a month–and I couldn’t figure out the plot in those little bits.
During those years, then, I re-read the classics on my shelves. Consequently I’ve memorized whole chunks of Pride & Prejudice, Little Women, and other favorites. Since I already knew the plot and characters, I could relax and just enjoy seeing old friends for fifteen minutes each day.
No Time to Read
I know a good number of full-time professional writers who have given up pleasure reading altogether. They said they just don’t have time. What do you think about that? Is pleasure reading something you’d give up in order to have the writing career of your dreams?
Rejection is part of the writing life. Writers have always struggled not to take rejection personally. Unless you’re super human, it deals a blow to one’s self-esteem.
“To be a writer is to be rejected. I’m not kidding,”says Rachel Ballon, Ph.D., author of The Writer’s Portable Therapist. “Those writers who stop writing the first time they’re rejected can’t call themselves writers because rejection is part and parcel of the writing game. It isn’t what happens to you IF you’re rejected, it’s what you do or don’t do WHEN you’re rejected.”
You Can Recover
I get concerned when my writer friends and students get so beaten down by a rejection. (And with our struggling economy lately, rejections are happening more frequently.) Rejections do hurt, and the disappointment can be huge. All the “don’t take it personally” lectures don’t help much then. You need more, especially in the initial stages when the rejection is new and raw.
“Expect rejection and disappointments with the knowledge that you’ll recover from them,” says Ballon. “Be just as prepared for rejection as you’re prepared for an earthquake in California or a hurricane in Florida.”
Plan Ahead
I never thought of that before: prepare for rejection. It makes sense though!
Most of my family members live in Florida now, and when a tropical storm is building to hurricane status, they go into motion like a well oiled machine. Buy batteries and food staples. Nail plywood over windows. Make sure generator works. Stock up on drinkable water. They don’t just sit back and hope the hurricane veers off and misses them. They know that the likelihood of being hit by a hurricane is low, but definitely possible. Being prepared has saved their lives and property more than once. And their plans for recovery and clean-up go into effect as soon as the storm passes.
The likelihood of writers being rejected is about 100%–much worse odds than destruction from an earthquake or hurricane. But how many of us have a plan for recovering from that particular professional “disaster”? Not many, I’m guessing. But we should have. We know it’s coming from time to time. And I wonder if we wouldn’t respond better if we planned for it.
Strategy
How do you plan for the day-perhaps after months of hopeful waiting or interested nibbles-when your story or novel or proposal is rejected? How can you prepare for it? Well, what makes you feel better when you’ve been rejected by someone in your personal life?
A hot bath and a good novel?
A phone call to your best friend?
A candy bar or Starbucks coffee?
Hanging out with people who do love you?
Going for a hard sweaty run or bike ride?
Journaling?
Curling up with a “feel good” movie or chick flick?
Chances are, those same things will help you through a manuscript rejection. They can be the solace for your bruised soul.
Plan Ahead-Work Your Plan
I think I’m going to make a list on a card called “Rejection Recovery Strategies” and tack it to my bulletin board. And the next time a book or prop
According to the National Science Foundation, the average person has about 12,000 thoughts per day, or 4.4 million thoughts per year.
I wager that writers are well above the average because we read more and writing causes us to think more than the average.
Who’s In Charge?
I had known for a long time that our thoughts affect our emotions, and that toxic “stinking thinking” could derail our writing dreams and health faster than almost anything. You are the only one who can decide whether to reject or accept a thought, which thoughts to dwell on, and which thoughts will become actions.
But sometimes–a lot of the time–I felt powerless to actually do anything about it on a consistent basis. Sometimes I simply felt unfocused and overwhelmed.
Need a Brain Detox?
I’ve been reading a “scientific brain studies” book for non-science types like me called Who Switched Off My Brain?by Dr. Caroline Leaf Ph.D. which has fascinated me. With scientific studies to back it up, it shows that thoughts are measurable and actually occupy mental “real estate.” Thoughts are active; they grow and change, influencing every decision we make and physical reaction we have.
“Every time you have a thought, it is actively changing your brain and your body–for better or for worse.” The author talks about the “Dirty Dozen”–which can be as harmful as poison in our minds and our bodies.
Killing Our Creativity
Among this dozen deadly areas of toxic thinking are toxic emotions, toxic words, toxic seriousness, toxic health, and toxic schedules.
If you want to delve into the 350+ scientific references and pages of end notes in the back of the book, you can look up the studies. But basically it targets the twelve toxic areas of our lives that produce 80% of the physical, emotional and mental health issues today. And trust me. Those issues have a great deal to do with you achieving your goals and dreams.
There Is Hope!
According to Dr. Leaf, scientists no longer believe that the brain is hardwired from birth with a fixed destiny to wear out with age, a fate predetermined by our genes. Instead there is scientific proof now for what the Bible has always taught: you can renew your minds and heal. Your brain really can change!
Old brain patterns can be altered, and new patterns can be implemented. In the coming days, I’ll share some more about the author’s ”Brain Sweep” five-step strategy for detoxing your thoughts associated with the “dirty dozen.”
But right now I’m going to read about the symptoms of a toxic schedule. I have a suspicion…
Even the most dedicated writers need a break sometimes. The brain gives out (often on Fridays), or the back and neck scream for relief. Sure, you can always read more email or surf the web or watch a re-run.
On the other hand, says Arthur Plotnik in a February, 2010 article in The Writer, “Take a productive break from writing.”
His definition of such a productive break includes “activities that can bolster my writing even as they give respite from its grind…A boost [to my writing] in quality or quantity is my criterion for ‘positive’ avoidances.”
Good for Your Writing
Time-wasting breaks produce guilt for not writing, leaving us feeling disgruntled at the end of the day. On the other hand, a break taken to bolster our writing skills is both refreshing and growth-producing. And guilt free!
Read Plotnik’s entire article for many more unusual ideas. (He’s the author of Spunk & Bite: A Writer’s Guide to Bold, Contemporary Styleand is on The Writer’s editorial board.) Here are just a few of his suggestions to whet your appetite for the next time you just have to get away from your desk:
Talk a walk in your neighborhood as if seeing it for the first time. In your pocket notebook, jot down images and sensory perceptions and things you overhear and character descriptions.
Visit a botanical garden, aquarium, museum, zoo, etc. where things are displayed and labeled. Collect metaphors based on the things you see, such as “a roommate like a stinkhorn fungus.” (Plotnick)
Wander through your local library’s exhibits, and look through community bulletin boards and local history collections for ideas.
Watch a “dopey adolescent sitcom” to update one’s YA-dialogue skills.
Play an instrument or do a drawing.
Build your inventory of character names from a directory.
Spend time with someone in an interesting occupation, absorbing the details of a job one of your characters might perform.
Or do like me-and catch up on reading inspiring magazines like The Writer!
Today we have the renewalof the word "Pioneer" because I just finished this and by gosh I'm posting it. Now usually the new IF word is posted on Friday so I thought for sure I would at least have five minutes of fame from this by posting it on Thursday evening, but NOOOOOOOOO!
...just call me trailblazer...
When you purchase an item from my store, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescueand Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. They deserve a chance too.
Grab a cup of coffee and take a long luxurious gander at my website ArtQwerks
Great style, great coloring. Love the expression, both on the face and in the pose. This has got to be the blog with the most personality I've seen yet! =D
Hmmm, another struggle for the right image again this week. I'm not sure this thrills me but I'm sticking with it anyway. I do feel the Lotus is a sign of renewal. Maybe that's why so many spas use it as their logo and on their brochures.
I'm deeply feeling the need for renewal. I haven't been taking very good care of myself since this move. I can't seem to get out of my own way and I hardly ever feel well anymore.
Well, time to change the old attitude and bad habits that keep me stuck. I know that if I keep doing the same things I'll get the same results. From this day forward I'll work on renewing my body, mind and spirit and become more of who I want to be.
I can't wait for the transformation but at the same time I know I must practice patience because that's where I keep falling down. I want results yesterday.
I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing. This is the year. It really is!
acrylic on 6"x6" canvas
20 Comments on Illustration Friday: Renewal, last added: 1/7/2010
It is the time of renewal. Everyone seems to take a look at how their life is going. We at least have time to stop and look around. Good luck on your quest. The colors on this painting are fresh.
Very pretty lotus blossom. I am not sure what it is you need to change for your renewal but I wish you well and encourage you to take those steps to reach your goals. Wishing for all your dreams to come true and for you to have the stamina to make them happen.
Well here we are my friend... another year to start fresh. I love your snow-crow banner, beautiful take care!
Anonymous said, on 1/3/2010 4:57:00 PM
i love your new banner and i like the colors in your renewal. well id imagine the east coast takes some time getting use to after being on the west coast so don't be to hard on yourself it will all come together when the time is right. michael dailey
Beautiful colors and heart with your lotus - it seems we always take better care of everyone and everything else before ourselves - best of luck on your journey to renewal, I'm sure you'll do great!
I'm usually pretty good at sticking to a workout and healthy eating schedule, but somehow it never shows on me. Must be my age. I'd love to lose about 15-20 pounds. So I say, Good Luck to you! Hope it works out for you.
Your words mirror what I'm thinking. I've been quite down lately and feeling a strong need for renewal but not quite sure how to get there. Thanks for the encouragement - I think I too need to make certain changes for the better.
Lovely fresh color...makes me think of springtime and rebirth...Give yourself time Laurel...Your world and your physical climate have been turned upsidedown and sideways...Breathe deeply and savor this time of renewal...:)Seek the sun...:)
You might be wondering where the house is? This is the big blue house, home to wondrous things, mystery and big time beauty. Where life and death swirl in the icy depths.
I made this painting for the program when John's brother Phil Hartman died in 1998.
John asked me to create this painting quickly so it is not the greatest work of art but I tried to make it about the content and focus on the message. Phil loved the sky, he had a plane and he loved the ocean and he had a boat. He adored Catalina and went there often. This image is what I thoughthis children would like, the idea that we all come together and swimand play in the big ocean as a family with abandon and until then, we join each other in the sea of mind. The father, mother and children all together jumping and feeling joy, the oneness. The children are grown now and they are so beautiful it hurts my eyes. All of our hearts are joined forever.They will live and grow and the renewal is taking place within and without. Sweet Graham Nash played two songs for thisbeautiful and small private ceremony. I have included the song"Simple Man" that he played for us. My submission for Illustration Friday's "Renewal" theme is the circle. When it makes no sense we must find the beauty in the aftermath.
We had a drink to Phil last night and he was with us.
Very touching piece, I love the way the light is shining on the dolphins, I think it's a lovely piece and fits with this weeks theme beautifully. Thanks for sharing!
It is beautiful. Your husband was given a wonderful gift in you and your joyful spirit. God must have known he would need you.
We remember Phil with fondness. He was one of our favorite actors and although our knowledge of him was simply what we saw on the screen, we felt sadness at his passing. Great talents are always missed.
So many times I've thought of Phil and how that is for you and John. I've had a letter in my head and heart to send you for awhile now about that... Everything about this post is so beautiful...my eyes teared up. I so get your heart, girl.- It's so wonderful that John has someone like you, and your heart, to count on, love and be present for. Healing is a lifelong journey with loss like this...you both will always have my heartfelt friendship and healing thoughts-- xo
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
Dear Anon, you might have noticed that it is quite rare that I comment on comments because I have to spend some time in the real world too ;) but the reason my posts are better now is little by little I am revealing more of myself which is not easy for me. I would prefer to stay somewhat on the private side but yes, that is a bore. Having said that I try to strick a balance of reality and privacy so that the peeps that want to read about my adventures have something to sink their teeth into. I am really just a humble art blog though :D Thank you for your kind comment and maybe some day you will reveal yourself ;)
De los momentos tristes salen obras mágicas y maravillosas como esta, hecha con mucho amor y sentimiento y eso se refleja en la ilustración que parece estár viva. Es una belleza. Besos.
Het Val, The first thing I did think of was "where's the house? :o) After I read your few paragraphs, I sat here speechless and typeless (if that's a word) Wow what a wonderful tribute to Phil. I had no idea that he was your brother-in-law. I know he's looking down with pride and joy. Thanks for your vulnerability and for sharing your wonderful work with us. I always scroll through the submissions looking for your little blue ribbon house. Love your big blue house and all it's wondrous things. God bless you and your loved ones in 2010 Val.
Oh my! I didn't know you were related to him! What a very beautiful post and gorgeous piece of art. Sometimes the best art comes when we don't have much time to do it. Especially if our soul is involved deeply in the process.
The first thing that comes to mind for this illustration is Silent Night. Your love of animals really shines through in this illustration Ginger! Wonderful!!!
Great work Ginger! Love the colors and the tone. A nice surprise when I clicked on the illustration, so cute. Always love visiting. Peace to you and a Happy New Year!
Wonderful wish, and beautiful illustration, Ginger! I love it. It really sets a lovely mood and gentleness that is delightful. I think your new banner is striking! Happy New Year to you ..wishing you a super year ahead!
I agree, I think spring is a much better time to make resolutions. That said...I haven't made any as I'm in the hammock procrastinating! :)
That's a great place to be on a spring day, Bish!
Coincidentally, part of the reason we are clearing out the brush is to string a hammock between two trees in the yard. Kind of a lazy ambition, but hey.
Oh, I am envious. I used to teach 4 days and had one to write, but alas, I was asked to take on another day, so for the past few years I have worked full time. I long for those 4 day teaching weeks, though.
Shelley
I'll be that much poorer, Shelley, but I really want to try having real time to write. It doesn't start until mid-May. You I pretty much have to fight for writing time; hopefully this will be worth it.
I'm excited for you, Anne -- three days to teach and two to write! I'll bet even the anticipation is fun.
You surely will get plenty of writing done with that new schedule. :)
I want to rewrite one of my wips. I'm talking about typing it all over again. I want to give it a major makeover, so I just can't type over it. I want to start fresh.