curated calm for chaotic times
This week, I experienced some challenging circumstances.
Thankfully, over the past month, I have been meeting with a group to work through The Artist’s Way, a book by Julia Cameron. Together, we have focused on the daily journal practice of writing stream-of-consciousness thoughts each morning to clear the mind clutter.
When life comes at me as it has this past week, I am calmed by the knowledge that I know where I can work out my stuff in private and then decide what action needs to happen from a place of clarity and calm.
I took the challenging circumstances to my journal, and on both occasions, within minutes of writing, clear responses to these situations became abundantly apparent.
It is like driving through fog; suddenly, you are through it and can see the path ahead.
Part of what became clear is that I need to dial back my yoga classes on the island to make some space in my week to support a beloved family member who is now facing a cancer diagnosis.
I have been teaching Mondays and Tuesdays for a few months now. Beginning in March, I will be teaching on Mondays only. That feels right-sized—the size where I can support my family and continue a community practice in yoga. My journal work helped me figure this out.
Another clarity that came via very messy writing in my journal was how to navigate a tricky family gathering with boundaries and love. Strong back, open heart.
It feels important to have a place to work these things out, to record them, to see them outside of my mind, and to wrestle with them in the wide open on the page.
Ruminating can stop, and mindful action can begin because I took the time to be in my journal.
I wanted to share with you some prompts that I use when I feel stuck in my daily writing practice and don’t know what else to say, but I know there is more I need to say.
Here they are:
Right now I am feeling…
I am frustrated with…
What has my attention right now is…
A dream I had was…
One thing I am afraid of…
I am mad about…
I am grateful for…
My big six items I want to get to today…
What went well yesterday…
What did not go well yesterday…
What I will do differently today…
I leave you with this quote from Julia Cameron,
“Writing is like breathing, it’s possible to learn to do it well, but the point is to do it no matter what.”
