I’m writing this entry from an old stone house on the grounds of a Trappistine Monastery. I am living with four other women writers (not the nuns) on a six day writing retreat lead by Rae Bird. Our days are filled with hours of writing and hiking on the 500 acres of exquisite rolling hillsides surrounded by cows and silence. I learned today that bulls are territorial of their cows, so don’t walk too close! He snorted and gave me a warning charge–enough to stop my heart and give me something exciting to write about.
In the evenings, we meet to read our entries to each other for feedback. It sounds so simple yet much needed by women.
I know a writing retreat may not be possible for everyone, but I think more happiness and clarity can be created by writing about our hopes and dreams, our doubts and fears. Writing or journaling can be like moving the 800 pound gorilla off our chest. Sometimes we just have things to say, but either no one is there to listen, or we don’t want anyone else to know what we’re thinking and feeling. In that way, writing is cathartic, but it can also be a means of collecting our family history.
I’m suggesting that each day be a mini-retreat when we begin writing our thoughts and memories, not necessarily for publication but just so that our unique history & stories are made permanent. Write about how you feel, who you’ve loved (and hated), your thoughts on politics, traveling, foods you love, children you raised or didn’t raise, how you spend your days.
Writing To Do List:
1.) Write every day, even for 5-10 minutes for a start. Set a timer, don’t stop writing no matter what, and don’t edit. Just listen to the voice inside and write.
2.) Create a memoir folder on your computer or in spiral notebooks as you collect your family history pieces.
3.) Form a writing group. Write and then read to each other.
4.) Read books that help you tell your soul’s story: I recommend Writing Down the Bones (about free writing) and Old Friend From Far Away (about writing memoir) by Natalie Goldberg. Writing from Life by Susan W. Albert will also give you a jumpstart in telling your stories.
5.) Read blogs about writing well, such as Write to Done
I’d love to hear any ideas that have helped you write.
Lenora's Italy Retreat blog | Lenora's Change Limiting Beliefs Website
There is an incredible need in our lives to find time for silence because the constant noise and activities in our modern lives steer us away from our true center. This past week I’ve been reading one of Sue Monk Kidd’s inspiring books, Firstlight: The Early Inspirational Writings. It’s filled with snippets of her contemplative musings on many subjects including family, faith, and solitude and spiritual awakening. I like the fact that she clearly shows that in every life there are defining moments even in the midst of noise when our hearts begin to open. With a routine of quiet breaks, these moments are more enhanced.
This break from noise and chaos allows us to hear the still small voice of God, “the spark of God within.”
Find time to be quiet in our homes or out in nature. A walk in the woods, or sitting quietly by a lake or stream, or just sitting under a tree can refresh us and bring us to your center more quickly than we can imagine.
Lenora's Italy Retreat blog | Lenora's Change Limiting Beliefs Website
This is the view my adventurous nephew had from his hang glider in Salvadore, South America before the instructor yelled at him to keep both hands tied to the instructor’s side.
We suffer because we believe we have no other options. Often our perspective on life is set in stone, but happiness is always an option.
Sometimes it’s challenging to be happy–mostly because on some level, we believe we need to be unhappy if things aren’t going our way. If we could just choose to be happy, why don’t we just do that? Basically, because we are complicated creatures. Somehow there’s a payoff in being unhappy. We get more attention, or we don’t have to be too responsible are just a few reasons. You can change your limiting beliefs that clog your perspective on life by uncovering and questioning them.
You can also make it a practice, like actor Jim Carrey, to choose to be happy. The other day on
Lenora's Italy Retreat blog | Lenora's Change Limiting Beliefs Website
Subscribe by RSS
