The work that you will do in your writing practice today is in two parts. In the first part you will do something. In the second part you will write about what it was like to do it. The thing that you will do is an exercise that relaxes your neck and supposedly improves your concentration. You have probably seen setups where bright spotlights shine up into the sky, making … [Read more...] about Circles In the Sky
Health
Standing Up in Silence
Before you begin to write, move around a little bit in your chair and practice standing up without making the slightest grunting sound. See if you can feel like you are floating effortlessly upward. How can you do this? While you are still seated, alert your body to what’s coming. Get your feet underneath you. Shift your weight so your spine flexes a little bit. Scoot … [Read more...] about Standing Up in Silence
Circles in the Sky
Do this exercise and then write about what it was like. Pick a number between 8 and 20. Sit comfortably with your back supported. Close your eyes and pretend that there is a search light shining into the sky from the top of your head. Move your head in slow circles, pretending that you are drawing circles in the sky with the light saber you are wearing on your … [Read more...] about Circles in the Sky
Such a Useful Body
One thing that is certain about having a life in the world is that from start to finish, you do it in a body. Your body. It was issued to you at the start, and it’s yours throughout. So many heartbeats. So many breaths. So many steps taken and meals digested. Your body grows, changes and ages. When it gets ill or injured, you call yourself “sick” or “hurt.” When it … [Read more...] about Such a Useful Body
Your Precious Hands
Before you begin to write today, walk around. Pick up a few objects and set them back down again. As you do so, notice your hands. How do they know what to do? Watch how your fingers get ahold of something tiny, like a coin. When you pick up something a little bit heavy, notice how your hand grips it, each finger holding on the exact right place and the exact right … [Read more...] about Your Precious Hands