Which stands out more in your mind, the things you must do or the things you have already done? When your mind is pleasantly wandering, are you more likely to daydream about your bucket list or dwell on your many accomplishments? Test yourself with this exercise. Draw a line a the top of the page to save room for a title. On the left side of the page, write the … [Read more...] about Ahead and Behind
Older and Younger by 10
Set up your page before you begin writing. Draw a line at the top where the title will go. Then draw a line that somehow divides the remainder of the page in half. If you draw a bubble somewhere in that line, you will have space for illustration or doodling. Write the word "Older" somewhere on one half of the page. On the other half, write the word "Younger." Who is 10 … [Read more...] about Older and Younger by 10
It Grows Until It Doesn’t
What grows? Whatever isn't growing might have been growing once. Or it might start growing soon. Tangible and intangible things can grow. Until they stop. What never stops growing? Set up a page that leaves room for a title and some doodling or illustration space. Then write about things that grow. What makes them start to grow?What makes them stop? Use the word "grow." … [Read more...] about It Grows Until It Doesn’t
What Sunshine Does
The sun. Whether it is rising, setting, or going behind a cloud, the sun is always shining. Without sunlight, there wouldn't be much life-as-we-know-it here on earth. Write sentences that begin... When the sun shines on... Name something that the sun might shine upon. Tell what happens when it does. Work your way down the page with sentences that have that form, … [Read more...] about What Sunshine Does
What It Isn’t
In order to describe something, your awareness narrows to focus on what you are describing. When you describe what something is not your awareness widens to an infinity of possibilities. This exercise invites your mind to relax, open up and travel widely. It's also an opportunity to awaken your whimsey. Begin with something: an object in front of you, a memory from … [Read more...] about What It Isn’t