This is a writing activity for contemplating the coming year. Divide the page into 3 columns. Label the far left column "Probably Not." Label the right-hand column "Probably." Leave the middle column blank. On the right, list things that will probably occur in the coming year. On the left, list things that probably will not happen. For the middle column, think about … [Read more...] about Probably (Not) and More
Rituals and Rhythms
Rituals are acts that we perform again and again. For some reason. Because they are reliably repetitive, we benefit from their rhythms. Some rituals are idiosyncratic and private. We carry them out alone. They keep us healthy and sane. Other rituals are formal and public. Think of rituals associated with religions and governments. Sports teams have rituals. Families … [Read more...] about Rituals and Rhythms
Not You
Invent a character by making a list of details that describe someone who would not or could not be you. Make the list by taking note of details about yourself, twisting them into something unrecognizable, and applying that detail to your character. What are you wearing? Who do you look like? What's on your mind? What don't you remember? Use what you know about yourself to … [Read more...] about Not You
Tools For Understanding
Fold a sheet of paper in half 3 times so that it is divided into 8 rectangles or boxes. Write these headings in the boxes: Touch - Taste - Smell - See - Hear - Ideas - Others - Questions These are tools that we use to perceive and understand the world. For each of the senses, record some of your perceptions using those senses. Under "Ideas" write some thoughts that … [Read more...] about Tools For Understanding
Every Which Way
Write a single sentence that fills the entire page by continuously interrupting yourself with the word "which." At each interruption, the phrase beginning with "which" adds a (potentially) distracting detail about what was just written. Before that phrase is finished, another "which" can intervene and take the thought into different territory. Resist the urge to write a … [Read more...] about Every Which Way