How do I write? – One page at a time and in complete silence.

When do I write? – One day at a time.

Where do I write? – Anywhere I’m comfortable or if inspired, I just need a scrap of paper and writing tool or recorder. I also find myself writing in my bed, at a desk in my office, the dining table, on a lounge chair and sometimes in the car.

Why do I write? – Because I have a unexplainable need to express myself in words and know myself. I write to explore, document, share, record events and for memories’ sake.

What do I write? – Mystery, story, memoir, reviews, musings, blog, articles, poetry, personal essay, fiction, non-fiction, journaling, free write, prompts, letters, emails, thank you’s, gratitudes, yoga lesson plans, dialog, character sketches, descriptive, funny, sad, tragic and dramatic. And so it is.

Who do I write for? – Initially me, but in rewrites, revisions and editing, probably looking to share the human experience.

Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence. – Henry David Thoreau

Bottom Line: I don’t know if I am happy and so I write or if writing makes me happy. Either way, I am happy, I am writing and I am happy writing.

William Golding wrote the Lord of the Flies, a fascinating depiction of how one bad apple can spoil the bunch. I also like his take on everything because he doesn’t spare you his view which is always a little against the grain or ahead of its time. Not many people know his other works that also include extraordinary concepts and thoughtful stories. His theme seems to be “What if…?” and then he runs with it. I found this on the internet and admire him even more. He is a smart man and must have had an excellent marriage.

Whenever you first learn something, you need to practice it. You continue to repeat, reform and improve even when you are a maestro at it.

I read this the other day in the “Lion’s Roar” from an article by Anne Cushman:              “The practices we know are most vital to our wellbeing are the very things that are usually pushed aside by daily tasks that feel more urgent.”

Well, isn’t that the truth? How many times have I decided this is the day I tackle the laundry instead of exercising? And, how often have I chosen to house clean in order to avoid finishing a project I started? Or, why must I run errands, pick up the phone, or engage in social media when I really could be gardening, writing, reading, stretching, meditating or walking? What else have I put on the back burner, “until a better space/time/mood” hits me?

I contemplated and I believe I am better at this. Here and there though I could use a reminder.

There is nothing wrong with washing dishes. It is a necessary task. I do make it a meditative experience, not a chore.

I have been intentionally proceeding through my day, mindfully.

But do I still distract myself? Absolutely. It is the irony of someone with imagination. While the creative juices flow, they also scatter, experiment and find new roads. Harnessing the wild, the elusive and the ethereal thought is sometimes beyond my capability.

Daily practice of any kind, of anything or any endeavor, takes discipline and focus. I recently heard on my Writing Challenges podcasts from David Morely of the University of Warwick, England, that inspiration is simply getting to the desk, pen and paper.

So, here I am. I have the discipline, now I just need the focus!!!