Writing Exercise::Part One

I'm reading this great book (well, I'm reading some great books!) and it's inspiring me in several ways. I wanted to share an exercise with you. It's about "seeing" something with more than just your eyes.

Pick an object of interest (curling iron, wooden spoon, coffee maker, vase, lit candle, whatever.)
Sit with it, quietly and alone. Look at it - study it with your eyes. What color is it, not just "blue" but describe the shade of blue. Notice it's beauty or functionality. What is it's shape? What's it used for? Does it have a shine to it or is it matte? ~ But don't stop there. Run your finger tips over it - is it smooth, rough, cold, sticky? If it fits, how does it feel in your hand? Does it make any sounds? If so, is the sounds sharp and scary or welcoming? Smell it. Maybe it has no smell ~ note that too. No need to lick it, unless you really want to - I don't want anyone getting sick or injuring themselves.

The idea here is to slow down from your busy life and take notice of everyday objects that you take for granted. Really notice them. Now, take a few minutes, take a deep breath, relax and write what you see, feel, smell, hear, taste. Take time to fully describe this item.

You could be surprised at how much you could write about this item! Yeah, this may seem silly. But really, it's very helpful to engage your creative mind (which will be the second part of this exercise and will be posted next week.) Take a moment, slow down and really appreciate this item for what it means to you. As a suggestion, place this writing in a notebook that you can return to next week when we do part two.

The more we pay attention to little things around us, the more we see our world. In order for our creativity to emerge we have to be in tune with what's around us. This means we must quiet ourselves, be aware and allow our minds to engage with the simple things of life.

Oh, it's important to remember that you are not writing for anyone. This exercise is for you and only your eyes to see. So be open, be free, be honest with your writing!!! Let it all out! And more importantly ~ have fun!