Slowly, slowly

Lately I’ve been finding inspiration in slowing down. I’ve been exploring slow practices, and the one that is re-energizing me and my writing is slow drawing. The mindfulness principles of slow drawing offered me an epiphany about my writing life. As G.K. Chesterton says, “Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly.” That includes writing poetry.

I’ve been pushing myself to write at a fast pace, drafting new poems several times a week, as well as doing revisions and submitting work. I’ve been imposing a productivity mindset on my creativity. This need to produce was making me feel rushed, frustrated and competitive—the very opposite of poetry’s gifts to the soul.

Slowing down is helping me reclaim and rediscover the joy of immersing myself in the process. This has freed me to be more playful with my writing and to learn more about myself as the poet I am and want to be. I’m asking myself wondering questions about why I’ve been in such a hurry. Why, oh why, am I so darn impatient? Not just with writing but with life? This turns out to be the “big question” I’m spending time with.

I hope you’ll take a few moments to slow down and see what questions and insights arise for you? How does your writing change when you do? I hope you’ll take a minute to share what you discover with me.

Yours in spirit,

Sandra

P.S. For a little added inspiration, slow down with this stunning video of snails and slugs.