Brilliant post JP, I hear you. Life is often too much and it’s frustrating that writing can’t fit into the cracks we have inbetween work and caring responsibilities (and that includes self-care for chronic illness). It always returns to us, so know it’s out there waiting when you finally do get time. Sending you love. Xx
Am in a totally not writing phase too, and Im not sure if it's permanent. If I try it's just dogerel drivel. All I can do is look at old writing and try to edit. I'm also endeavouring to stop trying and let my fields lie fallow. As it's been such a daily practice for over 10yrs and has filled a lot of my time, of which, unlike you I have in abundance, it is very discombobulating. So much of my life is letting go these days I just turned 76 and am in the business of relinquishment and letting go and doing what I can I have to surrender to the process and trust. All the best, I'm sure yours will return which you've more time.
Thanks Rachael. Letting go sounds like a healthy way to think about it. Perhaps poetry is too ephemeral to 'hold on to' - not that it's floating ethereal-like in the atmosphere - but I can appreciate the hard work that goes into a daily practice, so that sometimes it can feel like an 'effort'. I'm sure the words will come to you when the time is right/write. In the meantime, what a legacy of work you have to look back, read and wonder! xx
Thank you, having processed what’s behind the block things are shifting. I’m a retired therapist so I recognised the need. I’ve written two Substack articles about it, if you’re interested. I think Kathleen has it right. All the best to you JP.
That’s great news. Interesting that you discovered there was a specific block causing the ‘writer’s block’. I don’t have much reading time these days but will seek your articles out, sounds really interesting. X
Great, thank you. When the resistance persisted and just increased more when I tried to push through, that was a huge clue. Resistance can be a message that we need to pay attention to something in our psyche.
Brilliant post JP, I hear you. Life is often too much and it’s frustrating that writing can’t fit into the cracks we have inbetween work and caring responsibilities (and that includes self-care for chronic illness). It always returns to us, so know it’s out there waiting when you finally do get time. Sending you love. Xx
Thank you so much Anna! I know it's out there waiting for me. Hopefully I'll have a chance to return to the page soon. Much love xx
Am in a totally not writing phase too, and Im not sure if it's permanent. If I try it's just dogerel drivel. All I can do is look at old writing and try to edit. I'm also endeavouring to stop trying and let my fields lie fallow. As it's been such a daily practice for over 10yrs and has filled a lot of my time, of which, unlike you I have in abundance, it is very discombobulating. So much of my life is letting go these days I just turned 76 and am in the business of relinquishment and letting go and doing what I can I have to surrender to the process and trust. All the best, I'm sure yours will return which you've more time.
Thanks Rachael. Letting go sounds like a healthy way to think about it. Perhaps poetry is too ephemeral to 'hold on to' - not that it's floating ethereal-like in the atmosphere - but I can appreciate the hard work that goes into a daily practice, so that sometimes it can feel like an 'effort'. I'm sure the words will come to you when the time is right/write. In the meantime, what a legacy of work you have to look back, read and wonder! xx
Thank you, having processed what’s behind the block things are shifting. I’m a retired therapist so I recognised the need. I’ve written two Substack articles about it, if you’re interested. I think Kathleen has it right. All the best to you JP.
That’s great news. Interesting that you discovered there was a specific block causing the ‘writer’s block’. I don’t have much reading time these days but will seek your articles out, sounds really interesting. X
Great, thank you. When the resistance persisted and just increased more when I tried to push through, that was a huge clue. Resistance can be a message that we need to pay attention to something in our psyche.