While running this morning, I realized that it’s a lot like writing. There are certain guidelines that you should follow. Other than, you just find your flow and go with it, and as long as you’re consistent, then you’ll improve. Your movements will be cleaner and your stamina will build.
Before I published my first book and was merely aspiring to, I did a good bit of research. I noticed that a lot of it left out the stuff that I needed most. Like, when I’m at the desk and can’t think of nothing to say, what do I do? When I’m sick of looking at the manuscript and it’s beginning to feel like a dumb ass idea, what do I do? Do I really have to write every single day or can I take a break?
I answered my questions by diving in and feeling it out. Once I came up for air, I noticed that practices that were self-taught aligned very well with advice that the maestros were giving. That made me feel good. Then there’s the intersection of running and yoga. “The way that you do one thing is the same way that you do everything.” Whether you’re hunting tips on running, writing, and/or yoga, here you go…
Warm up.
This is particularly important for runners. I do a little stretching first and then I might do a few jump and jacks or something to get my heart rate moving. That way, once I start sprinting, my muscles are ready for action. In yoga, warming up usually consists of a few deep breaths, maybe some neck rolls/twists, and other light movements. Before writing, you’ll want to find your favorite warm up. For me, that’s lighting a candle, turning on some music, doing some journaling, remembering my why, and beginning…
Be gentle with yourself.
This is one of my favorite parts about yoga. Transitioning is everything, and it’s essential to make sure that you do so smoothly. I’ve never exactly been the graceful ballerina type. I do everything fast as hell, so learning to be gentle with myself was a welcomed challenge. You’ll want to do the same with your writing. Don’t beat yourself over it. Be gentle. If it’s not working out, move on to another passage. Do the part that you know and for the part that you don’t, do the best you can and fix it later.
Flow versus force.
If you’re forcing it, then it’s probably not right. You’re out of harmony, and to get back on track, you need to slow it down a bit. This ain’t no competition. Go at a pace that feels right for you. I can’t wait to get on my head and bust a pose and yell for somebody to come take my damn picture so that I can post it on Instagram and hashtag it for the world to see. But that’s not where I am right now. I can probably pull it off, but I’ll be jerking the whole way through it. Crawl-walk-run-leap-fly, in that order.
Breathe.
Sometimes I don’t realize that I’m not breathing until the instructor reminds us to inhale. When shifts occur, we tend to hold our breath. That builds tension which wears you out more quickly. Too, breathing shouldn’t be forced. Take advantage of the fact that your lungs will automatically pull air in and release it. Let it do its thing, and you find yourself worrying about the deadline or how much further you have to go…breathe. When you’re focusing on the breath, you’re far less concerned anything beyond the present. As a matter of fact, pause whatever you’re doing right now, close your eyes and take three deep breaths.
Correct my posture.
It doesn’t feel right. Something feels off. I’m not in serious pain, but again, it just didn’t feel right. I can run a solid mile without stopping. About a quarter of the way into my second mile, I need a quick walking-break. That’s my norm. So when I’m feeling thrown after .4 miles, then I know something ain’t right and I have to check myself. Usually the problem resides in my posture. I push my shoulders back, chest forward, head up, heel-to-toe movements, and I’m good. When writing, it’s the same thing; check your actual desk posture and then refer back to your outline. If you don’t use one or you’re on track with the one you have, then open yourself to receive. Maybe you’re so dead set on how you think the story should be going that you’re missing the divine direction that it’s trying to take on its own. Let it flow and freewrite for a few minutes.
Take a break when necessary.
Sometimes it ain’t this or that. Sometimes you just need a break. Maybe you need to walk instead of run. Stretch instead of walk. Sit this part of the yoga session out. Journal instead of working on your manuscript. Or do nothing at all. Honor what your mind and body is trying to communicate with you as a part of your commitment to this journey.
Cool down.
Finished running and now it’s time for my favorite part: stretching. Finished my yoga session and now it’s time for my favorite part: Savasana. Finished the chapter and now I can close the laptop and take a nap. Finished the book and now I can let it chill for two weeks.
Do any of my rhythms match yours? What part of the writing process are you in?