#reenter #flow Archives -

January 8, 2019 By Marisa Moks-Unger

Sometimes Go with No to Flow

Just Say No to Go with Flow

Sometimes you just need to say “No!” to get flow growing. Most of us think that muscling our way into the next project or chapter or grant proposal writing section is the way to go. But when we stop resisting the negativity of a situation, then we can find our point of re-entry quicker. It seriously beats digging heels in and fighting the set back with more hard work.

Sometimes you just need to say no to go to flow!

Refrain from Resisting the No to Flow

Refraining from fighting the desire to let go of a project – if only temporarily – to find flow is wise for a few reasons. First,, the struggle to create when the fuel tanks are empty just causes a grind. Second, most projects can be put off a day or two, or even an hour, for a walk outside or around the block. Breathing fresh air is important to the thought process. Third, recognizing that there’s a need to take some free time to doodle or color a page in an adult coloring book can help get creativity back on track. What our brains need at this point is permission to rest. Looking for a fun way mandala book with attitude? Try Ugh, I Can’t Even by Papeterie Bleu. Get ordering information at http://www.papeteriebleu.com/

Point of Re-Entry Opens with Rest

How does anybody rest when under deadline? The same way expectant mothers rest between contractions. They breathe. They distract themselves with a hand massage. My favorite way to rest when performance is needing to be sustained is to take five minutes and do the Relax app on my Fitbit. When really pressed for time, I do the two minute version. Then, when I begin to write again, I feel more grounded to complete a project. Sometimes it really is worthwhile to go to no for flow.

Here’s to growing your flow,

Marisa

Scrabble Words for Flow

Create a Word Bank from Scrabble

Word Lists from Scrabble — First play the game, then get writing from your curated word list.

Sunday afternoons find my husband, mother-in-law, and I playing Scrabble. This ritual helps us to pass the time during the pandemic. The games usually run one to two hours. We have taken these games to a new level by anticipating them each week, then carefully crafting our word choices. It helps that all three of us are avid readers and come up with a variety of interesting diction.

Also, the game gets my mother-in-law’s mind off of the local paper’s with its teeming death notices of Covid-19 victims – most from local residential living facilities. And, she is now interested in the fact that I am using these word lists to write from professionally.

Next, free write for a few. Make a list of the words developed during the game. Then use the list as a springboard to write a creative piece using as many of the words as possible. Play with long and short lines. Add some rhymes. Look for alliteration. Give yourself about 10 minutes. See what images appear.

Then, select a genre or two to carry through. As a theme arises from the free write of the word list, follow the lead. Perhaps a poem rises up. Or, a one-act play. Or, both! Choose one genre knowing that you can come back and create more works from any single topic.

Now, it’s your turn! If you have a Scrabble game somewhere hidden in a hall closet, it is time to get it out and try your hand at this writing tactic. It employs procrastination by allowing you to blow off writing at first by playing a game. Then, you are rewarded for the time you invested in the game by writing a piece from the words you and others generated.

Here’s to growing your flow,

Marisa

TGIFF – Thank God It’s Friday Flow

Cliché Finds Flow on Friday

Congratulations, you’ve made it to Friday. And, at the workweek’s end, there is time to find flow. But, where do you go to find flow? First, realize that flow can happen anywhere at anytime. Need proof? Look at this past post on finding flow in a card and party goods store. Simply click right here: https://wewriteitright.com/visit-flow-in-a-party-goods-shop/

How Gratitude Leads the Way

Use grateful eyes to take in the world around you. Then, instead of planning to hit the bars and clubs when the clock strikes 5:00 PM, other options present themselves during these times of pandemic. Why not take a virtual tour a museum? Or, take a walk or bike ride through a park? Or, spend an hour working on a poem, and essay, or a blog post. When you are grateful for the options you have – even if you are working from home amid shutdowns – then that is enough.

Your Turn

Playtime creates greater flow. — Spirographs, Etch-a-Sketch, and Slinkys are just a few ways to re-enter flow through playtime. What was your favorite activity as a child? When was the last time you tried it as an adult?

Think back to grade school, junior high, or middle school. Think about the electives that you took that helped round out your schedule. Did you take dance or music classes? Weight training? Or, perhaps, like me, you did candle making. Whatever it might be, try to reunite your lost teen with your adult self. Take time to write, dance, sing, paint, or play with your Spirograph! You’ll be glad you did!

Here’s to growing your flow,

Marisa