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Focus: Me and Rodney Yee

Today when I was doing yoga to Rodney Yee’s AM yoga tape, I was reminded of how much yoga is like writing. You have to keep focused on the yoga movements or the exercise doesn’t work. When writing you have to keep your focus on the words or it doesn’t make sense. Let your mind wander and you’ve lost the writing thread.
You know how hard it is to pick up a thread from the carpet. Try picking up a story once you've "dropped" it for awhile.

Yoga is an exercise of the body and mind.
Writing is an exercise of the mind and soul.

When I sit down to write if I don’t keep my focus on my characters and my plot I won’t be able to get the two going in the same direction. AND there’s trouble when plot and character do not work together. The story is out of balance. Your job is to create harmony. And when they DO work together it’s a miracle, a melodious symphony.

When sitting in seated meditation it takes willpower to focus on my breath. I use that time to be thankful and grateful. The meditation is energizing.

Yesterday I couldn’t seem to focus on my novel. I wrote a few lines and quit. Then last night when I got into bed the scene I’d been trying to write popped into my head. I ran to grab a pen and pad and sat in bed writing. My husband is used to this bounding out of bed to grab a pen and paper and then me writing in bed. He suggested I put “my tools” on the nightstand. I’ve always done that. But I’ve been out of practice lately. Now I’m back. I thank Rodney for helping me to learn to focus both on my yoga, my breathing, and on my writing.

Comments

  1. Thanks for your comment on our blog! I'm just about to start Yoga, I hear it IS a lot like writing!

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  2. Everything creative is somewhat spiritual and I look at yoga as being both.
    I've certainly been twisted in all sorts of shapes and forms mentally as I've written - just as I've been twisted in many forms doing yoga.
    Thanks for commenting and have a blessed day.

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  3. So funny that Dad told you to put your 'tools' by the bed!! Of course he would say that. I was thinking the exact same thing, but I can just hear him telling you that. I have no idea why we can't stay focused long enough to get things done during the day...but when I lay in bed, the same thing happens. It's quiet and dark in the house, so I am forced to sit still and it's much easier to think that way. I think of so many things that need to be done, and so many things I meant to say to people. All of the things that I struggled to come up with during the day, come crashing at me like waves in the night. Hmm.... maybe your love for writing is in my blood somewhere. Love you guys!

    ReplyDelete
  4. It was so nice to see you on our blog, Barb. I love that I came here to see you writing about yoga. That's one of my favorite topics on my personal blog, catbirdscout.blogspot.com. Yoga certainly lends itself to multiple metaphors for life. I like the connection you've made with writing.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I always keep a notepad and pencil in the drawer of my night stand. It has came in handy a number of times. I've found that if I don't write it down when it comes, that it usually disappears from my mind and I can't remember any of it.

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