Writing

Some mornings I face the task of writing a coherent essay without enthusiasm. I have to face my own demons to get to the page. If I am tired from a poor night's sleep or aching from physical exertion, my mind works slowly. Words and ideas do not flow.

 

Part of having a daily practice is learning to be in the here and now. This entails acceptance of myself as I am in the moment. Sometimes it entails resignation. Forcing against my mental or physical state only leads to more frustration and less creativity. "Man up" and "cowboy up" are popular phrases that relate to this process. I do not find them helpful.

 

I have found that being caring for my own well being in these situations helps. Relaxing, rather than stiffening, allows me to shed anxiety and fear. Tapping my sense of humor about myself helps a great deal.

 

I write this blog as part of my personal humanist practice. It is a way for me to sound my own mind and body for its well being. It is a way of my asking myself daily if I am engaged and alive in a thoughtful and feeling way. Occasionally those thoughts and feelings are darkened by anxiety or fatigue. No matter. Understanding this helps me to accept my own full humanity. This fuels compassion and understanding when I encounter the full humanity of others.