By the time you read this,  I will be at a visual arts/mixed media retreat in Southern France. It has been a long time since I traveled for pure relaxation and arts enrichment. No working, no obligations – an opportunity instead to be in an explorative creative space. As I plan my temporary escape, it feels like a broken record to say that life in the US is tumultuous; sadly it feels like the new normal. It is clear that the stress levels are higher as I engage with others, which results in some people being more focused in their response to the current climate, and others are retreating inward.

More than ever, it feels like time (whether you live in the US or not) to find a creative outlet. Lately I've been using writing as a source of release, to gather insight and to find inspiration. Writing can offer the opportunity to listen to the body's discomfort, to expel fear, anxiety, rage, and explore our stories from past and present.

If you are feeling...
- overstimulated and inundated with information
- clogged up with too many thoughts, worries and fears
- your body is exhibiting unusual aches and pains
- and/or you simply need some more time to organize your inner experience...

I encourage you to carve out some time to write in the coming days and weeks ahead. Even 5-10 minutes of writing can make a significant difference in your day.

I've recently picked up Natalie Goldberg's classic book, 'Writing Down the Bones'. This book is chock full of wisdom about creativity and writing. Here are some tips that are in part taken from her suggestions:

1) First thing in the morning before picking up your phone or starting the morning routine (except for some of you who need coffee), get writing.
2) Gather a list of stories or ideas that you want to write about. When you start your writing, pick one of them as a jumping-off point.
3) If your body could speak, what would it say? Write from the voice of the sensations and body parts that are tense, agitated and/or feel relaxed and spacious as a counterbalance.
4) Find a writing buddy or group. This will give you accountability and deadlines for your writing.
5) Write poetry - moving from your emotional and imaginal states. It can be short like a haiku (3-5 lines) or you can free associate and make it a long ramble.
6) Get a new notebook or journal. Plan to fill it up in a month so you have a goal and incentive to keep writing.

Also, I'm going to be offering some LAB TIMES again this fall. We will be announcing the dates soon. These online gatherings will give you an opportunity to create on your own, while supported by a group. Lab Times are by donation only.

Here is a quote from Natalie Goldberg's book - what writing offers and how to stay with it:

"You learn to trust your deep self more and not give in to your voice that wants to avoid writing...Sit down with the least expectation of yourself, say, 'I am free to write the worst junk in the world.' You have to give yourself a space to write a lot without a destination."

I will always stand for peace.
I will always stand for compassion.
I will always stand for healing our divides.