Just finished giving an online talk on 'Writing and Mindfulness.' I began by speaking about mindfulness and what it means i.e. the art of being in the moment, to be aware of what is happening at present. Thus you can be mindful in everything that you do. You can drive mindfully, you can eat mindfully and you can pray mindfully.
I spoke about the kinds of writing, viz. poems, prose, song lyrics, or research papers. All writing needs a focus even if it is a train of thoughts. Writing encourages mindfulness. Being in the now is critical to be centred within yourself.
Before I met the students online I asked them to comment on any of my posts on my blog. The feedback was very encouraging. I got insights into my writing practice. Some of the reactions are showcased below.
'Spring(ing),' 4 April 2011, New Delhi
In the article 'Spring(ing)' the writer has shown mindfulness by making us
aware of one's potential, making new moves. The writer has opened up by
giving the example of Spring season where there are shoots on the branches
of trees. This symbolizes new beginnings; to keep behind all the things one
may have failed to do in their lives and hence to take a new step ahead.
Though they may be small steps they will help to make big changes.
(https://lastbustovasco.blogspot.com/2011/04/springing.html)
'Coping with Festivals,' 24 December 2008, Goa
In the article 'Coping with Festivals' the writer has done analyses
of very simple things that we may have come across in our daily life
but didn't give a thought to. The writer has expressed mindfulness
by telling the readers not to do anything when one is hungry, angry
lonely or tired; to basically be aware of their selves - their optimum
level of functioning. They should take care and do things for their
own selves like making a cup of tea, listening to soothing music,
calling up a friend or just sleep. Doing things like painting,
crotchet, or playing with children makes one feel good and happy.
It helps to discover oneself. The writer tries to convey to the
reader to live in the moment, to take time for oneself, despite
the chaos around the person.
(https://lastbustovasco.blogspot.com/search?q=Coping+with+festivals)
From my blog I took the students through some of the poems written lockdown. I introduced them to the haiku form and some of them even tried their hand at it.
Writing a poem is a mindful act. Each word we choose, each line we write and each phrase we fashion is an exercise in freedom.
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Pic courtesy studyallknight(dot)com
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