| Writers--Put on your walking shoes |  |
During my walk this morning, I discovered a simple yet profound
truth. When I walk, I write. In other words, when I spend time on my
feet moving for the sake of moving, I end up at the computer brimming with
words to write. There's a connection. When I'm physically active, my
mind is active too. In fact, sometimes I can't seem to shut it down. I'm
a perfect example to prove this concept true. Last year, I trained for
and walked a half marathon and had something published every month from
May to December. This year, I trained for and walked a marathon, and I've
been writing every single day for the first time in my life. Not only am
I currently working on a nonfiction book related to my marathon training:
I am also continuing to write articles, stories, and poems as well. I'm
still walking, and it's still paying off in writing.
What exactly, you may wonder, does walking do for my writing? Let me
count the ways.
Ideas. I've gotten my best ideas for stories, titles, and articles when
walking. This article, for example, is a direct result of this morning's
walk. Earlier this year during a ten-mile walk, I thought of a great
title for the current book I'm working on. It never ceases to amaze me
how well the idea god blesses me when I stroll down the road. Either
that, or I make a better target out in the open.
Blast through writer's block. Walking also helps end writer's block.
Have writer's block right now? Try it. Go for an hour walk. Give your
body some action and let your mind wander. You'll be pleasantly surprised
at how refreshed you feel, at how eager you are to start writing again.
You'll think, "writer's block? What's that?"
Find answers to those questions nagging you. Questions, problems,
challenges, worries about life and writing take energy and time away from
our writing. So many times, I've discovered solutions while out treading
down the trail. Once you discover possible answers for your concerns,
you'll be more able to concentrate on your writing.
Time alone. Let's face it. In our fast-paced society, many of us lack
solitude, that time alone to be in the moment, look inside ourselves,
reflect on the past, smile about the present, and dream of the future. We
need these solitary moments to figure out who we were, who we are, and who
we want to be. Who are we, anyway, without this precious time to be with
ourselves?
Nurture your muse. She loves time to meditate and reflect. Like a small
child, your muse craves attention and time. When you nourish her with a
hike in the woods, you will then be generously rewarded.
An increase in energy level, an elevated mood, and a sharpened mind are
all yours simply by taking the time to exercise. Walking gets our blood
pumping, our oxygen flowing, which then activates our mind.
Writing, in general, is a sedentary job. We sit many hours a day as we
write, revise, edit, research, and pore over books. Balancing writing
with walking is a win-win situation. Are you convinced yet? I challenge
you to try it for a month. See if your creative juices don't flow more
when you walk. And, don't forget to buy good walking shoes.
About the Author:
Rachel writes poetry, children's stories and narratives. She also teaches
English as a second language, tutors online and homeschools her two
daughters. She loves to read, explore nature and train for marathons.
Rachel lives with her husband and children in Kansas City, Missouri. Visit
her at http://www.wakeuprunning.com
--
Rachel J. Johnson, author of "Wake up Running!"
-a must read for women with real struggles.
http://www.wakeuprunning.com
***** Now available at http://www.publishamerica.com/books/3632 *****
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