Today I promise not to be theatrical. Instead I’m going to be specific about my wish/need to write, and how I am realising that there are ways I can do this alongside of my carer role. Its about becoming more focused and aware. This is called ‘mindfulness’ and is the core of meditation practice. I’ve done meditation, and I think it has a lot going for it, but hadn’t considered it as a way of finding opportunities for writing, until my coach mentioned it during my consultation.There’s a wonderful book called Change Your Mind http://www.amazon.co.uk/Change-Your-Mind-Practical-Meditation/dp/1899579753/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341759275&sr=1-1 in which the author, an English Buddhist, describes the benefits of meditation, and how to practice mindfulness. Just reading a few pages on the mindfulness of breathing made me feel very centred and energised.
My coach suggested that I carry a notebook around with me, so that if, for example, I’m sitting in the outpatient clinic with my husband, I could observe other patients, nursing staff and doctors, eavesdrop on what is said and make crafty notes in my book to use as inspiration for poems! This is something I’ve done before, that is before I was a carer, in the days when I wrote and wrote. Still, this is no excuse not to try it again, especially as it gives me a good excuse to go out and buy a new notebook and pen to keep in my handbag.
widowpoet 