Creativity Exercise
Ariele M. Huff
Ariele M. Huff
So many people want to know how to sell their
writing, or how to polish it, or copyedit it. Those questions are easily
answered. Standard guidelines and rules apply to most of that.
However, the practices that would help most people
are those that put them more in touch with that wild and unpredictable, that
elusive and tricky creative muse within them.
Rules are easy—though seem not to be fun for most of
us. They can be learned and then recalled when needed, though they may differ a
bit, depending on the authority being quoted.
On the other hand, the creative spark is, by
definition, unique for each person. Fortunately, the experience and things that
trigger it can be quite similar. With that in mind, here’s one of many
creativity stimulating exercises.
Wear loose-fitting clothing; find a comfortable and
private place to sit. Have ready for use paper and a smoothly flowing pen.
(Pilot Precise is my favorite.)
Pleasant soft music with no words is okay, but quiet
is better. No food or drink or electronics for right now.
Close your eyes and imagine you are standing on a
lovely beach. The air is warm. Walk slowly and appreciatively into the almost
clear water, and feeling a gentle sun on your back.
Go out till you are at mid-calf depth. You notice that
you’ve stirred up the golden sand just enough to make your feet invisible in
the cloudy ripples.
Leaning over, you place your flat palms at the
water’s surface, feeling the light lapping. Gradually, you lower your hands
until they reach the bottom. It’s so mysterious and delightful. Taking your
time, you delicately touch everything near you. Feel the curves and edges, the
softness and hardness, the smoothness and unevenness. While you do this,
attempt not to name any of the things you are touching—not “shell,” “pebble,”
or “seaweed”—just each sensation for its own sake.
Now, stop moving your hands and notice what moves
against them and the skin of your arms. Again, allow the sensations without
labeling them as seaweed, current, or fish.
Since you’ve stopped moving, the water becomes
transparent again, and you begin to see the things you felt. You are pleased to
find how accurate you were in some cases and how wrong in others. What had felt
like a strand of kelp was, in fact, a small fish. You feel the wonder of
blending your physical perceptions with your mental analysis of them. It’s a
lovely tapestry—this life you are living with your ways of exploring and
discovering it.
Finally, imagine the things you felt beneath the water represent anything you’d like to write about. Dwell for a few minutes in a similar quest under the surface for hints in that topic.
Finally, imagine the things you felt beneath the water represent anything you’d like to write about. Dwell for a few minutes in a similar quest under the surface for hints in that topic.
Begin
writing when you wish.
April workshops and classes:
SHORELINE CC PLUS 50 16101
Greenwood Ave. North 206-533-6706
You're in Charge: PODs, Blogs,
& eBooks: Learn about digital publishing (blogs, PODs, and eBooks). Digital tips
help students spend little, earn well. 4/30
10am-2pm $10.45
Get Rich, $tay Rich Make money your friend & servant. Learn simple ways to become the
richest person you know. This easy class is a step-by-step guide to bettering
your life & circumstances—a Money Makeover. Wealth is within your grasp. 4/26 – 5/17 6-8:30pm $24.28
EVERETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE (at Cont Ed location on Seaway Blvd)
Dialogue Workshop Learn guidelines and
practice creating authentic dialogue, one of the hardest—and most important
skills in writing. Punctuation issues are thoroughly covered. 4/9 10-2pm $49
Processing Loss Workshop Loss is
a natural part of every life. But, sometimes we get stuck in recovery because
the heart doesn’t obey rules…doesn’t follow schedules. Whether it’s a loved
one, a pet, your stock portfolio, or your health, loss can be depressing,
lonely, and painful. This unique workshop created by the author of the
Processing Loss Workbook, is comfort in a time of need—company on the journey
to healing. Bring finger food snacks to share.
4/16 Sat 10-2 pm $55
Get Rich, $tay Rich 5/14 Sat 10-2pm $55
Creative
Writing Lab Access your creative mind in an experiential writing
workshop composed of unique exercises and group discussion. Blocks &
obstacles that stay the flow from thought to paper (or concept to action)
dissolve in an atmosphere of acceptance & enthusiasm. This fun class is
designed as a stimulus & catalyst for discovery & expression through
writing for all levels of word-oriented people. 4/13-5/186 Wednesdays 6:30-8pm $89
ONGOING
Groups:
EDMONDS SENIOR
CENTER 220 Railroad Ave,
Edmonds 206-361-6733
Writer’s Round Table 4/8 & 22, 5/6
&20, 6/3 & 17 (6
Fri) 12:45-3pm Work on your life story, a novel, poetry, or any project. $12
per session on Drop-in basis
GREENWOOD Senior Center
525 North 85th in Seattle 206-361-6733
Write About Your Life 3/31
to 6/2 (10 Thurs) 1:15-3:15 pm
$70 (or $10 drop-in)
