I so agree about the freedom of a structure, Becca. Having some kind of structure for my day frees my creative energy for the work that is also my joy: writing about terraphilia and our bond with this Earth and all of life. A structure means I don't have to invent everything anew, and I can let my imagination wander within that space. It's a kind of focusing that also frees me, if that makes sense. Thanks for the gift of your insights, and also for reposting our fruitful and fun Earthbound Live talk, as well as for the invite to your podcast. I'm honored and looking forward to that conversation! Blessings from my smoke-clogged valley in the desperately dry greater Southwest.
Becca, the tension between structure and freedom is real and worthy of conversation. I’m less about schedules—though at times could probably benefit from a little more scheduling (!)—but do appreciate the role of structure: using constraints to enhance creativity, commitment in relationship as a way to nurture safety and personal growth, personal boundaries to enhance our own wellbeing. xo
Wendy, these are brilliant: “using constraints to enhance creativity, commitment in relationship as a way to nurture safety and personal growth, personal boundaries to enhance our own wellbeing.”
You totally get it, and you’ve helped articulate what I’m trying to say.
Why, thank you, @Becca Lawton. All inspired by your piece, of course! (And, still, a little more scheduled time in my life would probably be a good thing :).)
So interesting. Thank you for sharing your insights! Freedom and structure have such a fascinating relationship. Completely agree that they enhance one another. That in and of itself is a rich and beautiful topic. Your sense of freedom with and following a structured retreat, resonates strongly. I have just returned from four days of a relatively unstructured (and silent) writing retreat - by a river, no less! :) - and the 'sweet spot' for me always seems to centre around some basic structure (e.g., mealtimes, a gathering time for the group), while in between, working in timed 'chunks' always seems to free me to be my most productive. Alternating timed chunks of work writing, creative writing, reading, knitting/drawing/other creative 'cross-training', with a couple of big 'chunks' for walking/being outside is my kind of heaven.
Nadia, this is lovely. You strike me as someone who really knows herself and what you need to be well. I'm thrilled that you gravitated to the river to nurture your creativity. So wonderful we've found each other here. I think you're in the UK? Based on the spelling of "centre"? I'm going to look again at your homepage. Sending huge gratitude to you and your kind words.
Thank you, Becca. I’m so glad to have connected here as well. The constant backdrop of river sound was all the prompt we needed, really. And I’d forgotten that ‘centre’ is a British - and Canadian - spelling. I am Canadian, and our spelling (and methods of measurement) are quite the blend. Best guess, they land somewhere west of the Azores. 🍁Hope you are well, and wishing you happy writing on the next book!! ❤️
Susan, it's so great to read your warm, kind words. Glad we have the structure in our lives that allows us to do that! Thinking of you in the smoke, our hearts here are with you there. Earthbound podcast soon, can't wait! xo
I so agree about the freedom of a structure, Becca. Having some kind of structure for my day frees my creative energy for the work that is also my joy: writing about terraphilia and our bond with this Earth and all of life. A structure means I don't have to invent everything anew, and I can let my imagination wander within that space. It's a kind of focusing that also frees me, if that makes sense. Thanks for the gift of your insights, and also for reposting our fruitful and fun Earthbound Live talk, as well as for the invite to your podcast. I'm honored and looking forward to that conversation! Blessings from my smoke-clogged valley in the desperately dry greater Southwest.
Becca, the tension between structure and freedom is real and worthy of conversation. I’m less about schedules—though at times could probably benefit from a little more scheduling (!)—but do appreciate the role of structure: using constraints to enhance creativity, commitment in relationship as a way to nurture safety and personal growth, personal boundaries to enhance our own wellbeing. xo
P.S. I love the handwritten schedule!!
Wendy, these are brilliant: “using constraints to enhance creativity, commitment in relationship as a way to nurture safety and personal growth, personal boundaries to enhance our own wellbeing.”
You totally get it, and you’ve helped articulate what I’m trying to say.
I so value knowing you and unTamed Science!
Why, thank you, @Becca Lawton. All inspired by your piece, of course! (And, still, a little more scheduled time in my life would probably be a good thing :).)
So interesting. Thank you for sharing your insights! Freedom and structure have such a fascinating relationship. Completely agree that they enhance one another. That in and of itself is a rich and beautiful topic. Your sense of freedom with and following a structured retreat, resonates strongly. I have just returned from four days of a relatively unstructured (and silent) writing retreat - by a river, no less! :) - and the 'sweet spot' for me always seems to centre around some basic structure (e.g., mealtimes, a gathering time for the group), while in between, working in timed 'chunks' always seems to free me to be my most productive. Alternating timed chunks of work writing, creative writing, reading, knitting/drawing/other creative 'cross-training', with a couple of big 'chunks' for walking/being outside is my kind of heaven.
"My kind of heaven," Nadia. Yes!
Nadia, this is lovely. You strike me as someone who really knows herself and what you need to be well. I'm thrilled that you gravitated to the river to nurture your creativity. So wonderful we've found each other here. I think you're in the UK? Based on the spelling of "centre"? I'm going to look again at your homepage. Sending huge gratitude to you and your kind words.
Thank you, Becca. I’m so glad to have connected here as well. The constant backdrop of river sound was all the prompt we needed, really. And I’d forgotten that ‘centre’ is a British - and Canadian - spelling. I am Canadian, and our spelling (and methods of measurement) are quite the blend. Best guess, they land somewhere west of the Azores. 🍁Hope you are well, and wishing you happy writing on the next book!! ❤️
Susan, it's so great to read your warm, kind words. Glad we have the structure in our lives that allows us to do that! Thinking of you in the smoke, our hearts here are with you there. Earthbound podcast soon, can't wait! xo