Long Live the Serious Hobby Writer

Hobbies get a bad rap, especially if one’s hobby happens to be writing. Wait a minute, you might be thinking. Are you saying that I should think of my writing as just a hobby? Not everyone will want to approach their writing this way, of course, but I am convinced that, for many people, writing can be an …

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How Interesting! Gaining Distance from Difficult Thoughts and Emotions

I want to explain the “How interesting!” technique I referred to in yesterday’s post: “Things I learned from my horse trainers #42: practice saying, ‘Hmmmm… how interesting.’ Say it when you’re frustrated. Say it when you’re mad. Most importantly, say it before you say or do anything else (including hit the “send” or “post” button). …

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Handle Yourself With Care

“[W]hen we apply the instruction to be soft and non-judgmental to whatever we see at this very moment, the embarrassing reflection in the mirror becomes our friend. We soften further and lighten up more, because we know it’s the only way we can continue to work with others and be of any benefit in the …

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The Slow Writer

Do you write slowly? Read slowly? Take forever to flesh out an idea? Do you enjoy the satisfaction of deep rather than fast exploration? Do you take pleasure in having the time to revisit and revise?