Do you find yourself sometimes losing concentration? Your mind wanders and soon you're lost in thought. We all do it but there are times, especially for writers, when keeping focus is essential. If we don't focus on the writing we won't finish our stories.
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How can we ensure focus, foster creativity and stay in pursuit of our writing goals?
Some writers recommend slow, deep breathing, silently counting breaths. Some use meditation, sitting in silence, becoming aware of thoughts and working to understand them. Some take walks, relaxing via a change of routine. I recently discovered a third way. Mindfulness.
Mindfulness is being consciously aware of the present moment, focusing on that moment, paying attention to it. Being consciously aware helps keep other thoughts away and shows that the present moment is what matters.
For writers the present moment is the act of writing or editing or proofreading without thinking about anything else.
How do we achieve this? How do we become mindful writers? Breathe, meditate (even if only for ten minutes), be consciously aware of the present moment - combine the three. Practise this and your mind clears, any fears and insecurities you have disappear, and instances of writer's block are overcome.
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I've been practising mindfulness over this past month and when I sit down to write my mind no longer wanders. Distracting thoughts don't pull me away from the writing. With mindfulness I remain focused and words fill the page. And isn't that what every writer aims for?
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Have you tried mindfulness? Does it keep you focused when writing?
Love to laugh...at YouTube videos of dogs and cats.
Love to learn...about the ways to stay focused.
Love to love...a chatty, laughter-filled get-together with friends.
I use calming music to go to sleep but I've never been able to successfully meditate on my own. Think I'll have to try again.
ReplyDeleteIt's simply sitting in silence and letting yourself relax for a while. It does work.
DeleteThere's one sure-fired thing to keep me focused on my writing and that's in the form of two words - DEADLINE LOOMING!!
ReplyDeleteHi Alyssa. Yes, Deadline Looming can sure keep you focused but it can also cause stress which in turn can muddle your thinking and that's something you don't want in deadline times! Mindfulness is a great help then, releasing stress so you can go ahead and write.
DeleteGlad to hear Mindfulness is working so well for you, Enisa. Once I get started, I don't have any real trouble staying focused because I get so involved with my characters. It's the actual getting started that I procrastinate over. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Marilyn. Mindfulness is also great for getting started. I'm sure you'd benefit from it.
DeleteI used to have background music playing while I wrote or read. Now I like silence. Birdsong. Mowers somewhere in the street. The distant sound of children playing. Once I actually concentrate I seem to be 'in the zone'. Although, music is still lovely!
ReplyDelete