First Thoughts

First Thoughts. I vow ...

It's always wonderful to begin again. To have a fresh palette to paint pictures from your life on or to put words upon if you're a writer.

A new blog launch feels like that to me. I get to begin again and do it any old way I wish. I vow to the gods and all the beings above and beyond that I will abide by these self-imposed guidelines in each post:

1. I will write about what is happening within me and around me right now. This, for me, is an exercise in mindful writing. With intention and breath, I can use this time to focus on "just this" and put words to my experience. This is good and healthy for me to do. It is for any of us.

2. I will use my own photos as writing prompts or to expand the scope of my words. This is yet another way for me to "be here now," and be fully present to my life. Such is the way of an awakened woman.

3. I will not dig up old, pre-published material if I don't feel up to posting. I will write and post when it feels right. This vow alone is a big one for me, a self-honoring one, because so often in my life as a writer, I have written to meet a deadline, under pressure, or just to get the project completed and off my desk. Finis! I will write only when fueled by joy. Or the need to speak ...

4. I will try not to be too wordy. Writers (myself included, here) can be mouthy and, admittedly, we like to hear ourselves talk. I'll try to keep posts shorter and snappier.

5. I will not strive to be perfect in my writing. If you find errors here, oh well. They don't worry me. Don't let them bother you. An exercise for both of us in giving up perfection. (Though if you find a glaring faux pas, please e-mail me and tell me so. I am not a fan of public humiliation.)

6. I will not whine or moan about my life. I don't do that anyway, so why would I do it here? I will use this opportunity to give myself an emotional adjustment if I need one. I will point my face towards what I know is good, right and true in the present moment and go with the flow of where it takes me. This is how I write anyway. I don't often plan what I'm going to write. I write and allow the process to carry me away like a fast-moving river. Why resist or try to steer the stream? An impossible waste of sacred effort.

7. I will not teach. I offer classes elsewhere with that purpose in mind. I will not preach, either, though I might get overly passionate about a certain topic. Each person must find their own way through life. Who am I to say that someone must do something? Except to be kind. Please, everyone, we must be kind to one another. My favorite mantra attests to this: Be gentle. Be kind. It's a long journey.

So these are my early thoughts. I wanted you to know why I was here and what I was going to do in this space. I will reflect, ponder, and allow the world with its 10,000 joys and 10,000 sorrows to teach me. Life is for learning.

I vow to be a good and faithful student. Amen.

Thanks, all, for joining me. I am blessed by your presence here.




Photo: Apple Blossoms at Frederick Meijer Gardens
© 2012. Janice Lynne Lundy