I recently traveled to an area where wifi was not as ubiquitous as we’ve become accustomed to. Even though I’d downloaded some content to watch when “powering down,” as is my nighttime habit, I chose to hang with family instead. That media deprivation, combined with no computer or writing time led to a spark of inspiration. Naturally, this was at three a.m. when I only thought my brain was resting. Isn’t that when we get our best ideas? While mindlessly driving, or showering, or dreaming? I could do no other than get out of bed and jot some notes for changes to novel number one in order to quiet my mind back to sleep mode (and I thought I was done with revision – hah!). It means incorporating new concepts, deleting outdated ones and even changing the timeframe during which the novel takes place. It means work, research and another energetic push to completion. But it will make the book so much better and since my “job” is to write the best book I can, it is necessary. Would I have come to the same conclusion had I gone about my life as usual? Possibly, but I can’t help but think it was the unusual circumstances that opened the mental door to new ideas, to another way. There is value in traveling, welcoming new experiences and taking a mental vacay. Inspiration may live in the hometown of your heart, but it will make itself known in foreign lands. Take it to new places, pay attention and hang on!
Quote of the Week…
“My heart is beating, and I’m breathing, and nothing anybody has ever done has changed that.” Rupi Kaur, 1992 –
Breathe…
We all do it. If we are lucky, it is automatic and pain-free. We don’t even think about it. Paying attention to breath is meditation 101, the most basic mindful awareness practice. I’ve used box breathing (four counts inhale, four counts hold, four counts exhale and four counts hold) during dentist visits. Six breaths per…
Quote of the Week…
“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” Pablo Picasso, 1881 – 1973
Patty Mayeux Blog 
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