Tuesday, November 2, 2021

CREATIVITY and BAD NEWS

 

So I had some not good news the other day.

How does one write on bad-news days?

For that matter, how does one focus on any sort of important news day?

These bring me straight to the root: how does one write, period?

The only answer I know is this mysterious thing called the gift of concentration.

Few people I know are born with easy access to this gift. In this world of action, busy, noisy and hectic this-’n-thats, distraction is the default, and focus is a hard won goal.

Some people pray, others use physical exercise. Some meditate, or medicate. It’s different for everyone. But the determination to know how to achieve a state of concentration is paramount no matter how you do it.

I was in my late twenties before I had a grasp of how to work despite every sort of news.

But some days it’s still elusive.

There’s always tomorrow.

©Mirka Breen 1991

7 comments:

Vijaya said...

Mirka, I'm sorry about the bad news. I hope you'll receive twice as much good news in the days ahead. I allow myself a day to wallow but then it's back to work. The needlepoint is beautiful. I think the other hobbies--music, gardening, cooking, etc. can all help with the concentration.

Mirka Breen said...

Thank you, Vijaya. From your typing hands to____. <3
I used to design my embroideries. This one is inspired by rugs from the Karabagh region of Azerbaijan. Both designing and stitching were acts of contemplation for me.

MirkaK said...

We all find our own way of coping with bad news. Some people immediately get to work; others need to process what they're feeling. It's tricky, but over time we can become skillful at discerning when the wallowing period needs to end. Still, difficult emotions--such as grief-- can take longer to move beyond. There's no definitive timetable for when pick up the pen again.

Mirka Breen said...

I'm a big believer in butt-in-chair (=BIC) in general, and especially when the currents seem to flow against me. Thanks for your wise words, MirkaK

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

I'm sorry you've had bad news. I think your general approach to writing is good, though. Just keep on keeping at it. That seems to carry a momentum of its own.

Evelyn said...

I'm so sorry for your bad news, dear Mirka. I hope your ability to concentrate on your writing will help give you some measure of peace. Your embroidery is lovely. Thank you for sharing it with us. <3

Barbara Etlin said...

I hope your news and luck turns around soon!

I can get easily distracted from writing or being creative when I get bad news. I'm going through a slump at the moment. I've recently discovered or rediscovered ways to relieve stress: meditation, yoga, other exercise, soothing music, reading, humour, watching a Bogie movie. Once I decrease the stress, even temporarily, I can focus on other things, such as writing.