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Sep 2010  |  By Arlyn Miller  |  Comments

Relax the Write Way

Writing can be a great way to de-clutter the mind and calm the spirit, and it doesn’t necessarily require a lot of time, quiet or inspiration.

All you need is a thought or feeling, and a pencil or pen. No writing paper handy? No problem. Paper napkins, store receipts, and the backs of envelopes will do. Wrung out by restless kids? Make a game or contest out of these writing prompts, which will inspire you to rant, rave and revitalize.

Today I am ... a mini-van running on empty; a mystery novel on a bookstore shelf; a full moon on a dark night. Brainstorm metaphors for how you're feeling in the moment; write them down quickly as the words and images occur to you without censoring yourself or judging the result.

Found poem, letter, or motto. Circle words in a newspaper or magazine article to create your own "found" expression. For short pieces, pencil or ink over all the text you don't circle, to make your chosen words pop against a darker background. –

Right here, right now. Sitting in a doctor's office unnerved by the wait, on the train trying to decompress from work, or in an airport, bored by delays? Look at the people around you, notice their posture, how they're dressed or what objects they're carrying. Imagine where they’re going, what they hope for, what they fear, and write a vignette. If you overhear snippets of a conversation, include what you didn't hear—what else was said or what isn't being said!