How hard is it for you to know when you need rest. or when you're tumbling into distraction to avoid the work? What's the difference, or are they possibly related?
My eyes stray out the window. Light is mesmerizing. Time is irritating. I want to go to the water and sit. These are clear signals that I need rest. Procrastination, on the other hand, feels like butterflies are invading my mind. They flit here and there, never landing long enough to decide. That is resistance to do the work. It is not a need for rest. It is fear. I must clearly define the difference because resistance will surely highjack my writing goals.
Rule of thumb: The more important a call or action is to our soul's evolution, the more resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
I am joining fellow writers on Kate Motaung's blog who are doing a bi-weekly online discussion group.We are using On Being a Writer: 12 Simple Habits For A Writing Life That Lasts by Ann Kroeker and Charity Singleton Craig. I am personally reading Writing Down The Bones by Natalie Goldberg as inspiration.
I will be writing 31 days in October and my topics will be things I'm learning from the book Rising Strong by Brené Brown. Making this statement is starting the butterflies in my brain.
Yes, what an important difference there is. I hadn't thought of that and appreciate your bringing that out. Thank you.
ReplyDeletegabriele, i never tho't to make that distinction. i'm going to check it out the next time i'm either tired or suspect procrastination:)
ReplyDeleteI like how you make that distinction too. I'm not sure I'm always good at telling the difference but it's important to learn to do that. I'm excited that you're doing 31 Days- I identify with the butterflies but the Steven Pressfield quote encourages me that it is worth pushing through the resistance.
ReplyDeleteGreat 31 days topic. I have not read any of Brene Brown's books yet, but I definitely need to add her to my list of books to read. I think I will really like Rising Strong. I am participating too. My series is 31 Stories of God's Grace.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't stopped to consider these issues and thank you for pointing this out. I've been reflecting and, yes, it's true, so many times I beat myself up for procrastinating (and therefore wasting time) when, actually, it has very possibly been that I've been too tired to do anything much...and so should have instead, sought rest. Very clever post. Thank you. [I'm really looking forward to your 31 days posts. Can't wait!]
ReplyDeleteP.S. Thought you might enjoy this: http://www.marieforleo.com/2015/09/elizabeth-gilbert-big-magic/
ReplyDelete" I must clearly define the difference because resistance will surely highjack my writing goals." Great thought! "Rule of thumb: The more important a call or action is to our soul's evolution, the more resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.
ReplyDeleteThe War of Art by Steven Pressfield" and this quote makes me think that the more important a call or action to our soul's evolution, means the Enemy will try to deter us from our writing goals.