Take a Break From Your Writing

Kandinsky 1939 Composition-X

I’m all for being focused on your writing, being disciplined, having a plan. And of course having goals.

But sometimes you need to take a break. I don’t know about you, but I find if I work all the time,My energy flags. It’s good to take a break, do things that you like, outside from sitting and staring at the screen.

I like to move. I play capoeira. I like to take walks. I also like to see movies, read books, hang out with friends and family. But my absolute favorite thing to do to take a break from writing is to see art, visual art. I don’t know why but I really like noticing how art makes me feel. I love discovering new artists, new to me anyway. I remember the first time I saw Kadinsky at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. I was blown away. I thought his art was frenetic, intense, heartbreaking, and loving, all at the same time.

What do you do when you take a break from your writing?

Or what do not do?

Because I think it’s also really important that we do nothing. Just stare at the sky. Stare out the window. Watch the clouds go by. Listen to the birds. Feel the earth under your feet. Play with your cat. Or your dog. Or hug your honey.

To be a powerful and vibrant writer, you need to go away from the page.