To Exercise or Not to Exercise ….
It's been so long since I've been a regular blogger I feel pretty sure the people who were faithful followers have gone on to other, more faithful, bloggers.
As I struggled to write my last post, I discovered what my writing coach and anyone else who knows about writing, says is true. Writing is like a muscle that has to be used and stretched. I've been working off the other saying my coach told me - you're still a writer if if you're not typing. Yet, the exercise thing clicked in because I've been following up my twice weekly physical therapy sessions, with morning and evening stretches. My back pain is diminishing somewhat, my flexibility improving, and my "core" getting stronger. I'm still a far cry from physically fit, but I am proud of how I'm sticking to the regimen. Pain will do that.
Pain isn't necessarily involved in writing, but it can be difficult sitting at the keyword, willing my fingers to type out words that don't come. I decided those "how to write" books must be onto something when they say to write something everyday. It doesn't matter so much what you write. It's the repetitive action that produces results. I thought that on Monday. Ignored the wisdom on Tuesday.
Facebook was full of tributes and condolences to Maya Angelou today. The more I read, the more I felt ashamed that I don't have any strong feelings about her. That must be because I've not read any of her books, and only a few of her poems. I have, however, heard her speak on/with Oprah. I've heard her read her poetry. I've been seduced like everyone else by her mellifluous voice, her poetry, like musical notes on a composer's score, melody and tempo combined into a song. As a woman, I am grateful for the way Angelou stood up for herself, took care of herself, and paved the way for other women to follow.
I remember standing in Barnes and Noble a few years ago. I picked up a small book of Maya Angelo poetry. It opened to the page with this prayer. Even if it were the only thing she ever wrote, she'd be a bright star shining in the night sky, no longer a caged singing a universal song.
Tonight, as I stretch my legs and practice tightening my core, I will recite this prayer over and over. It's a good one, I think, to sleep on.On
As I struggled to write my last post, I discovered what my writing coach and anyone else who knows about writing, says is true. Writing is like a muscle that has to be used and stretched. I've been working off the other saying my coach told me - you're still a writer if if you're not typing. Yet, the exercise thing clicked in because I've been following up my twice weekly physical therapy sessions, with morning and evening stretches. My back pain is diminishing somewhat, my flexibility improving, and my "core" getting stronger. I'm still a far cry from physically fit, but I am proud of how I'm sticking to the regimen. Pain will do that.
Pain isn't necessarily involved in writing, but it can be difficult sitting at the keyword, willing my fingers to type out words that don't come. I decided those "how to write" books must be onto something when they say to write something everyday. It doesn't matter so much what you write. It's the repetitive action that produces results. I thought that on Monday. Ignored the wisdom on Tuesday.
Facebook was full of tributes and condolences to Maya Angelou today. The more I read, the more I felt ashamed that I don't have any strong feelings about her. That must be because I've not read any of her books, and only a few of her poems. I have, however, heard her speak on/with Oprah. I've heard her read her poetry. I've been seduced like everyone else by her mellifluous voice, her poetry, like musical notes on a composer's score, melody and tempo combined into a song. As a woman, I am grateful for the way Angelou stood up for herself, took care of herself, and paved the way for other women to follow.
I remember standing in Barnes and Noble a few years ago. I picked up a small book of Maya Angelo poetry. It opened to the page with this prayer. Even if it were the only thing she ever wrote, she'd be a bright star shining in the night sky, no longer a caged singing a universal song.
Tonight, as I stretch my legs and practice tightening my core, I will recite this prayer over and over. It's a good one, I think, to sleep on.On
A Prayer
Father Mother God, thank you for your
Presence during hard and mean days.
For then we have you to lean upon.
Thank you for Your presence during the
Bright and sunny days, for then we can
Share that which we have with those who
Have less.
And thank You for Your presence during the
Holy days, for then we are able to
Celebrate You and our families and our
Friends.
For those who have no voice, we ask You
To speak.
For those who feel unworthy we ask You
To pour Your love out in waterfalls of
Tenderness.
For those who live in pain, we ask You to
Bathe them in the river of your healing.
For those who are lonely, we ask You to keep
Them company.
For those who are depressed we ask you to
Shower upon them the light of hope.
Dear Creator, You, the borderless
Substance we ask You to give to all the
World that which we need most – Peace.
Amen.
May it be so.
Merry ME
Maya Angelo
Celebrations – Rituals of Peace and Prayer
Random House, Ny,Ny 2006, Random House, Inc.
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