5 things on (re)starting a practice

I am still writing, and editing, and distilling, amidst everything, rebuilding the pattern, strengthening the muscle. There are words that deserve more attention and clarification before being shared, and so, this, from a few weeks ago that wasn’t distilled enough then, and maybe is (close enough) now.

5 things on stepping back into a public writing practice, that of course apply to other things.

1. Even though I edited the shit out of that, it was still too many words, too long winded, too much breath. I am out of practice. And it was good to *start*. (Just start, just try. Be willing. Nothing is final, really. Allow yourself the grace to get it wrong and try again. Welcome this in others as long as it doesn't cost you yourself. There is no perfection to be had between us human animals.)

2. When I am in this practice steadily, the distillation comes easier. Too many words can dilute, distract, confuse. And it can take a lot of words to get to what I really mean, the essential part. Time and attention are precious and the times are urgent. Direct the torrent of exploration thoughtfully, so the distilled version can soak in where needed.

3. Clarification generates a steady ground. A clear, reliable, succinct voice. Less need to explain or justify. I will be misunderstood. (I will misunderstand.) I will rest. And begin again.

4. These are all things I have said (I have needed to hear) before, will need to hear again. Repetition. Practice. Integration.

5. Because this matters. Because you matter, because we matter. (Because the times are urgent. Take time with what matters.)

With special gratitude to my Durham Community Bodywork crew, who sometimes get me at very wordy unfiltered moments in or before the distillation, and who hold our values together with so much care.