In the Sun and in the Rain |
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Have you ever wondered how creative moments and hours interact with the brain? What in the world stirs up inspiration and invention in people? It turns out that composing a symphony, painting a sunflower, crafting the perfect poem or song are all intrinsically connected to the gray matter in our brains. The experience of writing, inventing scenes, and immersing oneself in artistic pursuits, delivers the sensations of “living it.” We often talk about embodiment, empathy, and exercising mind over matter. It is fascinating how our mind, bodies and spirituality intertwine to create the art we love. The act of physically engaging with art forms, whether it is painting, playing a musical instrument, or writing can heighten our senses and deepen our connection to creative work. It is no coincidence that many artists, musicians, and writers have rituals or habits that involve physical movement or sensory stimulation. For me, it is as simple as taking walks and meditating. Engaging the body helps focus my mind, reduces stress, and creates a sense of flow that allows me to experience breakthroughs and creative thinking. So, there is a spiritual dimension to creativity. For many, spirituality is an essential component of the process. It’s a means of connecting with something greater than ourselves, tapping into the universal source of inspiration and ideas. As a writer, I find that connecting with my spiritual side enhances my creativity and writing process, infusing my work with more clarity, depth and meaning. Connection with others is also very important. Here's a piece that was recently published in Memoirist where you can read childhood recollections. One way we writers have to connect with our readers in person is through bookstore events. These events provide a unique opportunity to establish a genuine connection with bibliophiles, allowing us to share the inspiration and ideas that fueled our creative process. Here is a heads up that in October 2023, events to discuss my forthcoming novella, An Unexpected Ally, so far have been scheduled in Seattle, Bellingham, Tacoma, and Portland. Look for more specifics in the October Newsletter. I'm excited about these gatherings where I'll share my novella's story and discuss creativity's impact on storytelling with other creatives and readers. |
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Featured Guest I confess, learning that my guest author, Sherry Sidoti, is also the founder and lead director of FLY Yoga School, a yoga teacher training program, influenced what I wrote about this month. Sherry’s thought-provoking memoir, A Smoke And A Song, captures a critical moment in her life when her mother is diagnosed with terminal cancer—leading her to prioritize a trip to see her over her long awaited empty nesting and her “second chance” with fiancé Jevon. To my question, “How did writing A Smoke and a Song impact your spiritual beliefs, and if you had to describe the core one, how would you summarize it?” Sherry responded: “I believe that when we heal our wounds, we heal the wounds of seven generations — three before us and the three after. Thus, everything we do, as the axis of this intergenerational healing, is a spiritual practice. As the mystics say, “The way we do one thing is the way we do everything.” Eating is a spiritual practice. Walking is a spiritual practice. Every conversation, a spiritual practice. Writing my memoir was no different. Ahimsa, the first teaching of yoga and arguably most important, means practicing non-harming—with self and others—in thought, word, and action. While not always successful at it, ahimsa has been the guiding force behind my spiritual observances and the practice I had to check and balance most while writing my memoir. Could I truthfully share my story without hurting the people in my story? Could writing my story transmute old family wounds into new wisdom for my children, grandchildren, and the great ones too? Would my book inspire readers to step into the fire for their healing and do the same? Only in writing and publishing would I know." In the Sun and in the Rain aspires to bring you exciting, creative work from many corners of the world and introduce many new and old friends. Consider reading Sherry's book. From the Salish Sea of Seattle, I wish you a lovely summer and many journeys, by train, bus, air, or sea, and through books. Feel free to share this Newsletter with your reading and writing community and friends who can also subscribe. Live long and prosper! Best, Sophia |
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In Case You Missed It Get the latest author updates at sophiakouidougiles.com. Click here to visit the Publications page for recently published articles, books, and to see first to know previews of upcoming work. See video interviews, podcasts and features by clicking here. Find archive newsletters visit the News page. |
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