American Breakdown sounds like a fascinating read. Edith Wharton--topic of my book and a big fan of Henry James--is always writing of her neurasthenia, and I have been wondering what women who couldn't afford long trips to Europe for a cure did to recover from such symptoms. Gloria Steinem did a great interview on NPR about the physiological effects of patriarchy on her mother.
I believe having a morning routine that nourishes and supports you is vital. I start with meditation, journaling, and then go on to writing. I host a Zoom for writers similar to the one you mentioned, M-F 8:00-9:00 am Eastern (though much smaller!). That helps keep me accountable anyway. We have a nice little group so I anyone is looking to join please let me know.
Thank you for all of these links. I am working with a coach to build some structure for myself right now, and all of this is helpful.
My therapist suggested I try some vagus nerve exercises; I’m curious to see the video you linked to.
One grounding activity that helps me is tending to my garden and the birds. I’ve read that having something outside of yourself to tend to regular helps stabilize you—something small, like Mister Rogers feeding his fish. I think of my bird feeders and watering/pruning my houseplants and small container garden outside helps with this.
I love this! I’m thinking about getting a plant or two in my new place. Maybe I’ll be able to keep them alive this time. In the past I’ve been a terrible plant mother.
I have had luck with pothos—I started with a cutting from one of my grandmother’s plants, and it took off. I’ve rooted several plants from it now—it’s a pretty forgivable plant.
Thank you, Anne, for sharing your new routine. I have always loved schedules and routines. My siblings sometimes teased me about them. My students sometimes criticized them in course evaluations. I love the Annie Dillard quote!! I appreciate the links you shared as well. I’m glad you met Jennifer Lunden. I love her book!
daily morning walks in nature - listening & noticing my wild friends. I seem to crave these walks in the winter more than any other time. Perhaps it is the amplified stillness I seek?
Prayer definitely grounds & centres me. The days I don’t stop properly & make space to devote my time to prayerful considerations are the days I find harder, I’m less ‘structured’ & more likely to procrastinate my way through mindless inactivity after mindless inactivity. I guess it’s my style of meditation - good for my mind, my heart & my soul.
I am definitely going to check these other suggestions you have mentioned, thank you 🙏🏻
Thank you so much for these insights and information Anne.
I've actually just signed up for a Qi-Gong 4-day retreat in May to learn and explore more about the practice. Now I can take a look and jump in by following your video link!
Best of luck with your move to Manchester. Although it's a bigger city than Edinburgh, I'm sure there will be pockets of tranquility you can find: parks, museums, galleries, and open spaces to nourish you in the same vein as Edinburgh.
Keep us posted on how you settle into your new flat!
I love qigong. Definitely recommended. A wonderful way to let go and be fully in the moment. And I love a basic structure made up of short really basic things. I play a game of Sudoku first thing in the morning, do a half hour plus of walking before noon, do some art and Lumosity brain training in the afternoon plus some volunteering - once a fortnight for one lot, once a month for another plus ad hoc work. Everything else hangs around that. A very enjoyable life. It definitely helps that I live in a small village with a very strong sense of community. I do hope that the Manchester move goes well. Hugs my dear.
Thank you for your insights, Anne! I have been feeling unmoored as we start the new year and simultaneously excited and overwhelmed by my goals. My schedule has also been my happy anchor. The London Writers Salon sounds like a great resource. Thank you!
American Breakdown sounds like a fascinating read. Edith Wharton--topic of my book and a big fan of Henry James--is always writing of her neurasthenia, and I have been wondering what women who couldn't afford long trips to Europe for a cure did to recover from such symptoms. Gloria Steinem did a great interview on NPR about the physiological effects of patriarchy on her mother.
Wow, that would be interesting to hear. So great to hear from you, Stacy. I hope you are doing well!
I believe having a morning routine that nourishes and supports you is vital. I start with meditation, journaling, and then go on to writing. I host a Zoom for writers similar to the one you mentioned, M-F 8:00-9:00 am Eastern (though much smaller!). That helps keep me accountable anyway. We have a nice little group so I anyone is looking to join please let me know.
That’s wonderful! I’ve been thinking of doing something similar in the future. :)
Thank you for all of these links. I am working with a coach to build some structure for myself right now, and all of this is helpful.
My therapist suggested I try some vagus nerve exercises; I’m curious to see the video you linked to.
One grounding activity that helps me is tending to my garden and the birds. I’ve read that having something outside of yourself to tend to regular helps stabilize you—something small, like Mister Rogers feeding his fish. I think of my bird feeders and watering/pruning my houseplants and small container garden outside helps with this.
I love this! I’m thinking about getting a plant or two in my new place. Maybe I’ll be able to keep them alive this time. In the past I’ve been a terrible plant mother.
I have had luck with pothos—I started with a cutting from one of my grandmother’s plants, and it took off. I’ve rooted several plants from it now—it’s a pretty forgivable plant.
We had that when I was a kid. Thank you for reminding me of it! We called it philodendron. Is that the same thing?
Also, I always start my day with my journal. This is such an ingrained habit now that I don’t know what I would do without it.
Thank you, Anne, for sharing your new routine. I have always loved schedules and routines. My siblings sometimes teased me about them. My students sometimes criticized them in course evaluations. I love the Annie Dillard quote!! I appreciate the links you shared as well. I’m glad you met Jennifer Lunden. I love her book!
daily morning walks in nature - listening & noticing my wild friends. I seem to crave these walks in the winter more than any other time. Perhaps it is the amplified stillness I seek?
Prayer definitely grounds & centres me. The days I don’t stop properly & make space to devote my time to prayerful considerations are the days I find harder, I’m less ‘structured’ & more likely to procrastinate my way through mindless inactivity after mindless inactivity. I guess it’s my style of meditation - good for my mind, my heart & my soul.
I am definitely going to check these other suggestions you have mentioned, thank you 🙏🏻
Thank you so much for these insights and information Anne.
I've actually just signed up for a Qi-Gong 4-day retreat in May to learn and explore more about the practice. Now I can take a look and jump in by following your video link!
Best of luck with your move to Manchester. Although it's a bigger city than Edinburgh, I'm sure there will be pockets of tranquility you can find: parks, museums, galleries, and open spaces to nourish you in the same vein as Edinburgh.
Keep us posted on how you settle into your new flat!
Thanks, Sally! Will do. :)
I love qigong. Definitely recommended. A wonderful way to let go and be fully in the moment. And I love a basic structure made up of short really basic things. I play a game of Sudoku first thing in the morning, do a half hour plus of walking before noon, do some art and Lumosity brain training in the afternoon plus some volunteering - once a fortnight for one lot, once a month for another plus ad hoc work. Everything else hangs around that. A very enjoyable life. It definitely helps that I live in a small village with a very strong sense of community. I do hope that the Manchester move goes well. Hugs my dear.
Thank you!!
I love this post. It inspires me to refresh how I start my days. Thank you!
Thank you for your insights, Anne! I have been feeling unmoored as we start the new year and simultaneously excited and overwhelmed by my goals. My schedule has also been my happy anchor. The London Writers Salon sounds like a great resource. Thank you!