Writer's Block: Play it again, e-reader

[Error: unknown template qotd]

The Tao te Ching, Stephen Mitchell translation. It is packed with calm, pragmatic guidance and never fails to restore me to sanity.

Also, Getting Unstuck: Breaking Your Habitual Patterns and Encountering Naked Reality, a Pema Chodron audiobook.

I've discovered that when I'm shaky, anxious or temporarily insane, the application of Buddhist/Taoist principles and intense exercise offer the best cure.

"I just know that something good is going to happen..."

I came home from festival just in time to co-run a small retreat for my mentor. It was a resounding success, and I spent yesterday evening celebrating at dinner with a small group of fascinating people.

Now, onto the next thing: first I need to assess each area of my life and make a list of what I want to do in each of them. Then I need to prioritize tasks, dropping anything that can be delegated and recruiting help for anything that could use it.

I need a "Yes...want!" list, and a "No thank you" list, too. Both need to be written on post-notes and put up on my bathroom mirrors to remind me of my priorities.

I love this stuff. It's so much fun to bring conscious intent to my life.

And a lovely side note...

Michael, speaking to me this morning: "You smell like home. You smelled like home the first time you got in my car."

Very Big Book Prize

Hey, you know, I finally entered the Very Big Book Prize Contest. They got the entry, it was complete and correct, and all I have to do is wait.

Now I have another entry for a much, much smaller book prize languishing in my living room. It's 3/4 done and has been sitting there for weeks.

It's amazing the way my habitual patterns of avoidance and resistance persist, even after a big burst of progress.

Oh well, I'll just s-l-o-w-l-y move forward on this one, too.