15 Comments

I hadn't heard the term "handmind" before, I like it!

I've noticed this with my writing too. If I write with pen and paper I think much much slower and process everything better.

Expand full comment

Oh yes, pen and paper for the win! I find writing really helps me process things and understand them better.

Expand full comment

I have always loved the Rilke quote and in each season of my life, it holds more meaning and poignancy. How serendipitous that you would suggest keeping a list of simple joys as I've recently begun exchanging daily simple pleasures and gratitudes with a friend via texts. It just continues to build my awareness of these. So now, for today, I will add your blog to my list.

Expand full comment

Noticing daily simple pleasures is so life giving, isn’t it? Welcome to my virtual studio. I hope you enjoy it here. xx

Expand full comment

Austin Kleon’s handmind article really resonated and after reading it, I switched to doing more of writing in a notebook.

Expand full comment

This year I’ve been so very drawn to my written journals. I’ve started more notebooks than I have time to keep up with, but I suspect there’s something there, so I’m going to keep chipping away at them!

Expand full comment

Thank you so much for including me in your roundup. I loved what you said about how we might be sold into thinking something is wrong with us. I’ve been thinking that too! Loved how you wrote that!

Expand full comment

Thank you for your article! It really resonated with me, especially as I’m on the verge of quitting my job too. And it’s scary!!

Expand full comment

All the best!! I wouldn’t have done it if it wasn’t for my gut telling me to do so. I tend to like being safe and secure. Walking away from a job is anything but!!

Expand full comment

I’m in the same place, Mika. I know this chapter is over, I can’t keep doing the 9-5 for much longer, and I don’t know what comes next. Like you, I prefer stability & security, but right now it feels more like a trap that I need to escape. So…deep breaths…and leap!

Expand full comment

Best of luck!!! Please feel free to update me in my DMs!

Expand full comment

Handmind..... that is us as artists and writers.I love it!

Expand full comment

Yes, it is!!

Expand full comment

That quote by Rilke is really beautiful. I have also been trying to do more things with my hands. I am doing the 100 day challenge with poetry. But I try to write my poems with pen and paper and then type them in. It really helps to channel the flow of thoughts rather than being distracted by the spell checks and what not. In terms of book recommendations, I recently finished reading Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries and I really enjoyed it. I also like The Door-to-door bookstore. I hope you feel better soon!

Expand full comment

Oh beautiful Reema. Have you been sharing them on your blog? I’ll have to go see. And thank you for the book recommendations. I have Emily Wilde on my TBR, though I haven’t heard of the other one. Off to check it out!

Expand full comment