Recently I’ve become super interested in the interactions between people in my daily life and how important it is to my writing.
It’s the exchange between old friends in a supermarket line, the way certain people saunter around the town, or what people do when they think they’re alone.
Life imitates art, this is certainly true with writing.
Great writing comes from great observation.
The Art of Slowing Down
Rather annoyingly, the best moments to steal for your writing occur when you are least aware.
It’s easy to turn your brain off when it’s not needed, however, I’ve found it endlessly inspiring to be ‘awake’ as possible.
The best way to slow down your thinking and be in the present is unlocked through a specific type. ofbreathing.
The Physiological Sigh
The physiological sigh is a breathing technique. that is designed in our genes to create calmness and relaxation.
To do this breathing technique you take a deep breath in and before you exhale, at the point before it takes two short inhales, followed by a long exhale.
You’ll notice that your body does this naturally when you are crying.
Doing a few of these sighs in a row creates a deep sense of calm and WILL center you in the present.
Comedy and Observational Writing
The funniest comics I think about are those that see everyday things and explain them in hilarious ways.
A good observational comedian doesn’t even need to be a part of the situation to form an incredibly relatable and funny story.
You too can do this with your writing.
Just like a comedian waits and watches so too shall you. Rather than pull out your phone when you are eating or in line somewhere just take a breath and look at the world around you with fascination.
Stop, Observe, Get Writing
I always carry a pocket notebook with me wherever I go for this exact reason.
Write down things you find interesting, often if you think they are interesting then someone else will.
I’ve been doing this for a few months and have tons of interesting things to write about in my notebook, specifically, I write down lots of things that I think are creepy and interesting.
Now, anytime I need something to write about I just go back through my notebook and get inspired almost instantly.
In Conclusion . . .
Slow down! You’re missing it!
You have an endless reservoir of inspiration and interesting topics at your disposal but are completely blinding yourself of them.
Stop, breathe, observe, and write!
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