Slow down, you move too fast
Got to make the mornin’ last
Just kickin’ down the cobblestones
Lookin’ for fun and feelin’ groovy…
Earlier tonight I was tearing around the kitchen in my usual mad dash to get dinner – putting dishes away, feeding the dogs, preparing a marinade for the salmon, cleaning and chopping some carrots. I was stymied by the lid on the Dijon mustard – despite my best efforts, I could not budge it.
My husband, hearing the sound of my aggravated mutterings, got up from his “desk” at the dining room table, gently relieved me of the jar and popped the lid on the first try.
“If you’d just slow down a little bit things would work out better,” he advised me.
I know he’s right – and he certainly practices what he preaches, for he is a man who moves very slowly and deliberately through life. His attention to detail is legend, and when he finally finishes a project it is perfect to every nuance.
Last week as we talked about writing in detail, several of you mentioned the necessity of “slowing down” in order to be aware and attuned to the details that make our writing come alive. Brenda Ueland, one of my favorite “writers on writing,” calls it “moodling – long, inefficient, happy idling, dawdling, and puttering.” It is only through taking time to let the mind and spirit wander free that our imagination goes to work generating and gestating ideas. Because it’s not enough to just get an idea, is it? The idea has to develop and grow, and actually turn into something that words can express.
How hard is it in your busy day to slow down? We definitely “move too fast,” don’t we? I can’t remember a time in my life when I’ve even been in more of a hurry than I am these days. Perhaps it’s because there is genuinely more to do, or perhaps it’s because I’m getting older and feeling the pull of life’s time clock. Whatever the reason, I believe the pace of life is much too harried for most of us. And it’s a lifestyle that is not conducive to creativity.
“Our idea that we must be energetic and active is all wrong,” Ueland continues. “Presently your soul gets frightfully sterile and dry because you are so quick, snappy and efficient about doing one thing after another that you have not time for your own ideas to come in and develop and gently shine.” (If You Want To Write)
Interestingly enough, Ueland wrote those words in 1938. So it isn’t just a 21st century dilemma after all!
The lyrics of Paul Simon’s song have always made me smile, ever since I first heard them back in 1968 (or thereabouts). I think they perfectly describe the concept of “moodling”…tripping down a cobblestone road, looking for fun on an endless sunny morning…what could be more “groovy?”
And what better way to let the imagination rejuvenate, so it can fill with wonderul ideas.
How about you? Do you find yourself moving too fast through life? What’s your favorite way to moodle and make the mornin’ last? How does slowing down affect your creativity?
blkdrama
Oct 01, 2008 @ 02:43:26
What a cool prompt but where’s the extra credit Becca? I’m spoiled after just a few weeks of writing with you.
Bonnie
gautami tripathy
Oct 01, 2008 @ 03:04:31
Becca, thanks for posting this early. This post is very near my heart. My reresponse, albeit a bit half hearted:
http://firmlyrooted.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-groovy-can-you-get.html
Bonnie
Oct 01, 2008 @ 11:13:12
What fun it was to write this post. Thanks Becca, for the trip down memory lane…
https://writeonwednesday.wordpress.com/
Bonnie
oh
Oct 01, 2008 @ 11:34:23
Good morning, Becca! (first of all, I love that your husband also uses the dining room table as his desk. I have been trying to reclaim our table (for the sunday family dinner) which HM accommodates but by tuesday, he’s camped out there again … but happy.) Anyway, I am carrying your prompt to work with me today. I’m going early this morning to finish writing a manual (and this is one I know they’ll read) but I will also carry Uleland’s words you quoted,which I love:
“…to develop and gently shine.”
more later when I segue into addressing this week’s prompt!
Andi
Oct 01, 2008 @ 12:00:44
Becca, I’m reading Ueland’s book now, and I loved the idea of moodling. Here are my thoughts – http://www.andilit.com/?p=284.
Thanks.
Bobbi's Book Nook
Oct 01, 2008 @ 12:52:45
We could all use a little more time. Here’s my post: http://mymuseandme.blogspot.com/2008/10/write-on-wednesday.html
Redness
Oct 01, 2008 @ 13:45:30
You do it every time Becca 😉 Spot on!
MissMeliss
Oct 01, 2008 @ 17:07:48
I actually made time to participate this week – lovely prompt, Becca.
Karen H.
Oct 01, 2008 @ 18:32:53
Becca,
Such an encouraging topic, for writing, or any endeavor!
http://scobberlotch.blogspot.com/2008/10/my-big-fat-opinion.html
Jeanie
Oct 01, 2008 @ 19:05:34
I LOVE that song! I’m up! http://themarmeladegypsy.blogspot.com/2008/10/write-on-wednesday-feelin-groovy.html
seachanges
Oct 01, 2008 @ 19:33:35
Really fits in with what I’ve been thinking about and so I have a story – yes I did write down and it’s thinking about the writing that actually makes me slow down! I am so glad you have a calm and relaxed partner who slows you down… 🙂
seachanges
Oct 01, 2008 @ 19:34:27
And here is my post, I forgot.. http://51stories.wordpress.com/2008/10/01/write-on-wednesday-slow-down-he-does-not-know-what-im-saying/
Becca
Oct 01, 2008 @ 20:52:54
Heres’ mine:
shoreacres
Oct 01, 2008 @ 23:48:49
Becca,
I’ve had an absolute inability to write since Ike blew through. I don’t have a clue what has happened, but I seem to have been swept as clean of energy, creativity and inspiration as those Texas beaches that had every house washed into the Gulf. I’ve done a little photojournalism, but no “real” writing.
But I SWEAR I am going to come up with some response to this wonderful prompt – and it is wonderful. I haven’t a clue what I’ll come up with, but I’ll post a link to whatever it is by the weekend.
There’s not a chance I’ll be able to slow down enough to get it done before then! 🙂
Bellezza
Oct 02, 2008 @ 01:07:37
I left a post relating to your question here:
http://dolcebellezza.blogspot.com/2008/10/write-on-wednesday.html
I’m enjoying your blog very much although this the first time I’ve actually participated.
shoreacres
Oct 03, 2008 @ 03:04:14
Hooray! It didn’t take until the weekend after all. It’s only Thursday, and I have my contribution here:
Suzanne
Oct 03, 2008 @ 03:49:22
This topic came to mind the other day as I was trying to start a new chapter in my novel. At first I was trying to force it….then when I just sat back and relaxed, and allowed myself to just ‘moodle’ it worked and the words flowed.
oh
Oct 03, 2008 @ 13:01:05
Becca, It’s Friday, and here’s my “wednesday” post though i really might appoach it again later when this headcoldbug is gone.
here’s a lttle something … http://westcobich.wordpress.com/2008/10/03/writeonwednesday-wow-speed-vs-creativity/
Bree
Oct 03, 2008 @ 13:51:41
Here’s my post.
http://thethingswewrite.blogspot.com/2008/10/write-on-wednesday-feelin-groovy.html
qugrainne
Oct 04, 2008 @ 15:50:44
Happy weekend, Becca. You are my inspiration again this week! Thanks.