Art, in every form, is a dialogue — with ourselves, with each other, and with the boundless. It mirrors who we are, what we feel, and how we interpret the world in any given moment. Through this ceaseless exchange, we delve into the depths of thought, emotion, and meaning that shape both our inner essence and the world around us.
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Like me, my writing — my space for exploring the philosophical, spiritual, musical, and creative — is always evolving. I’ve been writing poetry, lyrics, music, reflective essays, and the occasional longer article for decades. But in 2015, I redesigned my approach and began a new chapter.
The inspiration for this piece originally came from Hugh Howey’s article, “So You Want to Be a Writer.” His advice, I believe, applies to almost any creative endeavor. Art, driven by passion or a sense of calling, demands more than fleeting interest. It requires periodic forays into all-out obsession and an unyielding commitment. Without this, we risk succumbing to distractions and shallow pleasures that leave our spirits hollow — endlessly chasing and searching for something unnamed.
Howey writes:
“Practice. Everyone wants to write a novel, and they want to do it without stretching. You don’t lace up and run a marathon without first learning to run a mile, two miles, five miles. The day you implement your plan is the day you start reading and the day you start writing. Start a blog and post to it every day. It might be a single line from a story that doesn’t yet exist. Or a scene—maybe a first kiss or a bar fight. Maybe you write a different first kiss scene every day for a month. This is like practicing your layups. So when you have to nail one in a game, you don’t freak out and go flying into the stands. The importance of a blog is that your posts remain up and visible forever … the blog is your hub. This is your street corner. This is where you strum your instrument and improve.”
Similarly, I enjoy walking or hiking daily. It’s a way to experience life at a slower, more intentional pace. My mind often drifts into daydreams, even while listening to an audiobook, workshop, or interview. You may agree that the most profound insights, intuitions, and revelations often arise unexpectedly. These moments might feel like a simple a-ha! or hit like a wave of energy stopping you in your tracks, signaling that you’ve tapped into something significant. Either way, I trust they happen for a reason.
The challenge lies in pausing the endless stream of inputs and allowing our thoughts the freedom to flow without external triggers. Silence — uninterrupted and intentional — offers the space to process, integrate, and examine our perspectives. In this stillness, we actively listen and, in turn, learn more about ourselves.
Our art deserves the same focus and discipline. Engaging in the work sharpens our skills, stabilizes neural pathways, and allows us to meet inspiration with clarity when it arises. With repeated practice and every failure, the inner resistance and self-imposed barriers lose their power.
Howey also writes:
“Find your voice … it’s the hardest, will take the longest, but may be the most important thing you ever do as a writer. What the hell is your voice? It’s how you write when you aren’t aware that you’re writing. Everything else you do is mimicry. Self-awareness is the enemy of voice. When you fire off an email to your mom or best friend, you are writing in your voice … Your voice will change the more you read and the more you write. That’s normal. It’s still your voice.”
Over the past thirty years, I’ve been discovering and refining my voice, expanding the scope of my writing along the way. I hope to continue honing it for the rest of my life. Temet nosce — know thyself.
Craft your learning, and learn your craft. The time we devote to creating is sacred. Surround yourself with those who inspire, challenge, and affirm your love for the journey. Be patient with yourself, but don’t treat every step as precious. You cannot shape the sword without hammer, fire, and forge.
Creation unfolds naturally as we walk through life. Solvitur ambulando — it is solved by walking. Our stories are ever-evolving, as expansive as a deep breath: inhale and exhale; ebb and flow. Live in the moment, then let it go.
Never stop expressing and creating your art.
Love your life