Art, in all its forms, is a conversation — with ourselves, with others, with the infinite. It’s a reflection of who we are, what we feel, and how we perceive the world at any given moment. Through writing, I engage in this endless dialogue, exploring the layers of thought, emotion, and meaning that shape my inner and outer landscapes.
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Like me, my writing — my arena for exploring all things philosophical, spiritual, musical, and creative — is always evolving. I’ve been writing poetry, lyrics, music, reflective essays, and the occasional longer articles regularly for decades. In 2015, I redesigned my website and began sharing my work in a more organized and intentional way.
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, especially in the arts. Art, often driven by passion or calling, demands obsession and deep commitment. Without it, we risk succumbing to endless distractions and fleeting pleasures that leave our spirits hollow — forever chasing, searching, and seeking what we cannot even name.
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, steadier pace. My mind often drifts into daydreams, even while listening to an audiobook or interview. Conversations, insights, intuitions, and revelations emerge at seemingly random moments. If I don’t make a note of them, I risk losing that creative impulse — even if I never return to it later. These moments can be as simple as an a-ha! or as profound as a wave of energy stopping me in my tracks, signaling I’ve tapped into something important. Either way, I trust they arise for a reason.
The challenge lies in pausing the constant stream of inputs and allowing our thoughts the freedom to flow without external triggers. Silence — uninterrupted and intentional — gives us space to process, integrate, and examine our perspectives. It’s in listening that we learn about ourselves.
Our art deserves the same focus and discipline. The work itself sharpens our skills and stabilizes neural pathways, enabling us to engage freely with the energy of ideas and inspiration as they arise. The inner resistance and self-imposed barriers become less daunting after repeated practice and even failure.
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 while expanding the scope of my writing. I suspect I’ll 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 precious. Surround yourself with those who inspire, challenge, and affirm your love for the journey, and be patient with the process.
It unfolds naturally as we walk through life. Solvitur ambulando — it is solved by walking. Our story is constantly evolving, as expansive as a deep breath: inhale and exhale; ebb and flow. Live in the moment, and let it go.
Never stop expressing and creating your art.
Love your life.