What are YOU craving this summer?
It hit me in early May.
Summer is nearly upon us, and for the first time, I'm past the stage where my kids need me to drive them to camps and practices, where every week is a juggling act of who needs to be where/when while we cram in some fun.
So, I asked myself (for the first time in a long time),
"What am I craving for this summer?"
My answer:
Creative activity to get me out of my thinking rut (and off my phone)
Little bursts of fun and new ideas
Easy, low-stakes, small-time commitment projects (less than 15 minutes a day)
Flexibility! No demands.
And, I want to do this with people!
So....
Listen, friend, we are going to keep this easy, light, and fun, because that's what summer is all about, right?
I'd love to have you join me on this creative journey!
Why this book? The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life
It's no secret that I'm a proponent of journaling. True confession though...sometimes I get in a rut with it, I'll stop for days or weeks at a time, but I always come back. Part of the reason I hit that rut is because I'm working off of old prompts and stories I've told myself over and over.
Enter the Book of Alchemy. I've been working with it for a few weeks now and I am encouraged and intrigued by how it's already changed my thinking. The framework of the book is built on 100 different authors and their 2-4 page essays + a writing or creative prompt (that's what I like - not all writing!).
For example, here are a couple of prompts from the book:
"Write down 10 images from the last 24 hours"
"Write about all the beds you've ever slept in -- the beds that felt like home, those that felt like hell, the beds you'll never remember and the beds you'll never forget."
"For 10 minutes, begin to draw in the margins of your journal, using whatever tools you like. Accept whatever is happening, resist the urge to judge."
"Write a letter to someone you love who is no longer on this side. Communicate across the great divide."
I used that prompt about the images from the last 24 hours this morning. It reminded me that I had friends over to open the deck and I used my leftover paper plates from Thanksgiving, because they are those kinds of friends. ❤️ I'm grateful to remember that in writing.
(Interestingly, I found myself purchasing and using some new watercolor markers this weekend...no real reason, just opened to the urge to try my hand at something new. That's the rewiring/remembering I'm noticing.)
Here's the plan:
1. Buy "The Book of Alchemy" by Suleika Jaouad as your guide. (Or, don't. You are welcome to commit to another practice!)
2. Commit to spend ~15 minutes each day working on the prompts from the book or another creative endeavor, or both! (Or, don't. If you can only do this 2-3 times a week, that's ok too. No one will be checking up on you.)
3. Join the community for a virtual kick-off, a mid-summer check-in, a late summer encouragement boost, and a final closing call. (Or, don't. Jump in if you want to - or ride solo in your journey knowing we are cheering you on!)
4. Download the free VOXER app where I'll send out reminders and encouragement and "aha" moments and where you can learn along with others in the community! (Or, don't. If you want to stay fully unplugged, that's ok too!)
5. Register below so I know you're on the journey with us! (No, "or don't" on this one, I kinda need to know if you're participating 😁)
Yes! You can jump in at any time. I'm hosting an informal kick off conversation this Friday, May 23 at 2:00 PM EST to talk about the book and what to expect this summer, so you can grab your book and get started over the Memorial Day weekend.
It is a wonderful opportunity to put faces to names of others who are seeking a bit of something different this summer too! It is not required that you attend to get all the details. I will email them all to you afterward. Keepin' it easy, remember?!
One thing I know... your answer to what YOU are craving is a hint to what you're longing for in your life right now. Whether it is through this or in another way, have the courage to pursue it.
Hit Reply with any questions you might have! I'm looking forward to stretching the edges of my comfort zone of thinking this summer, with you!
We've got this!
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