Time for Some Breathing Space
The theme at Confident Writing for the next six weeks is going to be: Breathing Space.
It’s kind of a theme without a theme 
When I was planning ahead I knew I had to create some space for myself to cover the two weeks when I’m going to be in Sardinia for the writing retreat. But I also realised that I needed a bit of a break from the self-imposed demands of coming up with new material for my bright ideas for themes!
And in turn, that this was a feeling and a reaction that I see often in the blogosphere: the need to take some time out sometimes from our reading, writing, blogging, sharing and learning, however much we get from it. And that this, in itself, might be a theme worthy of some gentle exploration.
So the focus for the next six weeks, till the end of May, will be Breathing Space, including:
A piece coming up next week on poetry, writing, confidence and life, based on an interview with Sage Cohen from the Writing the Life Poetic blog (with a book just out Writing the Life Poetic: An Invitation to Read and Write Poetry).
A series of guest posts for the time I’m in Sardinia, with some great pieces exploring the themes of the first three months (audacity, tenacity, and community)
Plus posts and conversation on:
- How to slow down the pace of your blogging, and take your readers with you
- An exploration of ways we use writing to create breathing space in our lives
- What to do with the creative ideas that you don’t have the time or the inclination to write about
And no doubt more as the weeks unfold… If there are particular issues or ideas you’d like me to explore then please do let me know in the comment box below.
I will also, of course, be sharing some of the afterglow of the breathing and writing space we’re creating in the writing retreat in Sardinia. It runs from May 4 – 11 and we still have a couple of places available.
If you need some creative time out and are feeling impulsive… let me know!
Joanna Young, The Confident Writing Coach
Because our words count
Photo Credit: The Daisy and the Baby’s Breath by audreyjm529 on flickr
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Joanna, this is a perfect month for this theme. With the change of seasons, it feels natural to take some time and savor the newness, to slow down the pace and do some self-reflection and internal spring cleaning. I really wish I was going to be in Sardinia but I have a goal for next year.
I am looking forward to the coming month and the variety of voices. I am sure that I will find a fresh perspective as I come here to exhale.
Karen Swims last blog post..Dubious Deception and other Corporate Tales
This is the blogging situation I find myself in right now. How to keep a blog going for several weeks while your routine is off. My blog isn’t the kind to have guest visitors. It’s just a friendly, little photoblog–nothing fancy. But I have my followers and hate to just shut down for the time I’m gone. My plan has been to post less often, but I’m not really hapy with that, as I have a hard time finding internet access. Yes, there are still wilderness areas in the US without service–can you believe that! I’ll be interested in what you come up with.
(Obviously today is one of those days with service, and also with rain, so I’m actually visiting other blogs. I’ll be back when my regular schedule resumes.)
Bos last blog post..El Morro
Enjoy your breather, Joanna … and your trip to Sardinia! It sounds like it’s going to be great. Not to mention well-deserved (grin).
–Debs last blog post..Internal Entertainment
Ahhhh…. just the phrase “breathing space” evokes a wide-open, warm breeze, sunny kind of moment, doesn’t it?
This sounds like a great theme for the beginning of summer! I sure wish I could be with y’all in Sardinia this year – but alas, maybe some other time. I look forward to seein’ what comes of it, though – not to mention lots of photos!
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Lookin’ UP!
Just as I my new blog was gaining momentum, I’ve had to take a step back this last couple of weeks because of work, weddings and wacky wifi connections. However, self-imposed breathing space is something I strongly advocate, particularly if you write fiction or poetry. It always helps to go back to a piece of writing with a clear head and a fresh perspective. Lovely stuff.
Iain Broomes last blog post..Recommended reading for writers – March 2009
Breathers are good. I hope you have a wonderful time on your retreat.
Joely Black (@TheCharmQuark on Twitter)s last blog post..TGIAD 26: The halfway point
Enjoy your breathing space Joanna! I’ve taken quite a bit of it myself this week – it can lead you to very exciting – and scary! – places. Not sure yet where exactly mine will lead me. Sardinia would be nice, but not this time alas. Maybe next time…
Hildas last blog post..Finding the Hero Within
Hi Joanna. Breathing space is a good thing — enjoy. Coincidentally, I picked up a deck of “Breathe Easy” cards today. I’ve chosen one for you with the following affirmation for Flow…
I breathe in the ability to go with the flow. I am filled with the confidence that I will be carried to exactly where I should be. I breathe out my desire to control everyone and everything.
Davinas last blog post..Happy Yet?
Karen I’m looking forward to some new voices here too, including this brilliant writer who I’ve been trying to persuade to share a guest post here for ages
Bo I hear what you’re saying… will probably make this an early post next week – I think it’s an issue a lot of bloggers find difficult
–Deb I’m sure it will be great. Thanks for helping out while I’m away
Robert it’s strange how some words are so evocative, isn’t it? Sometimes even just the word ‘breathe’ is enough for us to slow down and remember to do just that. Some other time would be great… who knows. There will be photos, and hopefully some video too… experimenting. Thanks for your help in covering my time away
Iain good point about getting space from your words… hmm, you’ve given me an idea…
Joely sometimes I even feel like I need a break from twitter! (Only kidding) Thanks for your good wishes
Hilda I have a feeling that it will be some time… let’s keep in touch about how. Your Easter break sounds interesting – if a little scary, but then the important stuff often is…
Davina thank you for that affirmation. One day I might tell you just how perfect those words are for me right now
Joanna,
I very much like your idea of creating a breathing space. And I am looking forward to the next weeks on this blog. I am especially interested in “An exploration of ways we use writing to create breathing space in our lives” and would like to read more about that.
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..How to Combine Flickr and Blogging, Part I
Ahhh… Joanna you know the way to speak directly to my heart, don’t you? Wish I was going to Sardinia with you – but I’m going to do something similar and hide away on an almost-deserted island for a couple of weeks… and I too am looking forward to the jolt of calm and inspiration that comes from a change of pace, a change of place and a chance to just be.
Here’s to a breathing space where the heart has a chance to open wide and the space to invite wonderfulness in…
Karens last blog post..Six Conversational Habits to Ditch Today
Ulla that’s an issue that I’m particularly interested in too, so I hope to be able to find some useful or interesting angles on it for us
Karen wow Karen, your island break sounds fabulous – look forward to hearing more… And yes, absolutely, here’s to open heartedness, and wonder
Breathing space! What a great theme for Spring!
I’m doing a little of that myself right now. Opening the windows to let in some fresh air and light.
Enjoy your time away!
Jamie Groves last blog post..Best Mornings…
Breathing space – that is perfect for me during this time of year and with what I’ve been dealing with lately. I hope you have a great trip!
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[...] ever feel that you need to take a break from your own blog? That you need to carve out a bit of breathing space for [...]
Nothing like a little breathing space to recharge the batteries and prepare for fresh content later on. Not always easy to take a day or two off from posting, but it can be a good thing. Give readers a chance to catch up on posts. Enjoy, Sardinia.
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Jamie I love the way this theme can be interpreted in so many different ways… I have no idea if you mean literally or figuratively, or both, and of course, it doesn’t matter, because the fresh air and light will come in either way
carla hope all is well with you… thanks for the good wishes, and I hope the theme offers some ideas you can use to give yourself some space too
Gennaro such a good point about giving readers a chance to catch up… even as I’m scheduling the posts for when I’m away I’m probably not leaving enough space between them… really I should learn to be better at taking my own medicine!
I think it’s a great theme!
I’m curious if you meant breathing space TO write, or breathing space THROUGH writing.
Either way, it’s a great concept.
kazaris last blog post..Bloggy Gratitude
Kazari, I’m glad you like it, the theme does seem to be connecting with people. Guess we’re all in need of some space… I think I mean space TO write, space THROUGH writing and sometimes even space FROM writing
Joanna, another great theme here. By the way, I can’t wait to hear and see what you’ll be experienced in the Sardinia. And, it would be even better, if you can include more beautiful pictures that you’ve taken from Sardinia into the upcoming posts!
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Wilson, I’m glad you like it. I will most definitely include pictures and videos from Sardinia in future posts
[...] writers, the idea of ‘breathing space’ is likely to mean something different to each of [...]
[...] piece is a contribution to the theme of breathing space (as in, do we ever need to take a break from our [...]
Joanna, I’ve been meaning post a comment, however, I was following your advise and taking a “Blogging Brain Break.” It’s was lovely and encouraging to read your post and other individual’s comments. Your words offered me permission to take excellent care of myself and enjoy some “breathing space” for the past 6 weeks. My “Resonsible Yellow Brain” no longer feel overwhelmed. Now, my “Creative Blue Brain” feels enthusiastic about posting on my blog. Most gratefully, Sheila {:-)
Sheila Glazovs last blog post..A Spring Gift
Sheila well thank you
Your words have really brightened my day. I’m so glad my words helped you to give yourself permission to take of yourself. I love the notion of a creative blue brain being ready to post… mine has been a bit jaded for a while too, maybe it is also feeling creatively blue again. It’s a lovely thought!
[...] breathing space has been good, hasn’t [...]
You are welcome, Joanna! I posted an acknowldgement about you on my blog at http://tiny.cc/AKsvT . I trust your “Blue Brain Creativity” is energized again. Most gratefully, Sheila
Sheila Glazovs last blog post..COLORFUL CLOSET CLEANING
Sheila, thanks for that acknowledgement… yes, my blue brain creativity is energised again
You are welcome!
Brava!
Enjoy the weekend,
Sheila
.-= Sheila Glazov´s last blog ..MEN, WOMEN, CAREERS & BRAIN COLORS =-.
[...] drawing to the end of this breathing space theme. I think it’s one that’s struck a chord – maybe just because it’s [...]
[...] post and poem are the final contribution to the theme of breathing space (save a round up tomorrow.) Thanks for breathing, in, out, with me, for the last couple of [...]