I came across these words the other day, (checking out poet Diana Hendry’s site on the back of Monday’s post on the poetry prescription).
The psychologist D.W. Winnacott once wrote that in most writers there is a conflict between two needs, ‘the urgent desire to communicate and the still more urgent need not to be found.’
The words resonated.
It seems to capture so much of the tension, the inner tussle that so many writers experience, and is quite probably the source of the extraordinarily inventive ways we find to get in (and then out of!) our own way.
A reminder, including to my self, that it’s okay to unfold gently.
Go too far too fast and your inner writer will curl back up, not wanting to be found.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Todd Rutherford, Joanna Paterson. Joanna Paterson said: The Need Not to Be Found: I came across these words the other day, (checking out poet Diana Hendry’s site … http://bit.ly/aER2Hg [...]
Your post resonated highly with me. It’s such a delicate balance, isn’t it? The gift is when knowing to step back or leap forward.
Thanks for the gift of your writing.
Monique
Very profound, Joanna. This is one we could spend tons of time exploring and probably never plumb its depths!
Strange how the universe works. I was just sharing with my mastermind group yesterday about why I haven’t written in over a week. I was “found” by some people I have long admired and completely freaked out.
I am printing this one out and writing “BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF” across the bottom. Thank you for the much needed reminder, Joanna.
[...] felt so validated when I found this quote on a blog called Confident Writing today: The psychologist D.W. Winnacott once wrote that in most writers there is a conflict between [...]
Very provocative thought, Joanna. Thanks! I also wanted to say that I absolutely LOVE this photo of the unfolding fern. Great shot, and well done.
Beautiful picture and great words…I so enjoyed the quote and thinking about all that is curled up within. Thank you
Monique it is indeed a delicate balance. Thank you so much for your words.
Jeanne indeed. I liked these lines because they were so short but said so much
Lisa I love how those synchronicities work
Be gentle with yourself is such good advice… I wish I could remember to apply it over here each day too!
RaimaI’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for the feedback on the photo.
Patricia ‘all that is curled up within’… I love that, those words, that image and feeling… glad you enjoyed the post
[...] ok to unfold gently.” So said Joanna Paterson at Confident Writing. Her blog post title The Need Not to be Found resonated with [...]