Today, I choose to embrace my experience as a scientific writer, recognize it as an asset rather than a hindrance in my pursuit of creative freewriting and marketing copy. Good writing is cogent, clear, and paints a vibrant image for the reader. Writing well is always my aim or intention.

In this blog post, I want to delve into a few differences between scientific and creative writing in the hopes that the ideas allow you to invite joy into your writing process. Let's explore how embracing joy and transforming writing struggles can lead to a radiant flow of words on the page.

Differences between scientific and creative writing

Perhaps two of the biggest differences between scientific and creative writing (in my experience) are that scientific writing: 1) requires strong economy of words and 2) imposes a flow and established format (e.g., introduction, methods, results, and discussion.

In creative writing (which in my mind includes marketing copy), there’s more openness and freedom. In my creative or copywriting, I trust that what wants to come through is what is best to share right now because I’m not a lover of the rule that everything must fit neatly into your pre-defined “content buckets.”

Writing as a Catalyst for Creativity

Writing is a magical process where each word supports and informs the next. It is through writing that new ideas are born, insights take shape, and stories come to life. The act of writing can be both a source of joy and a chore for me.

Mostly, writing ignites my passion and brings a profound sense of fulfillment. To coax the joyfulness to emerge, I incorporate small practices into my writing routine.

One of my practices involves using essential oils to serve as aromatic anchors for my writing ritual. Right now, I have an open bottle of Cistus (Cistus ladaniferus) essential oil on my desk, Its enchanting aroma swirls around me as I place my wrists on the desk, ready to let my fingers dance across the keyboard. Other times, I reach for Magnolia (Michella alba) or Spearmint (Mentha spicata). This simple ritual connects my senses, creating an atmosphere of inspiration and joy.

Embrace Joy and Flip the Perspective

Writing should not be a struggle. If you find yourself wrestling with the writing process, let's change that right now and “flip it” around. Instead of viewing writing as a challenge, why not consider it as a source of ease and joy? If you’re rolling your eyes, stick with me.

Imagine the excitement and satisfaction of *having written* and uncovered ideas you didn’t even realize occupied your subconscious mind!

If writing doesn't currently bring you joy, I encourage you to explore ways to delight yourself in and with your writing practice. But don’t quit. Create a space – start with 10 minutes to create or sustain a practice of writing freely, without judgment. It could be as simple as finding a cozy writing spot, surrounded by things that inspire you.

Or perhaps you can experiment with different techniques such as not allowing the pen to lift from the page for 10 minutes. No stopping or editing. Let your creativity guide you and allow the joy of writing to permeate every word you put on the page.

Radiate Joy in Your Writing Journey

To my fellow writers who have already discovered the joy in writing, what prompts joy in your creative process? Is it the exhilarating rush of ideas, the satisfaction of crafting the perfect sentence, or the sheer delight of logging the number of words written? We all want to know what brings you joy in your writing journey. We’re in this together.

Remember, writing is a limitless adventure, waiting to be explored. Embrace your unique perspective, let your words flow freely, and savor the joy that comes from self-expression. As you embark on this radiant path, may your writing practice be infused with boundless joy, leading to an outpouring of inspiration and creativity.

Conclusion

Writing can be a treasure trove of joy, waiting to be uncovered. Don’t make it painful. Find ways to embrace the discomfort when you experience it. By accepting our experiences and the challenges, we can transform our struggles into moments of inspiration. The path to joy in writing begins with small practices and shifts in mindset. Let the aroma of Cistus essential oil or the view from a window become catalysts for joyous creativity.

So, fellow writers, whether you're struggling with writing, remember that your stories are your own. No one else can write them. Create joy in the process and make it fun and easy. Embrace the journey, let your words flow. You got this.

The post Infuse Joy Into Your Writing Routine: Small Practices for Big Results appeared first on Hōlsōl Wellness.

There's so much to say and yet, style and silence are gold.

Economy of words is something I aspire to. My awareness of this concept has been elevated recently after watching “The Center Will Not Hold” – a moving documentary that captured Joan Didion's life.

Joan Didion was a cunning observer and master of the English language. “Her voice shaped our lives.”

So here I am, the beginning of 2022, near the first new moon in Capricorn with so much to say, and yet wanting to make every word, every character count. Will I deliver? I can only try.

Things are in motion everywhere.

Can you find stillness amongst the motion?

Can you settle with what is of the highest value and true for you in any given moment?

I was unable to take a holiday in between Christmas and New Year's and I'm taking it now this first week of the year. I still settle into being still. Even while there's movement around me – all of the emails and posts and circles and meetings and offers that typically appear at the first of the month have metastasized around the New Year. 

My practice – and recommendation (if it resonates with you) – is to turn away from the onslaught of marketing.

Sit near a window or step outside and gaze at the sky. Sit quietly and hum as you exhale for 5 breaths.

Can you envision what you will have created this coming year, in your life, your health, and your days?

Perhaps write a letter to your future self to be read on 12/22/22, the Winter Solstice. 

Let your imagination roam free, linger above the logistics and “how tos.” Daydream.

I’ve done this a few times and admittedly, at first it was difficult to break from the “point A to point B” mentality that governs my logical, rational and calculating mind.

(Note: As a research scientist, my mind serves me and society well.)

I’m building my creativity muscles. Writing and painting have been gorgeous outlets for me the last 6 months. I want to amplify the beauty I create – in all forms.

How do you value creativity? What is your process for expanding its presence in your life?

I feel more open and at ease after creating – whether it’s writing or painting. To gaze upon a watercolor painting and turn it in all directions to see something different brings me great joy.

If you invest in your creativity, what does it look like? How does it make you feel?

One intention for this new lunar cycle and 2022 (because Capricorn is in the 11th house of my birth chart) is to create space. Space to trust more and create more. 

Clearing all the things and activities that do not contribute to or support my creativity, my learning, and my growth. There's no finish line. It's a process and moving forward is my goal. At this time, I am clearing the path.

What about you? Have you set an intention for yourself? If not, that’s fine. If you have, do you want to write it here? I will hold it with you.

The post Shed to Create in 2022 with the January New Moon in Capricorn appeared first on Hōlsōl Wellness.

Full moon in Virgo image by Robert Wu

The New Mexico sky is exploding in color with pink streaming through the windows to call me outside.

I followed the call and was amazing by how quickly the clouds moved across the sky.

Now all I can think is “Let that sh*t go.”

The messages I’ve received through multiple channels are two-fold:

1. DO less, BE more, and
2. What can you release? Don’t hesitate. Simply let that sh*t go.

The feeling of “letting go” has recently been visceral, as in “forced release.” I responded to a very short turnaround timeline for my input by a colleague that defied professional courtesy. I did the best I could in the time I had, and I LET IT GO.

What I now realize is that my colleague provided me an opportunity to grow.

The experience of not investing my typical high level of editing and scrutiny on papers I write was both uncomfortable and freeing.

Letting go also applies to systems, structures, and patterns in how I schedule, plan, and spend my time and energy.

That’s where the full moon this evening in Scorpio comes in. When you consider the structures in your life, ask yourself.

• Are the structures serving you?
• Can they be fine-tuned or replaced?
• Is there a new way of being and doing that suits you better?

These are my contemplations following a lovely moon circle with my friend and teacher of all things astrological Sangeeta Laura Biagi. Her moon circles are potent and precious.

How do you LET GO? What does that look like? What is the process?

Letting go involves self-acceptance…as we are, not as we want to be.

Affirmation by Leslie Tagorda: I empower myself by letting go.

Let me know what YOU want to let go of and if you celebrated this Full Moon in Scorpio.

The post How to let go and nurture self – the height of Spring appeared first on Hōlsōl Wellness.

Poetry is a balm that soothes and emboldens the senses.

Poetry transmutes the physical plane of existence with a few short lines.

Poetry reminds you that you are not alone. In writing, the poet substantiates blissful and agonizing states of human existence.

The same lines of a poem can be interpreted in myriad unique ways – all valid and evoking.

A good poem is a gift that keeps on giving.

Reading poems nightly on social media during COVID19 quarantine has been a balm.

It has soothed my mind, my spirit, and my heart.

The readings have resonated with others too…with no surprise.

The surprise is the how elated I am by the exchange about an interpretation of a line by someone I went to high school with and have not seen in decades.

Others are surprised by how moving the nightly poetry readings are.

And they tune in

And I continue to read.

Reading poetry at least once during the day is a new and welcome ritual. The candidate for that night's reading I share a different poem with my husband after our candlelit dinner each evening.

The act of reading poetry is infinitely soothing, nurturing, enriching.

I shall continue.

Will you join me?

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