You had fantastic nature posts this week on Instagram. I really felt from your pictures that you could just be with the trees all day with anything you were doing. Thanks for your comment, Nonna!
I'm stir crazy: I have to get out, even if it's just to the garden, a local cafe or a park. I'm often more productive when at my desk, but reading and writing outside is a much more rounded and rich experience
I devised a whole curriculum that in theory I could use to teach my students completely outside, but the logistics of organizing it because of timetable restrictions plus 1500 forms related to health and safety meant it was a non-starter. Good proof of concept though. These days my teaching is still via Zoom unfortunately 😱
Oh yes. I hear you on the red tape!! Curious about your curriculum.
I did like to take seniors (6th form) out just to read or discuss spontaneously. There was always a little frolicking, and I really liked this part of it, too.
If I have to go and live on a desert island I think I'll take the complete works of Dr Kathleen Waller. Packed with so much stimulating stuff again. Thank you. I haven't tried writing outside and I hadn't heard of Philip Connors but I think I need to get a job as a fire watcher: didn't Kerouac do that too?
Oh that rings a bell. Maybe Connors mentions it in this book? It's been a while since I read it, but highly recommended for its strange wisdom. The friend who introduced me to yoga originally gave it to me years ago.
You are too kind. Thank you, Jules. I'm always learning wonderful things from your writing!
Being outdoors is where it begins for me. A breath of the morning, the still warm light of a new day, waking birdsong--they are what knocks at the door of me; the open all the windows to air out of my every creative impulse. Thank you for this post and question.
Interesting and thought provoking post, as always! Trying to plough through some writing and admin earlier this week, as well as waiting in for some deliveries, I experienced what happens when I forget to 'get outside' enough. I didn't feel at all creative and I was grouchy! It reminded me how important it is for me to immerse myself in the outside world. Whether that be a simple walk around my neighbourhood, staring at the trees, a coffee and my book in a favourite coffee shop, visiting a local gallery, or a yoga class. Getting out feeds the creativity. Your post today has reinforced this! (It kind of feels like the universe is trying to tell me something this week...)
Oh, yes, I've had these days. I need to remind myself sometimes to do it. Those are great practices. I like the idea of staring at the trees. Just the walk from one space to another offers so many possibilities! Thanks for such a lovely comment.
I love laying in my yoga swing, between the trees. I love feeling the breeze while I write. It makes me feel more creative. 🙏
Thank you for sharing!
You had fantastic nature posts this week on Instagram. I really felt from your pictures that you could just be with the trees all day with anything you were doing. Thanks for your comment, Nonna!
I need to get outside everyday or I go nuts! And wow! I had no idea Thoreau was into yoga!
The things we do not to go nuts :)
I'm stir crazy: I have to get out, even if it's just to the garden, a local cafe or a park. I'm often more productive when at my desk, but reading and writing outside is a much more rounded and rich experience
A park is a nice idea, too! During the pandemic I did that a lot to get some space.
Do you ever take your students outside?
I devised a whole curriculum that in theory I could use to teach my students completely outside, but the logistics of organizing it because of timetable restrictions plus 1500 forms related to health and safety meant it was a non-starter. Good proof of concept though. These days my teaching is still via Zoom unfortunately 😱
Oh yes. I hear you on the red tape!! Curious about your curriculum.
I did like to take seniors (6th form) out just to read or discuss spontaneously. There was always a little frolicking, and I really liked this part of it, too.
No, sadly. An English/drama teacher did. It seemed to go with the territory somehow.
If I have to go and live on a desert island I think I'll take the complete works of Dr Kathleen Waller. Packed with so much stimulating stuff again. Thank you. I haven't tried writing outside and I hadn't heard of Philip Connors but I think I need to get a job as a fire watcher: didn't Kerouac do that too?
Oh that rings a bell. Maybe Connors mentions it in this book? It's been a while since I read it, but highly recommended for its strange wisdom. The friend who introduced me to yoga originally gave it to me years ago.
You are too kind. Thank you, Jules. I'm always learning wonderful things from your writing!
Being outdoors is where it begins for me. A breath of the morning, the still warm light of a new day, waking birdsong--they are what knocks at the door of me; the open all the windows to air out of my every creative impulse. Thank you for this post and question.
Beautiful. Yes!
Interesting and thought provoking post, as always! Trying to plough through some writing and admin earlier this week, as well as waiting in for some deliveries, I experienced what happens when I forget to 'get outside' enough. I didn't feel at all creative and I was grouchy! It reminded me how important it is for me to immerse myself in the outside world. Whether that be a simple walk around my neighbourhood, staring at the trees, a coffee and my book in a favourite coffee shop, visiting a local gallery, or a yoga class. Getting out feeds the creativity. Your post today has reinforced this! (It kind of feels like the universe is trying to tell me something this week...)
PS. Thank you for the picture of your view :)
You're welcome! :)
Oh, yes, I've had these days. I need to remind myself sometimes to do it. Those are great practices. I like the idea of staring at the trees. Just the walk from one space to another offers so many possibilities! Thanks for such a lovely comment.