Letting Go of the Shore

Good morning, swimmers.

You can set your towels on the beach chairs and pick up your goggles, if you want them, in the box under the sun umbrella.

Today we’re going to try something new.

At the sound of the horn, we’ll dive into the depths of our own imagination and swim for 10 minutes.

You don’t need to know what you’re going to write about before jumping into the water. The point of this invitation is to encourage you to let go of expectations and simply immerse yourself in the process of writing.

The key, in fact, is not holding on to the edge of the shore clinging to what you know, but being willing to swim into unknown waters with only your eyes and ears and instinct to guide you.

The water temperature this morning (off Lido Beach in Sarasota, FL) is in the high 60s, and there’s a light chop with 1 - 2 foot waves and a mild breeze. I hope you’ll find this morning’s swim refreshing.

Are you read to dive in?

At the sound of the horn, set your watch for 10 minutes and begin writing on one of the following:

• What’s the difference between determination and perseverance?
• What are your memories associated with the color blue?
• Who inspired you to write? Describe that person, and your memory of feeling inspired.

Or take the time that you’re swimming in the water to fill in the blanks to the following, and then expand into a scene to show your character in action:

• Your character is determined to do ____ but _____ stands in his or her way. To get past this obstacle, your character must _____ so that _____.

Here we go: H-O-R-N B-L-A-R-E-S!!!!

By taking the time to free-write, you may find yourself letting go of pre-conceived notions of what you think you should write and simply enjoy the process of writing.

Afterward, you can stay around and play in the water, float on your back and gaze up at the clouds, or unfold your blanket on the beach and enjoy the feel of sand beneath your feet. (Maybe even share what you've written with other swimmers.)

But right now, while you’re in the water swimming, just enjoy swimming.

For more information about the benefits of free-writing, visit:

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-955/Why-You-Should-Get-Your-Journal-Out.html

http://www.ornaross.com/2009/02/benefits-f-r-e-e-writing/

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-955/Why-You-Should-Get-Your-Journal-Out.html

http://www.writingthroughlife.com/journal-writing-tips-the-benefits-of-freewriting

http://web.mst.edu/~gdoty/classes/concepts-practices/free-writing.html

http://www.ehow.com/about_4570090_what-free-writing.html

And for conditions at Lido Beach, check out:

http://srqk12.net/BeachConditions/LidoBeach.aspx