When the Words Won’t Come
what do you write about when you feel like you can't think ?
Today, I had a different post in mind, but I couldn’t bring myself to write it. The challenge this time was different from the one I described in my last letter. I was heavily distracted and I struggled to articulate my thoughts. I tried a few things to help myself.
First, I took a nap—anyone who knows me knows that sleep is usually the answer. But it didn’t work. Next, I changed locations. I moved from my living room to my bedroom, then back to the living room, and almost it to a nearby park bench. But I never got that far. I even tried watching Youtube videos, to spark some ideas, but nothing seemed to work. I was still too preoccupied.
Frustrated, I picked up my phone and played the most beautiful song I’ve heard this month—“The Beatitudes” by Vladimir Martynov and the Kronos Quartet. I put it on repeat and decided to paint freely to clear my mind.
I started with thick strokes of red, yellow, and blue on the page, followed by dry brush strokes to fill in the background. My only goal was to use up the paint on the palette—nothing more. I ended up with two painted sheets of paper that weren’t as beautiful as the music playing in the background. But I didn’t mind. What began as a warm-up, became the main activity.
So, what do you write about when you feel like you can’t think? When the words don't come, you stay patient, let go of expectations and play. Sometimes, that’s all you need to do—show up and let the rest unfold.
Until next time,
Dubem.