Writers, take up space!
Assert your mental, physical, and community presence with these tips for thoughtful self-expression.
When I teach those who aspire to write, I place a heavy emphasis on not only improving their writing skills but establishing a regular writing practice. I tell them, “I can help you become a better writer, but I can also put you in touch with the part of you that must write so that you will keep writing.”
You can do this for yourself, too. It starts by taking up more space — your space — in the world.
Think of a pre-COVID crowded subway car or city bus, people packed to the walls. Every seat is full. Passengers who previously stretched their legs and rested briefcases and shopping totes on the empty seats beside them have moved their bags to their laps so others can sit. New passengers shuffle down the aisles, craning their necks in hopes of finding a place to take a load off. They resign themselves to standing, clutching the overhead or side handrails as the car zooms or the bus lurches forward again. The air is close, hot. The mood is a little tense; everyone is uncomfortable, and even one or two more people will make it worse.
You step on next. You don’t need two seats or three square feet all around your standing space. You just need an unoccupied…
