tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post2949155578917254631..comments2024-03-29T01:17:04.775-04:00Comments on Jungle Red Writers: Margaret Moore on how to organize your writing lifeJungle Red Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646429819267618412noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-23760590824013908792013-05-15T14:46:17.086-04:002013-05-15T14:46:17.086-04:00I guess it should be a requirement for everybody t...I guess it should be a requirement for everybody to set aside a few minutes for focus time every day. It can be a bit like meditation or rest time where they can de-stress; that can help their overall well-being and health.Chelsea Emersonhttp://www.ushealthworks.com/Everett-Paine-Field-Center.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-20570540857498550622012-02-15T23:30:58.849-05:002012-02-15T23:30:58.849-05:00Congratulations, Rhys and Lucy! xoxoCongratulations, Rhys and Lucy! xoxoMaureen Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03499876353651763590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-90159458635977067662012-02-15T23:28:21.401-05:002012-02-15T23:28:21.401-05:00Dear Coach Meg, I'm not sure I had anything to...Dear Coach Meg, I'm not sure I had anything to do with it via any conscious level. It just happens. I sometimes have to push and just keep focussing.<br /><br />Perhaps I should take that back. When I had a lot of assignments in school, like during reading period with 4, 40-60 page papers due, I would sometimes ask myself what was most important right then. The answer was always the same: the paper due next. Then I would write until it was done.Maureen Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03499876353651763590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-3326105360620784722012-02-15T22:27:31.081-05:002012-02-15T22:27:31.081-05:00And huge congrats to Rhys and Lucy (as Roberta) fo...And huge congrats to Rhys and Lucy (as Roberta) for their Agatha nominations!Linda Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11913741596693442469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-18979005149079064122012-02-15T22:25:37.876-05:002012-02-15T22:25:37.876-05:00Thank you, Coach Meg and Jan! I think I need to bu...Thank you, Coach Meg and Jan! I think I need to buy the book!Lisa Alberhttp://lisaalber.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-79536765943234493602012-02-15T22:25:15.790-05:002012-02-15T22:25:15.790-05:00Thank you, Coach Meg and Jan! I think I need to bu...Thank you, Coach Meg and Jan! I think I need to buy the book!Lisa Alberhttp://lisaalber.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-78284485646397283982012-02-15T19:50:46.244-05:002012-02-15T19:50:46.244-05:00I'm loving these tips and plan to start incorp...I'm loving these tips and plan to start incorporating mindfulness into my usually disorganized, once-crisis-to-the-next day. Since I seem to have developed adult ADD, I need all the help I can get.<br /><br />I'm sad, however, to see chocolate chip cookies don't qualify as optimal fuel.Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09553268569509053159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-84578450180776297272012-02-15T15:46:05.573-05:002012-02-15T15:46:05.573-05:00Hello from Coach Meg. Some thoughts on comments.
...Hello from Coach Meg. Some thoughts on comments.<br /><br />For Hank - it's hard to get away and relax when you work at home. Create "transitions" to relaxing - walk around the block, stretch on the floor or do yoga poses, deep breaths, basically shift your mind to your body for a few moments. Experiment to find what works and for how long. <br /><br />Hallie - Multitasking is a form of mindlessness!<br /><br />Sheri - I find that the length of brain breaks varies - the minimum is two minutes away from my desk taking care of little things or doing a little exercise like hanging from a bar or stretching. By the end of the afternoon I seem to need longer breaks - 10-15 minutes. I often schedule my workouts or showers as brain breaks- that works great.<br /><br />Linda - sometimes when we must give our undivided attention to a project we appreciate our raw focus power - it is possible to focus all of our brain's resources. Then the creative challenge is to create conditions when we are doing things that don't have the same powerful call to focus.<br /><br />Edith - so true to distinguish between a real need for a brain break and a desire to procrastinate and follow an impulse. Good exercise of mindfulness - how do I best manage my brain in this moment?<br /><br />Darlene - sometimes it feels good to be spontaneous following whatever task emerges in the moment even if it takes six tasks to get to the original one. Stop and choose which approach suits you now. Overcontrol of our focus can cause our inner rebel to try even harder to distract us.<br /><br />Jan - sometimes the central processor really does need a break and sometimes it needs to stay on top, in charge. Too much of either isn't ideal for creative types.<br /><br />Rhys - ugh - the middle of the night frenzy - your brain has rested some and now it wants to solve problems again when you're not really rested enough. Gently moving your mind to your heart/lungs and just breathing can help. Jotting things down too. Or lying on floor with legs up a wall - this is quite relaxing, makes you sleepy, and a good pre-bedtime ritual. <br /><br />This happened to me last night and I don't think it's possible to abolish it completely. Being physically active and fit will tire out your body so it sleeps through the night most of the time. <br /><br />Lisa - it's your prefrontal cortex that is at the mercy of your emotional brain. Exercise and meditation both build the prefrontal cortex's ability to manage impulses, as does steady glucose levels from a balance of protein, fat, and carbs.<br /><br />Reine - sounds like you know what your Mind-of-Mine needs best, to spontaneously choose the focus that fits the moment and then jump in with both feet not fretting about what is not getting done. Good example of a formula that you created that fits your brain's wiring.Margaret Moorehttp://www.coachmeg.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-26803970689704736342012-02-15T15:40:24.054-05:002012-02-15T15:40:24.054-05:00I'm starting to sound like Doc Cross.I'm starting to sound like Doc Cross.Maureen Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03499876353651763590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-11163870763352230522012-02-15T15:19:50.513-05:002012-02-15T15:19:50.513-05:00I much prefer my mind the way it is, disorganized ...I much prefer my mind the way it is, disorganized and free. I sit down at my computer and say to it, "Okay, mind-o-mine, write," and it does. When I'm done I say, "What next?" Then mind-o-mine and I go do it. xoxoMaureen Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03499876353651763590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-11814501878760845952012-02-15T14:29:05.737-05:002012-02-15T14:29:05.737-05:00Hi Lisa,
Yes, according to research I'm gather...Hi Lisa,<br />Yes, according to research I'm gathering for an article, something like almost fifty percent of people responding to national survey, felt that way. That distractions were actually reducing their ability to think deeply and solve problems.<br /><br /><br />Coach Meg will be here in about an hour to answer questions!! <br /><br /><br />~janJungle Red Writershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16646429819267618412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-84107181474190596132012-02-15T14:21:31.213-05:002012-02-15T14:21:31.213-05:00Thank you for this post! Sometimes I feel I'm ...Thank you for this post! Sometimes I feel I'm at the mercy of impulses, feelings, and distractions. It's amazing I get anything done at all!Lisa Alberhttp://lisaalber.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-4227080829061588372012-02-15T13:38:22.374-05:002012-02-15T13:38:22.374-05:00Great advice, Coach Meg, and I have printed out yo...Great advice, Coach Meg, and I have printed out your meditation to do every morning.<br /><br />My problem when I am in deadline writing mode is being able to switch off my brain when I wake in the night. Any suggestions?Rhys Bowenhttp://www.rhysbowen.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-25792080464831554532012-02-15T13:37:36.601-05:002012-02-15T13:37:36.601-05:00Yes, Darline, I do that too. I think it's all...Yes, Darline, I do that too. I think it's all about the central processor. <br /><br />Mine is often on vacationJan Broganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11323983086318138814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-35280353664646192352012-02-15T12:28:36.972-05:002012-02-15T12:28:36.972-05:00It's not so much that I multi task, it's m...It's not so much that I multi task, it's more that I do six other things on the way to the main task. I go to get the tape and notice we need a roll of paper towels in the kitchen and when I go for the paper towels I see someone who shall remain nameless has borrow my shampoo again and left it downstairs and when I go downstairs I see the folded laundry which needs to go upstairs and I eventually get back to the parcel I was packing but I don't usually have the tape. <br /><br />Mr. Wonderful on the other hand goes for the tape and comes back with tape.Sofie Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16830230500527705589noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-84611707419122980822012-02-15T12:22:33.169-05:002012-02-15T12:22:33.169-05:00I know I should set timer and turn off the Interne...I know I should set timer and turn off the Internet, but reading about it makes me want to look at email a thousand times more. And do a lot of chores that I'd be otherwise loathe to do (clean bathrooms sounded good this morning.)<br /><br />Though it makes sense as I'm working on the dreaded synopsis for the third food critic mystery...Lucy Burdettehttp://www.lucyburdette.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-55219361919834670232012-02-15T11:23:10.094-05:002012-02-15T11:23:10.094-05:00Excellent post. I find that when I'm a bit stu...Excellent post. I find that when I'm a bit stuck in the book, not knowing where it's going, I feel this strong urge to take more breaks, even though what gets me through the stuckness is to JUST WRITE and take fewer breaks. <br /><br />When I leave off the internet and set the timer, like Hallie, I do my best work.Edith Maxwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01388006370860482509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-20961021541194116472012-02-15T10:55:43.704-05:002012-02-15T10:55:43.704-05:00This is perfect for me today! Thanks, Jan and Coac...This is perfect for me today! Thanks, Jan and Coach Meg!<br /><br />I spent yesterday and today, writing a huge federal grant (for the poet side of me--keep fingers crossed for me, please, Reds!). I used to write grants for a living and know when I do, I must turn off email, etc., except for taking planned very short breaks (like this one). Like Hank and Hallie, I've learned not to multi-task on this. There's so much to juggle--and some of it's numbers & money!--that I can't keep it all together if I don't focus that way.<br /><br />I know that's my best state for good writing, too, but I don't do it often enough. The imminent deadline and hugeness of grants force me to focus. I need to bring that over into my everyday writing.<br /><br />Time to return to the grant that ate my life. Hugs to all. xoxo<br /><br />My captcha is "comesses." Does that mean we're partners in "mess"?Linda Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11913741596693442469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-91155951209475511892012-02-15T10:53:38.428-05:002012-02-15T10:53:38.428-05:00Sadly, I'm glad to hear that, Jan. Sometimes I...Sadly, I'm glad to hear that, Jan. Sometimes I don't even have a memory of doing it. It's terrifying.<br /><br />ALso terrifying--that I remember that I actively put whatever it was someplace where I wouldn't lose it. And then, I can't remember where that was.<br /><br />Now I say it out loud--I'm putting the gift card in the top drawer. SOmetimes, that works.Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-36528619732450792552012-02-15T10:48:46.746-05:002012-02-15T10:48:46.746-05:00Hank, I lose everything all the time and I'M N...Hank, I lose everything all the time and I'M NOT multi-tasking, but I'm mindwandering, which means I'm often not inputting the correct information while I'm doing something.<br /><br />~janJungle Red Writershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16646429819267618412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-25610648583938992092012-02-15T09:49:32.926-05:002012-02-15T09:49:32.926-05:00SO interesting, Hallie. I don't break things (...SO interesting, Hallie. I don't break things (knock on wood) but I lose things. I absolutely can't remember where I put something...it's very frustrating, and I know it's because I'm not thinking about it when I do it.Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-12525653709024145202012-02-15T09:22:02.927-05:002012-02-15T09:22:02.927-05:00Thanks for the great advice, Coach Meg. I really l...Thanks for the great advice, Coach Meg. I really like the idea of brain breaks as someone who works from home. Is there an ideal length of time for a brain break? Or an upper limit that stops it from becoming procrastination?Sheri Krafthttp://www.sherlockediting.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-79835022035765609002012-02-15T09:07:12.144-05:002012-02-15T09:07:12.144-05:00Such good advice, Margaret. I do that. Turn off my...Such good advice, Margaret. I do that. Turn off my Internet. Then I set the timer and work until the ding gives me permission to take a break.<br /><br />When I multitask I break things -- moving and not looking. It's that mindfulness thing.Hallie Ephronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04759439029582054503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-81608533312478950372012-02-15T08:59:58.550-05:002012-02-15T08:59:58.550-05:00AH. I have learned, I think, not to multi-task. I ...AH. I have learned, I think, not to multi-task. I now do one thing, then do the next thing. I try to rein in my brain by making a list, so there's no constant checking with it to make sure I haven't forgotten something.<br /><br />I also plan my worry--for instance, if something is due in a month, but I really don<br />t have to think about it until two weeks from now, I tell myself--I'll think about that next Tuesday. And then I let it go until then.<br /><br />Still, though, I spend most of my time on overload, and have a very hard tim relaxing. I feel guilty if I do. LIke right ow--Im supposed to be leaving for work..so more later...xoxoHank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.com