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Guest Post: Listen to Begin Writing

Brenda Ueland, author of If You Want to Write, said, "Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. When people really listen to each other in a quiet, fascinated attention, the creative fountain inside each of us begins to spring and cast up new thoughts and unexpected wisdom."

The most meaningful works -- books, paintings, sculptures, songs, crafts, a garden, anything -- are created by those who have learned the art of listening: listening to their hearts and to the hearts of others.

It is when we listen that the most extraordinary seeds grow and become tangible. They become a motivating book, an awe-inspiring painting, a formidable sculpture, a most melodious song, a bouquet of breathtaking blooms.

It is when we listen that we create tangible expressions of our compassion, understanding, love. It is when we listen that stories, poems or books begin percolating inside us.

And it is when we listen that the unexpected wisdom and insights joyously leap in front of us, giving meaning in all that we do, spotlighting on what we do and can do for others.

Below are 5 sparks inviting you to *listen* closely within yourself:

1. Think of a song that holds great meaning to you. Who or what makes that song meaningful?

2. Describe the sound that dominates your surrounding at the moment.

3. Recall one of your conversations with a close friend and write about one of the things he/she said that made you sit up, take notice and become enlightened.

4. When was the last time you listened to someone with your heart?

5. Who is that person you can always rely on to listen to you? Write about how important it is that you have him/her ready to listen to you at all times.


Copyright 2004 Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ

Shery created WriteSparks! - a software that generates over 10 *million* Story Sparkers for Writers. Download WriteSparks! Lite for fr*e - http://writesparks.com
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