About a brief pause in the writing life.
India has always done this to me: consumed me so completely that I forgot my regular life.
All the senses feasted on stimuli, all of my attention wandered outside.
While all eyes remained on a certain mega matrimonial extravaganza at a tiny place in Gujarat, I’ve been hidden away at my cousin’s wedding, doing tiny things at a tiny place back in West Bengal, and posing awkwardly in shiny traditional gear.
It’s been physically exhausting, but also a complete break from my works in progress (notice that I’m using a plural here).
I’m hoping that by the time I get back to my work, I would begin to see it with new eyes.
In the meanwhile, I’ve been catching up with old friends and new. Walking by the sea when I can. Attending a few book events my publisher set up. The featured picture is in Goa. If you ever visit, absolutely do not forget a pit-stop at the Literati Bookshop. Nourishing my rather worn body and mind. Coping with inflamed eyes, courtesy an allergic conjunctivitis. (I’m dictating this post.)
Can’t believe the year’s way past mid-March. Part of me wishes to rush on things. The other part is saner. We don’t want any burnouts or breakdowns here. If I’ve been scarce on your blogs and social media, it’s because I’ve needed some downtime.
Time was, I imagined we need to earn our breaks. That taking a pause was a sin. A waste of time. I know better now. We need to pause often, and at regular intervals. It is part of the process of motion, of life. Everything moves in a cycle, and brief pauses for a breath or drink even as the feet keep moving are as much a part of the marathon as that last, desperate sprint to the finish line. And inside my mind, the fallow is giving rise to fields of gold, ready for harvest when I begin writing again.
How about you? What have the past weeks been like? What’s 2024 been like so far? Do you think pauses and breaks need to be earned?
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I hope you get well soon. Yeah, I had to learn the hard way that breaks aren’t something you earn, but are entitled to. Sounds like you’re having fun in India. Enjoy!
Damyanti, I am happy for you that you had this downtime with friends, walks by the sea, and visits to a favorite bookstore. Everyone needs time to breathe and have space from the regular routine of life. Hope this has helped you find renewed energy with your writing.
You definitely deserve the break, Damyanti! I used to feel guilty when I thought I was “not doing anything” but, you know what?! I realize now that I’m doing something very important in those inactive moments not writing — I’m replenishing my mental juices! Enjoy your break. Great photo too.
I’m glad you’ve realized how important downtime is Damyanti. I just came back from my winter break and feel rejuvenated. Enjoy your timeout. <3
Thank you, Debby! The process of trying to convince myself to take breaks has been long and arduous, but well worth it. I’m so glad your winter break was an effective pick-me-up — I loved reading about it, too!
Hugs to you. <3
To every season, Damyanti. Breaks are as important as breathing. 😘
Absolutely! And breaks give us time to breathe.
Unless you do make time for a break frequently your creativity will suffer as the writing bug when it happens is intense. lasts for weeks and can interfere with good health practices.
I completely agree, Ian. I can’t tell you the number of times my health has suffered because of sleepless nights spent working or refusals to take a break.
Like to know what you look like all dressed up like that.
We do need breaks to recharge. Spending time with others is never a waste. (Unless they are negative drains.)
First day of spring here. What the heck happened to winter?
The outfits were lovely to wear, but the posing for photos part wasn’t as enjoyable! 🤣 And yes, you’re absolutely right. I find that being around my friends and family is usually a wonderful pick-me-up, and a welcome reprieve from the hours spent in my writing and editing cave. It’s crazy how quickly the days go by!
Glad for the catch-up, Damyanti. I was wondering where you were!
Thanks for thinking of me. I’ve been away for a bit, but hope to be back on the saddle in the coming weeks.
My body and my emotional state tell me when I need a break, whether it’s been earned or not.
That’s an excellent way to look at it. I no longer believe in earning breaks–just take them when I feel they are necessary, or even sometimes when they’re not. Easier to embrace when I think of them as part of the process that ultimately make me more productive.