Happy in the doing...

but don't lose touch with the being.

Greetings friends, it’s been a while! I took a bit of a hiatus while completing a six-month course with Eckhart Tolle called, “Becoming a Teacher of Presence.”

Certified! ;)

Though it feels a wee bit presumptuous to refer to myself as such, as Eckhart says, words are just signposts that point to something, and not to get too stuck on them.

But what is a writer if not someone who gets stuck on words?

Eckhart himself has written several transformative books (The Power of Now, A New Earth, Stillness Speaks). Oprah Winfrey, a big fan, and in part responsible for bringing Eckhart to the masses (under the guise of the universe at work, of course) says about The Power of Now, “I think it’s essential spiritual teaching. It’s one of the most valuable books I’ve ever read.”

I happen to agree with Winfrey. (If you haven’t read Tolle’s books and are seeking ways to become more fulfilled and at peace while getting some clarity on big questions, I recommend checking his work out).

Back to being stuck on words. I haven’t written a post in a while, in part because I’ve been stuck on words. What to say, how to say it, how to contribute to the world in difficult times in a non-egoic way, which let’s face it, is what most of social media is these days. Everyone shouting, “Look at me!” into the void. If you are not burdened with this very commonplace egoic desire, lucky you.

It is also a tricky thing, as an author, to create something and then not concern yourself with whether others will read it or not. When you invest significant time and energy in such an undertaking, it is only natural to want to share it. That in itself is fine. It’s about not getting caught up in whether the world chooses to engage with your work or not. Because that’s something you really don’t have much control over.

I’ve mentioned in previous posts that I should create for the sake of creating, and am reiterating it here (as much as for myself as for anyone), that we must try not to attach ourselves to the outcome (this is hard) and instead immerse ourselves in the actual doing, being fully present and alive in whatever that may be.

Often, we think that once we are “there” we will finally be happy. But we are never “there”, we are always only ever “here”. In this way, we can miss our whole lives. We think once I am published, rich enough, famous enough, have a bigger house, with someone who loves me, then I will be happy. Unless we are doing the spiritual work in conjunction with these moments, this is often not the case. There is always something more to achieve, something else to obtain — the unchecked human ego is never satisfied for long.

I have published six books, a few of which have been nominated for awards, one of which won a big one. This book that took the least amount of work, as well as the least amount of angst in marketing it (I did little when compared to my other books due to author burnout) has been the one to officially make me a best-selling award-winning author. One would think I’d be overjoyed and now perfectly content. I am happy, of course, but that still doesn’t keep the ego from agonizing over the past (wanting previous books to do just as well) or fretting about the future (will I ever publish another book?).

I am getting better. These past six months have taught me a lot, but living in this way, completely immersed in the present moment, when we are so identified with our minds/egos (which is not fully representative of who we are - we are so much more than the voice in our heads) requires constant attention. I am hoping that with continued practice it will become more second nature, as currently I can go from mindfully observing the trees while driving my children to school to screaming at them both to stop kicking each other in the back seat because someone’s bag touched someone else’s*.

I am so very far from perfect. But that is okay.

I think then, it must also be okay if my words are not always perfect when it comes to writing, both regularly here and when I’m working on a project. Perfection is the enemy of the good (and the complete).

I am working on letting go of attachment to outcome and encourage you too, to accept wherever you are on your journey. It is good to work toward something like completing a project or a book, but the joy should ideally come from being immersed in the creation. We can’t wait to be happy until we get that book deal, score that big marketing budget, get those good reviews, have X number of followers, hit the bestseller lists, get a film deal… the ego will always come up with future wanting.

But as Eckhart likes to say, the past is done and gone and the future doesn’t exist except as a mental construct, it’s always only ever the present moment.

I’m trying not to miss it.

Alisha

(*Though a big fan of Tolle, I’d like to point out that he and many other spiritual leaders never had to deal with young children, soooooo, there’s that.😉)

Tarot of the Week

The Three of Cups is a happy joyous card about spending time with friends and family and celebrating with loved ones. As we approach the holiday season, with all its busyness and gift-giving, the card reminds us that the true gift is our relationships with others. In times where much of our social interaction is online, try to gather in person with others as much as possible; nothing can replace spending time in the presence of those we love. Of course, this is not always possible, nor are we always fond of those whom the holidays bring into our midst. ;) It is good to have compassion for yourself and others when dealing with difficult personalities, try to not let your ego become engaged, and allow yourself to sense the presence of the other, as well as your own. Find those moments of stillness and soak up the warmth and camaraderie of the season where you can.

Writerly Tidings

Last May I was fortunate enough to be selected to tour for Canadian Children’s Book Week and gave over 16 presentations both in person in my hometown of Kitimat, BC, and online in the provinces of Ontario and the Yukon Territories. It was an incredible experience to connect with young readers and I was so honoured to speak with such engaged bright minds across the country (and in the place where I grew up!) about Secrets of the Sands and my other books.

This August I also had the pleasure of teaching creative writing at CNIB’s Writing with Feeling Retreat held at Lake Jo in Muskoka, Ontario. It was a wonderful time working with some fantastically creative kids who blew me away with their stories and poetry. I also got to be a judge for CNIB’s creative writing contest and read a wide range of entries transcribed from Braille!

GIVE ME A SNICKLE was featured in a wonderful School Library Journal (SLJ) article on board books as key developmental tools for children and the importance of reading to our littlest ones. In addition, this sweet book of mine is getting another reprint featuring the Margaret Wise Brown Award seal on the cover!

What I’m Reading

Been on a bit of a fantasy kick and currently reading Cassandra Clare’s latest, Sword Catcher. I think because I am trying to incorporate light fantasy elements into my current work in progress, which is fairly new for me, I’m trying to absorb as much as possible! I find reading is such a great teacher when it comes to writing, so if you’re having a bit of a dry spell, pick up a book and get inspired!

A reminder that books always make a great gift for the holiday season or any time of year! Don’t forget to heart, comment, or become a patron of WordCraft, an entirely reader-supported publication, for bonus content and special offers!