Today, I was reminded that in life, we all need that certain “Je nais se quoi;” the element of our lives that centers us– one returns us to true ourselves.

For many, this form of zen is yoga. For some, hiking comes to mind. Swimming. Biking. Walking a dog. There are many ways in which we can calm ourselves and get in touch with nature and our bodies. My method is gardening. There is nothing quite like the feeling of getting close to the Earth and interacting with soil, whilst nurturing living things during the course of their entire lives. It is truly unlike anything else I can do– Well, except for writing.

Writing is the way in which I can guide a character through their individual and troubling times and carry them to the resolution which they seek. I often wonder how I can forget about myself and my center. I don’t get to garden a lot as of late, and when I do, I don’t have the time to properly care for my plants (I also don’t know a lot about California’s climate versus Maine’s). And when I’m busy with work, sometimes the writing gets put on the backburner. So where is my zen? Where is my respite?

I mustn’t forget to take care of myself, and neither should any of you. Find something with which your cares and stressors can just melt away, if only for a few moments. Turn off your senses and rediscover You.

You’ll be glad that you did.

 

-Jamie (@GuyOnAWire)

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Jamie’s other form of catharsis is his weekly (sometimes bi-weekly) recount of his battle with cancer and how that crucial turning point changed him for the better. Start with Chapter One.