By Doel Sengupta
Writers usually start young and do it because they love it. Early encouragement goes a long way in choosing it for a job or as a profession. With the boom of social media, blogging, film and other forms of media, writing is not just restricted to traditional journalism or book writing.
I think at the beginning, writers write because they are inspired. It’s simply not possible to write if you do not read; any form of reading would go. Eventually, it pays the bills and positive feedback and approval go a long way in sticking with it as a profession.
Personally, I love journalling and writing poetry. But, these have not helped me make much money or bring in a pay cheque, at least not yet. As many of you know, I eventually ventured into journalism 13 years ago that gave me some money, even though not quite enough. I keep up with writing poetry and journalling on a regular basis.
So from my experience, there must always be some form of writing that completely captivates you. It is that which will hone your skills and craft, and give you a style. From my day job I have learnt about the business of writing, which I would never have if not for it. For that I’ll always be grateful. I have also, of course, picked up skills and polish my craft each day.
However, writing is an isolating process and can get pretty lonely. It may cause feelings of anxiety because as you write it’s just you and your creation — all alone. Even though you can monitor the outcome with techniques, research and planning, it’s difficult to predict how well-received it will be.
Getting published is a whole different ball game and comes with its own set of anxieties. No matter how much success you taste, the anxiety doesn’t ease because you just can’t afford to be trashy. You have your standards.
You may not always have people to share your work with, so you can’t gauge how good it is. And of course, self-belief and self-motivation are not enough. It’s always more motivating to have others believe in you.
It’s difficult to find people to bounce ideas off because they are generally busy living their own lives, even though you may live under the same roof. It’s not about not having enough friends or family. Any how, writing can often be isolating and lead to loneliness.
However, you live with it because, after all, if you write for a living you probably always wanted to and often dreamed of it. Sometimes, as you get immersed in the process you may desperately seek another human voice.
When I worked as a journalist, I still remember the effect of that pin-drop silence for hours together in the newsroom as scores of people worked without sound at something together. The experience is intriguing and fascinating. This only made me realise that writers (and editors) prefer to work in silence.
A habit of reading is imperative, if only a little every day. You may just not have enough time but let me tell you even one paragraph is enough.
Tips to get out of your shell and find some human connect:
Get onto the internet and join a group of writers by networking.
You may also join a book club. This will help you meet your reading quota and also discuss other writers.
Be grateful that you’re doing something you love because the best writing happens in silence.
There are many downsides, however. Payment can be abysmally low for many and sometimes pay cheques and salaries get stuck. I, personally, haven’t even got paid for many gigs with the commissioners going cold turkey. Well, with time I’ve become wiser.
Even as you are delved into the outskirts of humanity in silence and loneliness, you at least have the privilege to explore humanity through your work.
It is an inward journey that goes far beyond asana and breath control (Pranayam). It is a holistic way of life that is easy to imbibe. It is a silent communion with the universe; it is art; it is science; it is the dance of life that creates peace within and without.
To live like a yogi does not necessarily mean to adopt an ascetic way of life or painful austerities. Rather, it means to align your chakras and open your heart in gratitude and in solitude. It is not difficult at all. In fact, it is the easiest thing to live like a yogi. Try it.
There are rules as outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra — they are a way of life and easy to apply. Let’s look at some ways one can live more like a yogi and look within to live a life of beauty and harmony.
The yogi is at once a picture of youth and vitality. This stems from the fact that he lives so in the present that he is probably the best listener in the room and the most articulate speaker. This is oweing to the fact that the yogi’s heart is open.
He is friendly with those happy, and sympathetic with the downtrodden.
Asanas like Chakrasana, Khandarasana, Matsyasana open his heart chakra to embrace all. This immense love causes him to live peacefully in solitude and in love.
A way to cultivate a heart of love is by practising transcendental meditation and focusing on the emotion of love. A lady hypnotherapist once told me: “The highest frequency of emotion is love.”
Say to yourself as you shut your eyes and focus on your breath: “Every atom in my body vibrates with love. I am love.”
2. Cultivate gratitude
The yogi is happy with what he has, the simple formula to contentment. It is not necessary to hoard and accumulate. The sin of greed plunges many into the darkness of being. A formula to be happy with what you have is to cultivate gratitude.
In the evening before going to bed recount all the things you are grateful for during the day. You could repeat things from day to day; on most days you will have a few new things to be grateful for.
Keeping a gratitude journal works its magic.
3. Embrace solitude and silence
The Chinese philosopher Confucius said: “Nine thoughts to one word.” Think before you speak, avoid exaggerating and be truthful. It is not just the yogi’s way but the sureshot way to build trust and harmony in your relationships.
Spend some time in silence each day, away from the nitty-gritties of life and distractions. Spend time in Nature each day. Nature has a wonderful way of connecting us with ourselves.
4. Forgive
Forgive not just others but also yourself. Grudges, ill will, hatred, resentment cause cortisol levels to skyrocket in the body with several health implications.
5. Live a life of service
Rabindranath Tagore said: “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service and I acted and behold! Service was joy!”
To continually help gives us a sense of fulfillment. Where one can lend a ear or a shoulder or simply an outstretched hand don’t hesitate. In the final sum you will be all the more grateful for it.
6. Let go of negativity
Saucha or cleanliness is one of the niyamas of yoga. Declutter your life of not just junk but of hatred, jealousy and malice.
Nourish the body with fresh foods, the mind with happy thoughts and utter words of love and laughter. Live with joy!
7. Discipline
“Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.” — M Scott Peck
Discipline means making some time each day (be it only 15 or 20 minutes) to get on to the yoga mat and practice asanas (yogic postures) and Pranayam (breath control). This not only leads to a healthy workout but causes us to be more joyful and mindful through the day.
“The body benefits from movement, and the mind benefits from stillness.” — Sakyong Mipham
8. Meditate
“Meditation can help us embrace our worries, our fear, our anger; and that is very healing. We let our own natural capacity of healing do the work.” — Thich Nhat Hanh.
Sitting in silence each day and following the breath causes us to not only become calmer but also causes joy to arise from the very depth of our beings. It is the precursor to the healing journey.
Benefits of yoga:
Finally, yoga is not a painful austerity, it is a way of life, a means to live a life of connectedness and contentment. Feel free to add your own rules to the above.
“Yoga is invigoration in relaxation. Freedom in routine. Confidence through self-control. Energy within and energy without.” — Ymber Delecto
