What if I wrote for twenty-five minutes, every day for seven days?
One of my favorite timers. This one is loud, so I have to set it in the next room. It does force you to honor the breaks!
Maybe you’ve tried the Pomodoro technique for work—remote or in the office—but have you tried it for writing? I’m suggesting one Pomodoro per day for the next seven days.
A technique designed for productivity might actually help us honor the ritual of writing.
It may seem here that all I’ve done is added structure to the structure, but the intention is to have that set of guidelines to help you really commit to the time and get the most out of it.
Get ready to PREPARE to write. Uh huh. Then write your heart out.
Guided Writing: Tomato Red, Tomato Ready
Quick recommendation: Agree to set this week-long goal with a friend.
Make a favorite beverage. Lately I’m loving hot apple cider. I am almost always drinking tea. And I do enjoy a sparkling water. Just some ideas here. Make what you enjoy and have it ready in your writing space (see below).
Clear your space. Lama Rod Owens always suggests this when leading a meditation. For me, this means hiding my phone, moving aside any stacks of paper waiting for my attention, and even sliding objects out of my sight that may remind me of things that need doing (mail, those eye drops I give my dog, a sticky note reminder, etc.)
Take a breath. Take another one for good measure. Say aloud to yourself: I am grateful for these 25 minutes, for myself and my creative practice. I will let them be whatever they need to be.
Now set your preferred timer (preferably not your phone, and if so, move it out of sight) for 25 minutes.
Write whatever you wish to write. Maybe you’re dedicating this time to a WIP, or maybe you’re free-writing and allowing whatever needs to come forward to come forward. Write for 25 minutes. It’s okay if you occasionally look up from the page, stare out the window for a moment, or sip that delicious beverage. Allow the idea of that ticking timer, whether it’s audibly ticking or not, to call you back to the page.
Let the timer ring. Take another breath. Let whatever was be exactly what it was. Whether it was distracted, productive, peaceful, or frantic. Thank yourself for taking this time for your creative practice.
Take a full five-minute break before whatever comes next in your day/evening.
If you plan to repeat this and add another Pomodoro (25 minutes) into the mix, be sure to take the full five minute break before diving back in.
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