Hello Reader,
I once took a self defense class. We punched into thin air. We yelled “No!!!” to embody the response as part of our physical vocabulary.
I felt stronger in a room of people shouting “No!!!” My voice grew louder in a chorus. My “no” felt more possible.
In the presence of a trusted person or community we amplify and explore practices and possibilities that might otherwise feel out of reach.
Seek support with an accountability partner, a friend or peer group, with a shared goal of practicing the same habit.
James Clear has a few tips for habit cues. If you want to build new supportive habits or reintroduce habits, start small. Attach the habit to an activity you already do.
I use visual cues and analogue tools to remind me that I am in a body with needs, including the need for breaks and rest.
When I write, I use an egg timer and do a version of the Pomodoro Technique. I set my timer. It dings. I get up. I move. I come back to the page.
I use my calendar to block off time for breaks for food, rest and play in the midst of deadlines and pressures.
When I am out of town, I bring a travel yoga mat and inflatable meditation cushion, as a visual cue to do my morning somatic practices.
These small habits are built into my day. I repeat them. I practice over and over again so that turning to them comes more naturally.
I turn often to my accountability buddies and community to anchor and encourage me.
Here we are, touching the earth. We can find lightness and catch air, even with the weight of gravity.
Reflection
What small supportive habit has fallen out of your rotation? Is there a new small habit you’d like to build into your life? What “habit cue” would be helpful to anchor to such as a visual cue or a place in your routine that you can add-on this small habit?
Tip: Start small. This is about quality and repetition of practice even if just for a couple minutes at a time.
Resources
My Creative Updates & Offerings
My scheduling books will be closing for a break from mid-December to the New Year. Book a session with me if you're interested.
I just started teaching a youth residency with Literary Arts Writers in the Schools program.
Community & Care
Some great strategies here on taking breaks.
From the New Happy, a reminder that we are worthy always.
Speaking of accountability buddies, I am so grateful for the free business support offered by Livelihood NW. My coach Tracy Puhl encourages me and helps me actualize the dreams floating around in my head.
Shout-out to Stacy Brewster, author and founder of LAUNCH CREATIVE NW. Stacy's copyediting skills helped one of my essays shine bright, plus he is a kind, soulful person.
A few post-election newsletters that I found supportive:
https://open.substack.com/pub/saeedjones/p/take-a-beat-and-breathe-with-me
https://open.substack.com/pub/socialsoundtrack/p/the-art-of-creative-dissent
https://open.substack.com/pub/querent/p/this-country-is-still-that-country
Soft Pants for Your Mind
A few poems on hope and a few cute animal photographs:
https://aribcofer.substack.com/p/a-post-containing-pictures-of-animals
In this Tiny Desk concert, Ana Tijoux sings "Sacar la voz," a reminder that as we breathe and lift up our voices, we are never alone.
Notes & Citations
https://todoist.com/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique
https://jamesclear.com/habit-triggers
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2024/oct/01/hard-to-take-a-break-nervous-system
Let’s resource! Let’s play! Let’s happen to notice, together.
In peace,
Vanessa Micale
Founder of Poderosa Voz LLC
(she, they, ella)
P.S. You can show your support by sharing this micro-newsletter with a friend, or you can send me a digital tip and treat me to a pastry.
P.P.S. Sharing resources is one of my love languages. Is there a resource related to somatic and creative realms you want to see or you know of? Hit reply and let me know.
