Although I have a lot of time to myself and spend most of the day quietly, I know that if I get bored, or writing isn’t going well, or I just want a break I can put the radio or TV on as a distraction. I can type straight onto the computer, I can phone someone and – when the battery on the mobile is low – I can put a plug in a socket and as if by magic everything will work again.
So yesterday, when we had a power cut, I had a bit of a culture shock. After having something to eat and playing cards, I sat in the dimness with candles flickering and the fire attempting to roar. And I felt the strongest urge to write.
I wrote about the fire guard. It once stood in my grandparents’ house, and now it stands in mine, a reminder of my childhood.
I wrote about my partner’s memories. The comfort he felt in the familiar warmth, how the sounds of the fire were the soundtrack of his winters.
I wrote about the fire itself. The power of the flames, how they were reflected in the candles that lit my words.
I wondered why it took a lack of something to make that happen – the fire could be lit any night, the candles and matches are always there. I’ve lived with my partner for many years; we’ve had plenty of time to talk.
Today I realised it’s because we had a night off from reality, a night to experience a different way of life.
I will not say I enjoyed every moment – it had been snowing, and it was cold. It got dark very quickly; there were phone calls to find out what was happening, check in with neighbours, to generally share our predicament. But it was peaceful. There was very little noise – even the machines used to dig up the road were unobtrusive – just voices, and the fire, and ourselves. There was no rush – there was nothing we could do. There was laughter.
I think from now on, I’m nominating Tuesdays as our quiet nights. A fire, some candles, some games and peace. I might not write each time, but I’ll have moments to write about.
Happy writing,
EJ
:-)
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I remember when my kids were young and if we had a power blackout they would absolutely love it. We’d all get together by candle light and play games. Even now, years later, they talk about being the most memorable and beautiful times for them. For some reason it makes us stop and think of things, we’re no longer slaves to all the electrical devices and power we have around us. I still think it’s a magical time (mind you, we were living in the tropics then so we didn’t have to contend with cold and snow!) :D
I love the fact that your kids remember those times so fondly – who needs expensive gadgets when you have imagination?!
At least with cold weather you can wrap up warm and cosy :-)
Great idea! I’ve tried to set at least 15 minutes everyday dedicated to pure, unadulterated silence. My own version of a vow of silence, it may not be much but even just a couple of minutes of silence helps to recharge and reconnect.
What a wonderful plan :-)
Have you seen my Poem for Peace? I wrote that thinking of the importance of those quiet moments.
I haven’t read the poem for peace yet, sounds lovely I’ll be catching up on your blog today :-)
I’d love to get your feedback on it :-)
I’ve left feedback for you, I don’t know how helpful it will be because I just thought it was perfect and awesome :-) I think you’re very talented.
I love your feedback! Sharing poetry still feels a little strange, so to know that someone enjoys it is an absolute joy.
Thank you sooooo much! :-)
I like the idea that powerlessness can bring a sense of peace. Or a shift in routine can cause peaceful moments. Thanks.
Thanks Ian :-)
A shift in routine can definitely cause peaceful moments, and a chance to reflect.
Your quiet night in sounds blissful, and definitely worth repeating.
I’ve had a change of lifestyle forced upon me recently, and I can’t sit here so much as before. So I’m delving into my meditation and tarot more. I think you’re right, these things have their own rewards. It makes me wonder; are they somehow provided as not what we’d choose, but rather what we need?
Thanks for the mention as well.
I’ve only recently started regular meditation – on my new course we are given a meditation exercise at the beginning of each lecture. It’s not something I expected but it’s a great way to prepare for learning, and something I wish I’d thought of myself!
I really enjoyed your post :-)
Thank you, :) Meditation does still the mind, making it sharper and easier to work with. Highly recommended! The above is inspiring a new post on Cosmic Loti; it’s a subtly different angle on things which is worth thinking about.
Fab – I’ll look out for it :-)
there’s something so restful about not having electric lights and gadgets – and increasingly health advice about it too! I;m sure this was good for you in loads of ways. We try something similar now and then, and always feel better for it :-
I definitely think putting aside the tv and the computer one night a week will be beneficial! :-)
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Hi EJ, Thanks for stopping by and liking a post. I’ve been reading through your blog as I am a writer in progress, so it’s helpful to see what others go through during the creative process. Sandy
Hi Sandy – thank you for the pingback! I wanted to have a proper look at the blog but haven’t had a chance yet, so will be coming back to you.
My creative process is a bit random, but I hope you’ll find something useful on here…
EJ :-)
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