We all know the power of the spoken word, but have you given much thought to the power of the written word? For some, the urge to write is as natural as breathing, while others would rather do ANYTHING else. If you’ve ever tried to write, then you know emotions that range from pure, pulling-your-hair-out frustration to unparalleled satisfaction and joy. If you’re a reader, then you know the magical emotions evoked by written words as you’ve connected with an author or carefully crafted characters that can become as dear as family.

My two guests today are founders of The Inky Path, a writing and creativity community. It’s a supportive and cozy online space where writers–and those deeply in love with writing–can gather to develop and deepen their writing practice and connect with other creative souls. Jena Schwartz is a poet, writer, and writing group facilitator. Her cohort is Cigdem Kobu, a writer, awarded literary translator, digital publisher, and teacher. Let’s discover more about the wonderful world of writing with these two!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Creativity has its challenges, such as being overwhelmed by too many ideas and the “paralysis of perfection.”
• Another BIG challenge is realizing that creativity can be woven into every part of your day.
• Cigdem has learned to give herself permission to make mistakes.
• Jena promotes creativity in her “real life” by writing poems on her phone at scattered moments throughout her busy day as a mother.
• Another obstacle to writing is vulnerability. Our writers explain how to handle this fear.
• Writing, even if it’s private journal-writing, is a way of learning about and “locating” yourself.
• Many have a fear of writing because there is resistance to the stillness that it brings.
• How do I START writing? 
• • Cigdem suggests using a notebook and pen and “letting it flow.”
  • Jena suggests setting a timer, choosing a point of entry, and writing without editing.
• Telling our stories maps our lives and gives witness and words to our lives.
• Telling our stories affirms our humanity and has healing potential in our world.
• Jena explains that writing is a solitary act that can connect people with compassion, community, safety, and support.
• Cigdem is a self-described “introvert who craves community,” but finds enrichment and fulfillment in her writing community.
• Also in this episode, as part of Alana’s Guide to Magical Living, we meet Bethany Tran, the CEO and Chief Designer at The Root Collective. They are a Certified B Corporation offering handmade shoes that change lives in poor villages in Guatemala. Find their website in our Resources section below!

Resources:

http://www.inkypath.com (Find writing prompts, classes, writers’ community, courses,  an upcoming online magazine, and MORE!)

http://www.jenaschwartz.com

http://www.peacefultriumphs.com

http://www.therootcollective.com (Find the free e-book, Your Ethical Journey: Seven Steps to Changing Lives with your Purchases.)

We all know the power of the spoken word, but have you given much thought to the power of the written word? For some, the urge to write is as natural as breathing, while others would rather do ANYTHING else. If you’ve ever tried to write, then you know emotions that range from pure, pulling-your-hair-out frustration to unparalleled satisfaction and joy. If you’re a reader, then you know the magical emotions evoked by written words as you’ve connected with an author or carefully crafted characters that can become as dear as family.

My two guests today are founders of The Inky Path, a writing and creativity community. It’s a supportive and cozy online space where writers–and those deeply in love with writing–can gather to develop and deepen their writing practice and connect with other creative souls. Jena Schwartz is a poet, writer, and writing group facilitator. Her cohort is Cigdem Kobu, a writer, awarded literary translator, digital publisher, and teacher. Let’s discover more about the wonderful world of writing with these two!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Creativity has its challenges, such as being overwhelmed by too many ideas and the “paralysis of perfection.”
• Another BIG challenge is realizing that creativity can be woven into every part of your day.
• Cigdem has learned to give herself permission to make mistakes.
• Jena promotes creativity in her “real life” by writing poems on her phone at scattered moments throughout her busy day as a mother.
• Another obstacle to writing is vulnerability. Our writers explain how to handle this fear.
• Writing, even if it’s private journal-writing, is a way of learning about and “locating” yourself.
• Many have a fear of writing because there is resistance to the stillness that it brings.
• How do I START writing?
• • Cigdem suggests using a notebook and pen and “letting it flow.”
  • Jena suggests setting a timer, choosing a point of entry, and writing without editing.
• Telling our stories maps our lives and gives witness and words to our lives.
• Telling our stories affirms our humanity and has healing potential in our world.
• Jena explains that writing is a solitary act that can connect people with compassion, community, safety, and support.
• Cigdem is a self-described “introvert who craves community,” but finds enrichment and fulfillment in her writing community.
• Also in this episode, as part of Alana’s Guide to Magical Living, we meet Bethany Tran, the CEO and Chief Designer at The Root Collective. They are a Certified B Corporation offering handmade shoes that change lives in poor villages in Guatemala. Find their website in our Resources section below!

Resources:

http://www.inkypath.com (Find writing prompts, classes, writers’ community, courses,  an upcoming online magazine, and MORE!)

http://www.jenaschwartz.com

http://www.peacefultriumphs.com

http://www.therootcollective.com (Find the free e-book, Your Ethical Journey: Seven Steps to Changing Lives with your Purchases.)

Do you ever find yourself feeling uneasy about your life? The farther we get from our values, the more we feel “off”. We may even find ourselves threatened by others who are living in alignment with their values. If you aren’t living in alignment with your values, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate. Don’t judge yourself and beat yourself up about it. Let’s find ways to move a bit closer to living according to your values.

Debbie Rosas is the founder and co-creator of Nia. Dedicated lifelong to self-healing and self-mastery, Debbie has been a pioneer in the body-mind fitness industry since 1976. Credited with establishing the mind-body fitness category, she is a leading fitness innovator, teacher, author, choreographer, performer, healer, and artist whose work greatly influences the lives of thousands of women and men worldwide.

You can learn more about Debbie and the Nia Technique at http://www.nianow.com

Also on the show, Ashton Sabo of Sivana Spirit, an online store dedicated to helping people live with spirit. You can find them online at http://www.sivanaspirit.com. Ashton is also the host of the Sivana Podcast, to spread their mission far and wide.