Stop. Breathe. Look. Listen.

Stop. Breathe. Look. Listen.

I have a spot by my office window. Right now, in early April, it’s flooded with natural light. It’s the spot where I often choose to sit for careful thought, to focus my attention on something important.

I equip this spot with a chair, a drawing pad, and a fountain pen — so that on some days, I can indulge myself with ten minutes to sketch something from the view.

Other days, I will give myself time in my spot to read over a line from my latest poem in progress, occasionally getting rewarded with some inspired words or images.

I gave myself this spot after realizing that a regular practice of controlled breathing allows my brain to settle down, and make a difference in how I feel.

Just noticing my breath, just looking out the window, just seeing if words come. You might try it right now. Stop. Breathe. Look. Listen. Give yourself a spot for ten minutes. What do you have to lose?