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Sam Messersmith's avatar

I love the collaboration vibe!

Lately for me I've been so resistant to writing in general. I just want to play video games so I've been doing that. But the guilt and shoulding is still creeping in. Thank you for the reminder to surrender and flow. Easier said than done for me sometimes

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Libby Walkup's avatar

It really, really is easier said than done. I've been practicing different phrases that I think might be effective. Like when I notice the shoulds and the resistance, saying to myself something like "yep. okay I see you there. It's cool. What do you need?" lol. I don't know. I'm playing with it. Spitballing with myself. :)

Also a dear friend is into Vernon Howard and he says something useful about this kind of thing: just give yourself permission to play as many video games as you want (or whatever the thing is) just be like hell yes let's do this. Indulge. No shame. No resistance. No shoulds. Dive in. Take pleasure. Savor. Feel cheeky about it.

Typically by the third day it starts to get boring or tapers out. Because there's no internal argument. I think Tara Brach did something similar with snacks at a weight loss camp. The more permission we give ourselves to just do/eat the thing we're craving, the interest/desire/need/craving wanes.

If that's useful at all. Play the video games! It's winter. They're fun. And stimulating! And you're allowed to enjoy yourself at every single turn. :D

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Sam Messersmith's avatar

Funny you mention that, I've been considering just diving all in without guilt or shame. It's hard and that sucks. I can only do a little self indulgence before I swing the other way on the pendulum and feel immense guilt.

I appreciate your comment very much. Thank you.

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Libby Walkup's avatar

I just keep saying to myself “I love watching tv! Oh this feels so good!” When the pendulum swings. lol. I get another hour before it swings again. 😇

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Sam Messersmith's avatar

Acknowledging the good feeling out loud sounds powerful. I'm gonna try that, thanks!

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Kara Westerman (she/her)'s avatar

I’m obsessed with stopping time too! Excited to find you. Subscribed.

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Libby Walkup's avatar

Hello! I love kindred spirits!! 🙏🙏

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Rebekah Joy's avatar

I've loved witnessing the natural flow of your process here. Poetry on Practice feels so lovely in my body. :) I'm looking forward to seeing what arrives in this space.

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Libby Walkup's avatar

I hope you’ll submit something. 🖤

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Hanna Keiner (she/her)'s avatar

Hello! The link to the about page doesn’t work for me… :) it’s like you knew this was going to happen!

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Libby Walkup's avatar

Fixed. It was the old URL!

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Libby Walkup's avatar

Weird! And lol. I’ll check it out. Thanks so much for letting me know.

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