As a writer you need to be constantly on alert. If you’re not, you’re missing out on a whole world of information and inspiration.
On a recent trip to New York City, I saw and experienced a magnificent city through the eyes of a writer.
What does that mean?
Well, first and foremost I tried to pay attention with all my senses.
The sights are of course amazing and there’s always so much so see.
One day my niece and I sat in Washington Park and played a quiet game of “what’s their story”. This entails watching a person from a distance and then putting a story to their actions.
For example, a couple of young women sat cross-legged, facing each other talking. They were both in their early 20’s and their gestures and facial expressions told a story.
As one twirled her hair, the other tossed her head back and laughed a hearty open-mouthed laugh. They’d lean in, they’d look away… we both felt that they were a newly dating couple who were soon moving to the next level.
We, of course, have no idea whether or not we’re right but it was fun.
Inspiration is around you all the time.
Ask yourself what a person sitting alone on a park bench is thinking. Who are their parents? Is he married? Happy? How is he dressed? So many things to study and think about. Then shift and consider the vendor at the truck down the street… What did he do last night? did he go home and drink beer? maybe he went to church? or perhaps he cried himself to sleep.
Look at the faces. What is etched into the lines, the lips, and the eyes of that stranger. Glance at their hands. How scuffed are their shoes? Maybe you notice a tan line where a ring used to be…what happened?
Watch this video of me in Washington Park in New York City.
It’s weird because I’ll never see any of these people ever again. They’re strangers and will continue to be but for a moment we shared a space, a laugh, and a wave.
You don’t ever need to be without inspiration if you open your eyes and heart as it is right in front of you.
There’s no need to talk to anyone unless it’s something you want to do. Just enjoy.
(lol…and I’m not talking about the weed being the inspriarton)!
