Walking inspires your writing because it liberates our heads from our daily ‘mind forg’d manacles’ as Blake would say! We get into ‘flow’ and words and ideas become loosened up from our over-thinking…our curiosity is restored!
English Tuition can help you with the practicalities of writing and offer support. English Tuition can give you space to ask questions and to learn how to develop your ideas. Indeed perhaps the best thing about English tuition is the way it can encourage you to ask questions and to value the quality of your own questions.
But a lovely walk can inspire ideas as walking is a natural form of Creative tuition! If you are revising, or feel ‘blocked’ in any way, then the fresh air rejuvenates your mind and literally can take you outside of yourself.
Like a form of ‘free writing’ with the feet!
This Creative tuition through walking works because the rhythm of walking liberates you from your over busy head/mind and brings in fresh perspectives. You can try out ideas as you walk and discarding or enjoying them becomes spontaneous and easeful….
Each step ‘tries’ out different thoughts and the physical awareness supplants over-thinking naturally.
I climbed up to Peel Tower the other weekend and was buzzing with ideas despite the wintry hail. Creative exertion feeds the imagination which can grow stagnant in our daily lives.
The following ‘scene’ just appeared because the walk reminded me of Hardy, Lawrence and even Chatwin…you can’t beat a bit of tension around the family table! And an interloper is always a catalyst to change! Think Inspector Calls, Of Mice and Men…Miller’s View from the Bridge!
‘Look up my girl. Keep your eyes steady and clear. Be proud, not cowed. ‘Said Grandfather.
Tabitha watched her grandfather’s mouth as he chewed his meat. Gravy and fat. Her plate was empty. Clean. She liked animals. ‘Why did Aunty Caroline go away?’
Grandmother slowly removed the plates without answering. Grandfather lit a cigarette and watched his granddaughter through the smoke.
‘You should eat more’ he said.
‘I know she was beautiful’ continued Tabitha.’ But where has her photograph gone?’
No one spoke. The room did look empty, as if a clearance sale had taken place. A long table remained and they were eating at it.
‘Go on outside and check on your brother’ said her grandmother.
Tabitha remained in her chair.
‘Stop mithering woman. Callum’s a capable lad.’ Said her grandfather.
‘I worry about Callum. He’s small for his age Daniel. Quiet mostly.’
‘I’m not quiet am I?’ Tabitha stared at them both. She waited. Grandmother broke the silence.
‘Aunt Caroline read too much. Too many ideas about …daft things. She got restless .She left. ‘
‘Daft things! Worse than daft Gertrude. All that bloody time at the tower too. I know she was meeting someone. Why be so secretive if you don’t have something-someone to hide eh?’
‘Strange place to meet anyone Daniel. Wild up there. She always liked to dress up. ‘ Said Getrude touching her own grey hair.
‘Thoughts above her station since she did that course and met that Sydney creature.’ Granddad examined his cigarette.
The name hung in the air. Tabitha mentally painted the letters in her head ‘SYDNEY ‘
Gertrude placed her hands on Tabitha’s shoulders. Tabitha felt their weight. She touched her grandmother’s left hand.
‘I like Sydney. She draws clouds as if they are alive.’ Said Tabitha. ‘When is she visiting again?’
Grandfather lit another cigarette, this time with the old one. He looked reflective, as if in pain.
‘Dresses too proud that woman. Messy on the eye. Like oil paint everywhere. ‘
‘Not oil paint Daniel. I think….she is unusual … ‘said his wife.
Her husband glanced at her but said nothing.
‘You used to like her Granddad.’ Tabitha reminded him. She took you to the exhibition last year. We didn’t even know you liked pictures.’
‘He doesn’t’ said Gertrude. He just liked Sydney’s ways. We all did. ‘Grandfather shifted in his chair.
Tabitha watched her grandparents waiting again. But then she reminded them, ‘Sydney looked at everything differently didn’t she? Sometimes I find I am using a word and wonder where it came through and then I remember.’
‘Stick to your own words girl Why do you need to borrow new ones? You are here, at home- not some bloody college in London.’
‘Propinquity’ said Tabitha ignoring him laughed. ‘She gave me that word. I wonder which word she gave Caroline.’
Peel Tower
