Corpse (Or Relaxation) Pose for Revision
STEPS
Clear your desk or writing area of any signs
of the project (including pens, pencils, Post-Its, notebooks, review letters,
feedback).
Divide the draft into its paragraphs.
Place each paragraph on separate screens or print out onto
separate pieces of paper. Move in reverse order, putting
the chunk closest to the end of the draft (the feet) on the first screen or
sheet of paper, followed by a subsequent paragraph on the next screen, until
the very last screen or page of paper holds the opening (the head) of this draft.
Watching your in and out breath, turn your attention to the
"feet" of the draft--only the feet.
Put all of your attention on this section: reread it. Scan it up and down for any sort of tension that arises. Where are you frustrated, irritated, worried, or any other emotion? Don't try to fight off these emotions: simply observe them with a detached mind. Scan also for images, associations, and new ideas that arise from your mindfully watching the feet of the draft. Capture your thoughts in a 1-2 minute freewrite.
After a few minutes, release this part of the draft. Release the feet: let it sink back down onto the floor (if a sheet or paper) or into the computer (close the screen). Let go of everything concerning that section.
Put all of your attention on this section: reread it. Scan it up and down for any sort of tension that arises. Where are you frustrated, irritated, worried, or any other emotion? Don't try to fight off these emotions: simply observe them with a detached mind. Scan also for images, associations, and new ideas that arise from your mindfully watching the feet of the draft. Capture your thoughts in a 1-2 minute freewrite.
After a few minutes, release this part of the draft. Release the feet: let it sink back down onto the floor (if a sheet or paper) or into the computer (close the screen). Let go of everything concerning that section.
Watching your in and out breath, turn your attention now to
the "calves and thighs" of the draft--only this section.
Put all of your attention on this section: reread it. Scan it up and down for any sort of tension that arises. Where are you frustrated, irritated, worried, or any other emotion? Again, don't try to fight off these emotions: simply observe them with a detached mind. Scan also for images, associations, and new ideas that arise from your mindfully watching the legs of the draft. Capture your thoughts in a 1-2 minute freewrite.
After a few minutes, release this part of the draft. Release the legs: let them sink back down onto the floor (if a sheet or paper) or into the computer (close the screen). Let go of everything concerning that section.
Put all of your attention on this section: reread it. Scan it up and down for any sort of tension that arises. Where are you frustrated, irritated, worried, or any other emotion? Again, don't try to fight off these emotions: simply observe them with a detached mind. Scan also for images, associations, and new ideas that arise from your mindfully watching the legs of the draft. Capture your thoughts in a 1-2 minute freewrite.
After a few minutes, release this part of the draft. Release the legs: let them sink back down onto the floor (if a sheet or paper) or into the computer (close the screen). Let go of everything concerning that section.
Move now to the "pelvic area" and
"belly" of the draft. Repeat the same steps as above. Then
let go of everything concerning those sections. Capture your thoughts in a 1-2 minute freewrite.
Move to the "torso" or "chest" area of
the draft. Repeat the same steps and then let go of everything
concerning that section. Capture your
thoughts in a 1-2 minute freewrite.
Move to the "arms" and "hands" of the draft. Repeat
the steps and then let go of everything concerning those sections. Capture your thoughts in a 1-2 minute
freewrite.
Move to the "shoulders" and "neck" of
the draft. Repeat the steps and then let go of everything
concerning those sections. Capture your
thoughts in a 1-2 minute freewrite.
Move to the "face" of the draft, observing even
the finest strain of mental-musculature tension. Because
this is the face, it is what the world sees most about our writing: it is the
most noticeable part of our draft. The beginning of the draft thus can contain
the most complicated of stresses, built up over time. Repeat the steps and then
let go. Capture your thoughts in a 1-2
minute freewrite.
Last of all, move to the "crown" of the draft, the
space above the first section, where a title lies or might reside one
day. Capture
your thoughts in a 1-2 minute freewrite.
By now the rest of the draft is relaxed. You are probably relaxed. Spend a few moments in this state. If possible, have a writing companion or friend immediately ask you a question about your draft or writing experience. In this relaxed state, so close to the floor, so close to the unconscious, you may find insights and ideas not possible with a strained, tight mind.
By now the rest of the draft is relaxed. You are probably relaxed. Spend a few moments in this state. If possible, have a writing companion or friend immediately ask you a question about your draft or writing experience. In this relaxed state, so close to the floor, so close to the unconscious, you may find insights and ideas not possible with a strained, tight mind.
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