The Month of Letters

As I have continued to make active, non-school activities a priority, I have noticed a positive effect on myself--my thinking is clearer, my body feels better, and I'm less cranky.  A few days ago, I put down the queer theory I was reading, went upstairs, and cut out a skirt.  I then came back downstairs and picked my book back up--and my brain felt remarkably clearer!  It reminded me of the time I did the sitting/walking/sitting meditation practice at a Zen temple--45 minutes of sitting, 10 minutes of walking, followed by another 45 minutes of sitting.  After the walking break, when I returned to the cushion, it was as though clear water had been poured through my head--I *felt* (for lack of a better verb) so much clearer.  A bit into the second part of the sitting, I actually had an experience which, afterward, I could only describe as, "Wow, that must be that "emptiness" thing that everyone talks about!"

In that spirit, I've decided to commit to Mary Robinette Kowal's Month of Letters Challenge.  It may just be a notecard, but I think that sending something out every day is a good challenge to set myself.  I already write letters occasionally (I love pretty stationery and notecards)--this will be a good way to spread some happiness around.  It's such a rare surprise when something pleasing shows up in the mail that I'm not expecting.  I used to be such a letter-writer.  All through high school and college, I kept up correspondences with friends from camp and from places I used to live.  Though email is handy and immediate, I love the permanence of letters.  I have boxes in my closet of not only my correspondence, but that of Aunt Julie and Mamaw, too. I even have the telegram Aunt Julie received, announcing that I'd been born (and named after her).  Such tangible artifacts are important.

It will make me happy to send so many small bits of joy in the mail.  And I'm interested to see how committing each day to thinking of someone else--getting outside of my own head for a bit--effects me. 

Let me know if you want me to send you something!