Do you ever feel the need to disappear?
To drop away from public life,
from professional obligations,
and social interactions.
Even now, or maybe especially now
after the long days of isolation.
Maybe you’re tired of trying so hard
to lose those pandemic pounds.
to finish that writing project,
to put your life back together.
Maybe you dream of escaping
to the coast or the mountains
or some sanctuary space,
like a retreat center.
To be quiet.
To hear yourself think.
To find your way back home to yourself.
The need to disappear is real.
Trust it.
It’s your deep self talking.
Heed it.
If you can’t escape now,
if you can’t afford to travel to the beach
or the mountains or a retreat,
go the page.
Don’t think about work
Or your project or publishing.
Don’t try to accomplish anything.
Let yourself be.
Set your timer for twenty minutes
ten if that’s all you have.
Start with “Where I am,” or “One true thing,”
or no topic at all.
Tell the whole truth of this moment,
or whatever moment
needs your attention.
Write until you feel yourself disappear,
until the world falls away,
until you’re not thinking about your grocery list
or that annoying post on social media.
Write until you feel your body relax.
Until your heart rate steadies.
Write until you are gone.
True freedom is right here, on the page.
This is your summer vacation.
It’s an honor to walk this road alongside you.