While the idea of using yoga to reach a deeper level in our writing
seems natural to someone who gets to the mat every day, that idea seems a
little wacky to "regular writers".
The first line of Jeff Davis's introduction immediately sets us at
ease. "This book is not about purity. If you smoke Marlboros, drink Jack
Daniels, and cuss like my great grandmother Mudder, that's your business."
In the second edition of his book, "Journey
from the Center to the Page", Davis integrates his own book with the
yoga poses. Initially, he wanted the book to be perceived as a writing
book, not a yoga book. For this reason, the first edition tucks all of the
pose definitions, illustrations and exercises in an appendix.
The second edition has been revised, updated, and most importantly,
reorganized to become a simple how-to manual for the writer seeking to
gain depth in his or her own work. It is a yoga book, and it
is a writing book.
Yoga as Muse: A Matter of Trust
The popularity of yoga in mainstream western culture is not by
accident. We are over-stimulated and disconnected from the innate wisdom
that rests deep within our own bodies. We crave relaxation, connection,
and integration.
The concept of integrating a yoga practice with a regular writing
practice seems odd at first. But consider the gut level of instinct, the
bravery and heart it takes to write an authentic piece. We must first
reconnect with those visceral places of knowledge in order to write from
them.
This book is about writers trusting their own inner wisdom to be able
to say what needs to be said.
In a way, it is also about finding a guide to your writing who you can
trust as much as you trust a yoga teacher. Davis is gentle, compassionate
and kind. His personal anecdotes and real-world examples make this guide
accessible and a pleasure to read.
The Second Edition: Seamless
Perhaps the increasing acceptance of yoga in mainstream culture
prompted the revision and republication of this ground-breaking book.
Davis has to spend far less time and effort convincing writers that yoga
can help them feel more centered and grounded, that they don't have to be
unhealthy to successfully write.
The major revisions in the second edition include:
- Instead of piecing routines together on our own, Davis offers his
own "Writers Concentration Sequence" - a series of simple
movements that are simple enough for most levels of yogis to understand
and follow that includes strength-building poses, balancing poses,
heart-opening back-beds and
pranayama exercises.
- Four New Chapters appear in the second edition, including notes for
advanced practitioners of yoga, for teachers of writing, and for artists
from other discipline who would like to integrate yoga into their own
practices. Painters and musicians alike attend Jeff Davis's Yoga as Muse
workshops.
- Reorganized chapter flow - to keep you writing from start to finish.
Davis begins with what he calls "The Four Preparations" necessary for
beginning a regular practice. Then he delves into drafting and
encourages his readers "to get lost" in the process. He follows the
writing process through places we get stuck straight through to editing
and revising our own work.
For those seeking for a way to listen to their own truth and to speak
with that deepest voice, Jeff Davis's "Journey from the Center to the
Page" is an invaluable tool.
Writing in Downward Dog
Many of us -- perhaps most -- wouldn’t think to lump yoga and
creative writing together. For Jeff Davis
,
the connection came somewhat naturally when, as a writing teacher,
he found himself pushed to his physical and emotional limits.
According to Davis, he added a very basic yoga regime into his day
to help him deal with the physical stresses of his work. To his
surprise, regular yoga practice helped release his muse which led
(more or less directly and perhaps not so startlingly, since this is
a writing teacher) to him writing a book to help others get to the
yoga writing special place in the same way he had.
Now revised and expanded, Davis’
The Journey from the Center to the Page: Yoga Philosophies and
Practices as Muse for Authentic Writing (Monkfish
Publishing) is intended to help writers “forge a deeper connection
with their muse through the use of simple yoga practices,” and other
cool stuff. From the publisher:
Through the processes Davis suggests, writers gain the
authentic insights needed to deepen their concentration, increase
their self-discipline and bring new life to their writing. At once
inspirational and instructional, The Journey from the Center to
the Page artfully illustrates how yoga philosophies and practices
can be an invaluable ally to the writing life.
If you’re already stuck in downward dog, this might be one to
check out.
Labels:
non-fiction
