This week's advice for writers from Robert Boice is Rule No. 8: "Moderate attachments and reactions." Thus far we have considered moderating thoughts and emotions. This rule is about easing off blind needs for perfectionism
and its overidentification with our work... keeping some emotional and intellectual distance from our writing ... working patiently and tolerantly, with a sense of playfulness and humor... letting go to allow more openness to alternatives, even to criticism" (Advice for New Faculty, p. 177).
Whaaaaaat? (I might have heard you screaming.) This kind of mindfulness is about detaching from outcomes, so one can remain present and attentive to the work. The idea of 'detachment' is not about 'not caring' or being sloppy. It is about patience and self compassion. Robert Boice knows we are attached to our work because we long for acceptance, admiration, and declarations that we are brilliant (ibid). Why else do this tedious and demanding work?
Well, at the Writing Table, we are learning to resist these attachments to our longings, and we practice
returning with patience and thoughtfulness to our work each day. We laugh together at our struggles, and we keep going. In Boice's words, we "don't pressure [ourselves] to be perfect, just to be awake, clear seeing, compassionate, and insightful" (p. 178).
I look forward to writing with you this week!
Warmly,
Eileen
