The Blank Page

Welcome to week 2 of Writing Through Elul.

Elul insight: In ’60 Days’ Simon Jacobson gives us a framework for looking at the influences in our lives through the lens of the verse, “Leave your land, your birthplace, the home of your parents, and go to the land that I will show you” (G-d’s mission statement to Avraham) (p.16). “Home of your parents” represents parental influence which, R Jacobson says, “may be so subtle that we don’t even recognize it.”

PROMPT #2: Whether you are writing for the group or just notebooking,* feel free to read, share your thoughts and post your writing on the private blog (url to be announced later today). Take a few minutes to provide feedback for those who choose to write.

Do a Flash Memoir exercise: Follow these instructions to sketch a scene or memory of a family member. As much as possible, zero in on the concrete – your story.  Don’t try to analyze in accordance with the Elul insight, just write something that you remember – think who, what, when, where.

1. Take a moment to compose your thoughts.
2. Use a timer to write for five minutes.
3. Take a minute or two to reflect and write any observations or insights you may have.

*This is my alternate word for journaling – which to me sounds very official. A favorite notebook is great but just write – anywhere!