hi. i’m dara.

I’ve promised myself that I will write for 15 minutes (outside of my journal, that doesn’t count) anytime I’m feeling a nagging thought. So here I am. I’ve reread my old blog posts and tons and tons of drafts I was too shy and self-critical to ever publish. Well, I’ll be posting those here.

The art of writing comes from transmuting the mind’s world into physical. It brings life form to the abstract realm we all create inside. My realm really gets hold of me, and it’s hard to break free. But it’s time for me to live outside of my mind and use my words to create meaningful change, however they reach others.

For now, I’ll plan to publish as much thought as I can get out into a 15-minute window, even if I have to publish too soon. The practice of doing something to do it and not for the outcome is discussed in Paulo Coehlo’s “The Witch of Portobello”. The more we can dance, sing, knit, cook, bake, live (etc) in a way that is imperfect, the more we’ll perceive creative possibilities and grow. And while I’m not actively looking to grow currently (I’ve done enough, g-d-dammit), I am always seeking perceptions beyond my own. There’s so much to learn!

I’ve taken up breathwork, and feel there are some similarities with writing. You breathe in, you breathe out, and over the course of a few minutes, you’ve transformed one form of energy into another. You’ve released (maybe not physically, but in some way), that which is not serving you. They say the same happens with writing (by they, I refer to my therapist and life coach). You transform words and thoughts into stories and ideals that release thoughts into the world. It’s the writer’s responsibility to “be impeccable with [their] word” - per Don Miguel Ruiz. We must ensure that words are used to support others, and are not used to hurt.

Anywho. I think what you can expect from this blog is some raw, rambly, relatable content. Who knows if I’ll ever share with the world, but for now, I’m happy my thoughts have a place to go. Too-da-loo.