Attention is the Beginning of Devotion

Essay Challenge So Far: "Stand them in the stream, head them upstream, rejoice as they learn to love this green space ... its sticks and leaves and then the silent, beautiful blossoms." ~Mary Oliver

I’m so thrilled to be here, especially after reading this first challenge. So often writing “challenges” (to me) feel like one more task to get done, but reading today’s prompt reminded me of the playful joy of “doing language.” Thank you, Jeannine. And everyone participating.

Yesterday I launched the second ever Writing in the Dark seasonal intensive—The Essay in 12 Steps Challenge—and I could not be more humbled and enlivened by the response from participants. Friends, I am grateful, happy, satisfied, and inspired!

What made yesterday and today so delightful was the unprecedented participation in the comments section and chat. With 100 (and counting) comments on the Week 1 prompt, it feels like this space is becoming what I have always hoped and dreamed it might become—a truly collaborative virtual community for writers to learn, share, and grow together. I am grateful for the generous engagement from participating writers and I am greatly enjoying the chance to get to know each of yo…