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Minimalist, Collector, Hoarder: What Do You Collect and What Do You Reject? [Writing Yoga® Creativity Matrix Prompt #6]
Apr 14, 2025My mother collected bells. They were displayed on a wooden shelf with a mirror behind them. The collection didn't need a mirror: there were plenty of brass, glass, and porcelain ringers without a reflection. My mother wasn't a hoarder, but she did like her stuff. Lots of people love stuff. My reaction to an upbringing filled with bell, salt and pepper shakers, and throw pillow collections is to be a minimalist.
Over time, I became more of a collector. If you are a writer, you are a collector of books, language, ideas, conversations, special pens and bad memories. I am okay with having things on my shelves these days.
Reflect on What you Collect
The word "collect" in the Writing Yoga® Creativity Matrix arrives at a time when you have done some work and its beneficial to take a pause.
Think of a creative project as a collection. Choose something important you have been working on in your craft or life. Look at it objectively. What stands out? What patterns appear? What meaning do you make? Has your original intention changed?
As you review your words, ask yourself what you see. Are there words or themes that repeat themselves? Do some words feel more connected to where you are now, while others seem tied to a past phase? The collection you've built can reveal what is still important and what might be ready to evolve.
This is a moment to pause and reflect on what your collected words can teach you. Do they shed light on something you need to explore further or help you recognize a direction you hadn’t expected to take? Trust the insights that have surfaced as they help shape your path forward.
Turning Reflection into Action When you Sit, Write & Move!
Sit
Find a quiet moment to sit comfortably. Set a calm sounding timer for 5 minutes. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Allow your mind to settle and your body to relax. Ask yourself: What does my collection want me to know?
Allow yourself to notice all thoughts and sensations that arise without judgment. Relax and breathe. Don't try to remember these observations. You will remember exactly what you need to know.
Write
Set a timer for 5 minutes and write freely about your thoughts and feelings after you had time to sit for a while. Next, write the answers to these questions:
What has my collection taught me? What needs further exploration or deeper attention? What;'s next on my journey. Don’t overthink it, just write.
Move
Take a walk and collect something from nature! There are so many amazing flowers out right now and if you have permission to pick some, go for it. If not, take a picture; it lasts longer. You can also collect pretty twigs, rocks or shells. Up to you whether you want to keep what you collect.
As you walk, enjoy having an intention. So, are you a minimalist, collector or hoarder? Sometimes we can be all three.
Next week, we’ll explore the word "shift," diving into where you may need to pivot.
For more activities and resources, please go to www.WritingYoga.com
Thank you for helping to make the world a calmer, more creative and compassionate place!
