You cannot step into the same river twice.

You cannot step into the same river twice.  

--Heraclitus 

 

I believe the river is a great way to think about how we approach art and writing and why we should engage in the practice of creativity every day.

Here you are, in this moment in time. You are feeling and thinking a certain way.  And, tomorrow, you will not be the same.  You will not be stepping into the exact same river.  This is because the river is constantly flowing and changing.  

                                                River on La Belle Farm
 

Today's creative prompt.  I would like you to take the sentence, "you cannot step into the same river twice" and write or paint it four times into your story.  Each time, should be a little bit (or a lot) different.

This exercise is less confusing than it sounds.  Let me guide you through it. 

You cannot step into the same river twice.

Using this as the first line, write or paint for three minutes.  Write fast.  Don't think and have fun!

Now, write tor paint this again, "You cannot step into the same river twice."  You have three minutes.  Don't think, have fun!

Again, take the sentence "You cannot step into the same river twice " and write or paint for three minutes.

 If the shadows (metaphorically or real) arrive at this point, that's a good thing.

Last time.  Write or paint from  "You cannot step into the same river twice."  Three minutes.  Finish.  That's it.

I bet you were surprised by the results.  You traveled into some interesting places.  Your river was high or low, cluttered with debris or crystal clear.  Whatever it was, it belongs to you.  Embrace it and honor it, because it's true, you cannot step into the same river twice.  Look at your work in a few days and you'll see that you captured a moment in time, and you will never be in that exact moment ever again.  

Aren't you glad you captured the moment?  Aren't you glad you made art of that moment?  

My advice, dear friends--step into the river every day.

Oh, and have fun.

Love, 

Jamie