Lesson: Observing Moments
Pay Attention
In this lesson, you’ll observe a natural place for a short time, writing several capsule descriptions that emphasize specific details.
Why Personal Storytelling Matters
“Nothing’s worth noting that is not seen with fresh eyes. You will find in my notebook random observations from along the road, experiences and images that linger in heart and mind – a secluded house in the mountains, a lonely inn on a moor.”
— Matsuo Bashō[1]
OBSERVING MOMENTS
At a Glance
Introduction – read first
Lesson Steps — do them in order
- Dream First: Natural Place
- Write Fast: Capsule Description
- Vision Share: Haiku Pictures
- Think Again: Where and When?
Stretch Activities
Main Tools
- Self-awareness
- An Eye for Details
- Active Response
- Questioning
Main Takeaways
- Explore who you are and how you view the world.
- Express yourself more effectively and authentically.
- Discover your creative flow for generating new work.
- Document your journey as a writer.
- Extend your stories beyond words with multimedia.
Self-Evaluation – finish here
- From "The Knapsack's Notebook" in The Essential Bashō by Matsuo Bashō, translated from the Japanese by Sam Hamill (Shambhala Publications, 1998). ↵