Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Writing is to the mind what excercise is to the body.

SOL #5/31
 
“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” -Richard Steele
During our Readerly Life unit, I use this quote with my 4th graders. Analogies and metaphors can help students relate to reading. I compare reading to lifting weights. Our minds are not going to get strong if we only read “too-easy” books. Just like we aren’t going to build muscles, if we aren’t lifting heavy enough weights. We talk about varying our reading diet------just as we need to vary our eating diets. We can’t only eat chocolate and candy. Just like we can’t only read easy-breezy books. To help our bodies grow, we need to eat a variety of nutritious foods. To help our minds grow, we need to consume a variety of reading material.
 
As I take on this new blogging experience, I will substitute the word writing for reading in this quote.
Writing is to the mind what exercise is to the body.

The joy of writing, to me, is similar to “runner’s high” for a runner. After writing, I feel like I have accomplished something for the day and I am proud of myself. Just like I am sure it is fulfilling to leave the gym after a great workout.
My stamina for writing is greater than I gave myself credit for too. Of course, it’s nothing like a marathon runner or but I have surprised myself. I am able to ‘“run” farther than I ever thought possible. The words spill out of me that I am not expecting. What I thought would be a couple sentences turned into a three page, handwritten story. I am finding the ability to stretch a sentence or elaborate on a story into something more than my typical two-liner Facebook post.
I may not get firm toned muscles from this writing commitment, but I hope I am building and stretching and honing my craft in ways that will be just as personally rewarding.

5 comments:

  1. As a runner, I can very much relate to the "high" we get from exerting effort. I will have to work with that connection. thanks

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  2. I don't run but I definitely understand the "high" from writing and publishing a piece. It is addictive and completely satisfying. So....now I ask, why do I have nothing to say tonight?

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  3. I love the analogy of building muscles through reading and writing. Sounds like the writing is getting easier. When the end of the month comes, you will probably be sad. I know I always am!

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  4. Great analogy! I have experienced both, but never made the connection. Thanks!

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  5. Thanks for the inspiration. I am concurring the gym thing, which has taken me years to accomplish, so thanks for being an inspiration for me to start writing!

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