Witing - Cognitive Shuffle

 Cognitive shuffle sounds like a ballroom dance for those with two left feet. However, it is so much more and has nothing to do with dancing. 

In fact, it is not really to do with writing, but rather health. The concept is intended to aid those who struggle to get to sleep. It just seemed to me that the exercise freed the mind to explore and therefore lent itself to the writing mind. 

The idea behind the exercise is to quieten the busy mind and allow it to rest and go to sleep by considering things unrelated to the normal passage of a busy day. 

In short, instead of going over the events of the day and other sources of stress when we lie down to sleep, it is suggested that we think of a word that is unrelated to the day's events, and then to consider each letter of that word and create articles then picture them in your mind. Do that for each letter. I have never gone beyond the second letter. 

Example 

Word: brave - b = bicycle

                        r = radio 

                        a = arches 

                        v = veal 

                         e = eagle 

The above is my set of words and I've no doubt you all have a different set. As far as possible you should avoid examples that are too closely linked to your own experiences. 

It is my contention that the strategy would help the blocked writer and the writer who needs some suggestions to facilitate their work. 

There is no harm in trying the strategy - the worst that can happen is that you might drop off. 

God Bless