First post as a university student

Hi y'all

I've been a bit quiet on Blogger of late.

There have been a lot of changes.  The most exciting one was getting a place on a Creative Writing BA at Birkbeck University.  The big change involved in that was needing to give up teaching one of my yoga classes.  That was tough and I'm still adjusting to it.  I miss teaching twice a week and my yoga class on a new night and at a new venue is in its infancy.

But the creative urge won through and I'm taking on a new identity as a student and creative writer.  That's the exciting part!  Also I'm learning a lot from my fellow students by their insight, creativity and courage.

I'm learning how far I've moved on and how much I don't know and beginning to get used to hearing myself say "I don't understand".  That was quite a big block but gradually I'm sure it will get smaller the more I chip away at it.  I'm learning to recycle my work - stuff I previously thought was complete, I can now review with a slight detachment and see how it can be reformatted and adjusted to something better.  So I'm growing.  And it feels good.

Just a couple of weeks ago I had a piece of writing approved to read at writLOUD which is an evening of readings of short stories, plays and poems at the RADA Bar in Malet Street just by Birkbeck and where a guest author is also invited.  I was chuffed that eight friends and fellow students turned up to support me.  During the interval I was amazed and delighted to be asked to read an extra poem that I'd submitted as the guest speaker, author Jonathan Kemp was delayed and I was on just before him.  I hadn't brought the extra poem with me so I challenged myself to remember it and write it out which I managed to do.  During the short story reading before me, I did some grounding breathing and rehearsed my poem in my head.  I was ready.

I got on stage and despite a bit of nervous laughter to begin with I relaxed and shared my 67 line poem 'Demons in the Dark' without even once looking at the sheets of paper I was holding in my hand like a security blanket.  I remembered to engage with the audience and make eye contact and felt as though I was meant to be there.

I salute my memory, all my supporters, friends, students and teachers.  Thank you.

As a result of these changes and growth, I realised I had too many blogs and decided to amalgamate 'moment by moment' and 'unearthing your creative self' with my 'Wordygirl' one.  So I will be sharing more on moments of wonder, creativity and poetry here.  Hope to see you again soon.

Narayani