Suzanne Alyssa Andrew's Blog: The PROCESS blog, page 2
June 12, 2024
Episode 3: Luxuriate In The Imaginary Mind Spa
It’s extra hard to write when burned out and anxious. Discover an effective way to relax into your imagination so you can create with more ease. Be sure to stick around until the end for a very special imagination activation designed to help you escape from your pressure cooker of stress and into a delightful imaginary mind spa.
Mindful writing begins with caring for your whole being: mind, body and spirit.
Find out more about The Sparkle Technique Course.
Why I published this episode
I'm so happy to share my favourite lesson from my course, The Sparkle Technique with you as a very special gift for listening. Relax and enjoy!
Where to listen
(I'm slowly adding the show to various podcast directories. Search for Stardust and Courage wherever you get your podcasts and see if it's there yet!)
Show notes
Follow the show on IG: @stardustandcourage
Hosted and produced by Suzanne Alyssa Andrew:
IG: @suzannealyssawriting
Music by Chris Andrew
Additional music by Jordan Andrew
Enjoy the show! It's made for you with love, stardust and courage.
Suzannexo
Note: you’re listening to a friend. This podcast is not therapy or medical advice. Please consult a psychotherapist, physician or other qualified professional and take care to do what’s best for you.
Episode 2: Weekend Writing For The Win!
This episode moves you from wanting to write to actually doing it. I share my best practical advice for taking consistent action towards your writing dreams. Then we do an easy and fun visualization to clear mental space so you can get curious, wake up your imagination, and tap into your vivid memory resources to write. See if this gentle advice and visualization combo nudges you out of procrastination and into motivation.
Go deeper! Get your free copy of my Make Time To Write Guide here.
Why I published this episode
I'm here to help make writing easier for you, and a big part of that is making sure you make time to write every week. A regular writing routine and a visualization like the one in this episode can help to blast away procrastination too.
Where to listen
(I'm slowly adding the show to various podcast directories. Search for Stardust and Courage wherever you get your podcasts and see if it's there yet!)
Show notes
Follow the show on IG: @stardustandcourage
Hosted and produced by Suzanne Alyssa Andrew:
IG: @suzannealyssawriting
Music by Chris Andrew
Enjoy the show! It's made for you with love, stardust and courage.
Suzannexo
Note: you’re listening to a friend. This podcast is not therapy or medical advice. Please consult a psychotherapist, physician or other qualified professional and take care to do what’s best for you.
Episode 1: Optimize Your Writing Brain
What happens when writers take care of their brains like musicians care for their instruments? It’s important because brain fog, anxiety and fatigue make writing harder! Find out ways to boost your brain power and make the best use of your writing time. Stick around until the end for a fun imagination activating guided practice.
Mindful writing begins with caring for your whole being: mind, body and spirit.
Why I published this episode
As a book coach I care about your whole being as a writer, not just what's on the page. I know how precious your writing time is and the tips in this episode show how to make the best use of every minute of it with your clearest thinking!
Where to listen
(I'm slowly adding the show to various podcast directories. Search for Stardust and Courage wherever you get your podcasts and see if it's there yet!)
Show notes
Follow the show on IG: @stardustandcourage
Hosted and produced by Suzanne Alyssa Andrew:
IG: @suzannealyssawriting
Music by Chris Andrew
Enjoy the show! It's made for you with love, stardust and courage.
Suzannexo
Note: you’re listening to a friend. This podcast is not therapy or medical advice. Please consult a psychotherapist, physician or other qualified professional and take care to do what’s best for you.
May 3, 2024
Why I'm Launching A Podcast
Have you ever felt like there’s something more or different you need to be doing? You might feel it in your body as an ache, hollow or longing. And no amount of massage therapy, food or socializing will satisfy. The more you avoid it the worse you feel. The only thing that helps is embracing the thing—maybe it’s writing a book, joining a band, learning to paint, traveling the world or something else. When you tune in and listen to your heart you always know what’s calling you.
My favourite review of my first novel called it audacious, which I LOVED! Audacity is the boldness I’ve always aspired to, even as a quiet introvert. But lately anxiety’s been holding me back.
In life we often cycle between expansion and contraction, and after languishing in an extra long post pandemic anxiety slump I’m finally reaching for something new.
It’s taken some magical stardust to see my way out of the safe little box I parked myself in when the world locked down, and a great deal of courage to change.
Now I’m excited to share with you that very soon I’m launching a podcast for writers like you.
Stardust and Courage is the podcast where we use writing, curiosity and imagination to see beyond challenges and make life more meaningful. It’s mindful writing to go deeper, grow and imagine, and it’s launching on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube at the end of May/early June. Listen to the trailer.
It’s something I’ve been working on for months! I was in podcast school learning tech from January through March, then I got gear, worked on branding and redesigned my website in April. I’ve also spent two weeks rehearsing because I knew my earliest efforts were going to be a hot mess. (Hot tip: when filming, look at the green light NOT your own face, or your eyes will look weird!)
I’m still learning, and waiting for a new tripod to arrive (so much gear!), but every time I’m in my studio rehearsing, a little more anxiety releases. It’s FUN to be a journalist again in a new medium, and I adore teaching and sharing what I’ve learned.
When you do the thing you need to be doing your heart sings.
Listen to the Stardust and Courage trailer.
With stardust and courage,
Suzannexo
PS: The podcast is an extension of my teaching and coaching. I still have a few summer coaching spots available if you join the wait list now.
PPS: Want to be a special part of the Stardust and Courage podcast? Donate to my production fund. I’m saving up for a better camera.
January 23, 2024
How To Calm Your Anxiety So You Can Write
Sensitivity is a superpower for many writers and creative people. Our empathy and ability to unpack big, complex emotions enables us to write stories and make art. But at the same time this can make us lightning rods for the anxieties of the world—especially in turbulent times. And that’s overwhelming.
I created my course, ,The Sparkle Technique: A Glow Up For Your Mind And Spirit, because I wanted to share everything I’ve learned about healing from burnout, chronic stress and anxiety.
Since launching a month ago the course has helped 400+ students from around the world (and counting!), and earned multiple five-star reviews.
Turns out visiting an imaginary luxury spa to rest and rediscover their sparkle is exactly what a lot of people need right now. How about you?
The Sparkle Technique benefits FAQs
Dear Suzanne, my writing project is stalled and lacklustre. How can I get unstuck?
One of the foundational concepts of the course is Julia Cameron’s “refilling the well” from her book The Artist’s Way. The course is designed to spark your imagination.
Dear Suzanne, ever since the pandemic I’ve been so anxious, and not at all creative. How can I feel more myself again?
The course reconnects you with your inner resource of calm as part of the practice. I’ve had anxiety too and healing is a process. In the course I share what helped me.
Dear Suzanne, I’m burned out, stressed and I feel blah. Help!
Like a spa, the course will refuel and rejuvenate you with quiet moments of rest and inspiring reflection to help you begin to sparkle again.
Dear Suzanne, I’m worried what I’m working on will fail, or I won’t finish. How can I relax?
Sustained enthusiasm thrives on energy and novelty. The course can give you a fresh perspective and a big dose of self-compassion to boost your confidence and see your project through.
Dear Suzanne, I’m heartbroken and my grief and disappointment seems endless. Will I ever write, dance or create again?
It’s vital to feel all your feelings to their depths AND let them move through you. The course can begin to help you feel a sense of flow again.
Dear Suzanne, my inner critic won’t shut up! What’ll reassure me?
The course shows you your inner gems and reminds you you’re here to shine. Each lesson includes positive affirmations to help quiet your inner critic.
Dear Suzanne, I feel alright and my writing is going okay, is this all I can hope for?
As Gabrielle Bernstein says, it’s good to feel good! Let’s see if the course helps you shine brighter and open up to noticing more of what’s good and even wonderful around you.
Dear Suzanne, will The Sparkle Technique help me find love?
When we practice sparkling from the inside out we’re naturally more attractive, so maybe? The course also reminds us love is already always here, within. Sometimes love is more of a remembering than an external discovery. See what the course sparks within you!
Reviews
5/5 stars “Really lovely, loved the visualizations and the rhythm of going through the doors past the chandelier every day to get into the practice. Will definitely revisit!” Alan, an Insight Timer member
5/5 stars “This was such an amazing course. I never wanted to leave. What a beautiful journey. I will be taking it again and again.” Robin, in Maryland
5/5 stars “Loved the meditation classes and the different rooms. Very relaxing and peaceful exercises. Will be returning to the spa often.” Anne in the UK
How to access the course in three easy steps:
1. ,Download the Insight Timer app or access it on your desktop here.
2. If you DON’T have Member Plus sign up. If you DO have Member Plus the course is already available to you.
3. Search for “Suzanne Alyssa Andrew” or “The Sparkle Technique” and begin. Be sure to add it to your favourites!
I hope you sparkle with me!
Suzannexo
December 12, 2023
Introducing The Sparkle Technique Course
The Sparkle Technique is a glow up for your mind and spirit
This audio course experience takes you to an imaginary spa where each lesson is in a different beautiful and inspiring room in your mind’s eye. There are seven rooms to reflect and practice in, and at the end I’ll show you how to design your very own sparkle suite where you can sparkle all the time.
This course is a luxurious glow up for your mind and spirit. Come join me on this quiet adventure. We’ll use creative visualization to help restore your energy, light and vitality so you can start glowing again from the inside out.
Here are the mind spa rooms you’ll visit in your imagination during the course:
The Quiet Tree Room
The Warm Pebble Pool
The Meadow
The Jewel Room
The Glass Elevator
The Crystal Room
The Sunrise Salon
Your very own Sparkle Suite
Take the course now on Insight Timer it's just $78.99 and that gives you access to the entire Insight Timer library for a full year! (Or pay $13.49/month.)
You can do the whole eight-day course with just 15-minutes a day over the holidays and feel re-energized to write in January! Gift your writing with this valuable refresh!
What students are saying (amazing feedback already as the course went live a day ago from when I'm writing this!):
“Thank you Suzanne, for providing this brilliant opportunity to get my Glow On to sparkle & thrive! Blessings & gratitude to you for creating this course & having it appear at the perfect time.” LoriAnne, in Australia
“I just completed lesson 1. This is exactly what I needed. Thank you. My heart feels the most calm and still when I am hiking, birdwatching, and forest bathing. I have been my father's caretaker for the last 4 years. I have definitely lost touch with those things that have always helped me remain grounded and present. This lesson reminded me that even though I may not be physically with the trees, they are still there. I just need to close my eyes. Like a rainy day, when the clouds fill the sky, the sun is still there even if it can't be seen. Thank you. I look forward to lesson 2.” Lauren, in Boston
I hope you sparkle with me! Take the course now on Insight Timer
With glitter and glow,
Suzannexo
September 29, 2023
Affirmations
I used to think affirmations were silly. It didn’t help that they’re often a punchline in movies and TV (why do screenwriters make fun of characters trying to believe in themselves? Because of their own insecurities?). But then I noticed whenever I took a course I adored the support and encouragement the most. The world’s top CEOs pay top dollar for the same thing and call it executive coaching!
I LOVE encouraging writers and creatives in my roles as a book coach and instructor. AND part of what I’m here for is to empower you. We don’t always have to outsource feeling good (or at least better) about our writing and ourselves. Affirmations give us instant access to encouragement when we need it most.
Why affirmations are effective writing motivators:
Researchers like Kristen Neff have proven in studies that compassion is far more motivating than harsh criticism. When we repeat positive “I” statements in affirmations we practice self-compassion, flex our self-confidence and build trust in ourselves. That means affirmations aren’t cheesy or empty words! They’re reprogramming our brains for better outcomes.
Want to hear some? Download my new Writing Affirmations Bundle!
My most popular guided writing meditations tracks on Insight Timer are always affirmations. I bundled up the best ones and made them available on my website to give you forever access to five affirmations MP3s I wrote and produced. Try them and see if they help you write with more ease and courage.
,Listen to samples and download them here.
The key to using affirmations effectively is to find statements and phrases that resonate for you. I hope my Writing Affirmations Bundle helps you find a few lines that light you up and can help lead you forward.
With effusive encouragement,
Suzannexo
August 23, 2023
How to Heal from Rejection (Without Getting Down on Yourself)
Rejection is an unavoidable part of living a creative, purpose-driven life. It can be hard to face, but there's a way to process it without despairing or self-sabotaging. I'm pleased to share everything I know about healing rejection, and present my essay, How to Heal from Rejection Without Getting Down on Yourself, which was published in Tiny Buddha.
Here are four ways you can apply it to your writing or creative work right now:
When you're disappointed in your efforts self soothe. It's so important to process those feelings so you aren't derailed and can keep writing and creating (see examples of effective self soothing in the article above). Remember self-soothing takes less time than endless rumination, self-sabotage or shutting down. Use that time to send your work out again or self-publish it. (Full disclosure: I first submitted this essay to The New York Times Modern Love feature, and got a lovely personal note of rejection from the editor himself. I then gave the piece a few weeks, fine tuned it and got a YES! from Tiny Buddha within a day.) Listen to one of my guided writing meditations. Keep writing and creating! It may feel good to start something new.With effusive encouragement,
Suzannexo
August 11, 2023
New Guided Writing Meditations!
My dear friends,
One of the resource offerings I'm most excited about sharing with you are my guided writing meditations on Insight Timer. These short recordings are teachings and reflections for writers, creatives and anyone who wants to express themselves more fully.
Some of them are talks, some feature guided visualizations to fuel imaginations and some are affirmations to repeat when you need a dose of motivation and encouragement.
I'll be offering audio bundles for sale on my website soon, and in the meantime you can get Insight Timer for free for your phone or desktop wherever you download your apps.
Follow me on Insight Timer by searching for Suzanne Alyssa Andrew in the app, or by using this link.
Here are some of my featured tracks:
Affirmations For Healing From Rejection Affirmations To Write With Ease Courage Affirmations For Speaking Up Let Go Writing Release One Word Affirmation And Expansion Positive Writing Affirmations When Procrastination Is Fear In Disguise Write With Ease Writing Joy Visualization And Practice Writing Your EnoughnessI really hope you tune in!
xo Suzanne
July 31, 2023
Write With More Ease and Flow
Dear dedicated and imaginative ones,
Have you ever approached a writing session thinking, “writing is hard,” “this revision is going to take forever,” or “this deadline is going to kill me!”?
How did that go?
What happens in our bodies when we brace for the worst is tension: our necks are rigid; our shoulders go up; we grind our teeth and hold our wrists and hands like gargoyle claws on the keyboard. Maybe our backs start to hurt. Perhaps our breathing is shallow. The writing session becomes far more grueling than it needs to be.
Or, we procrastinate to avoid feeling bad, only to feel worse when we end up behind schedule.
When I was a hustling copywriter and journalist in my 20s and 30s I rode out the tension I brought to the page for the payoffs. When I met tough deadlines I earned appreciation and paycheques. I also never grew tired of the thrill of seeing my articles published.
But not only was this pushy approach unsustainable over the long term, it also didn’t work at all for my fiction writing.
It’s tough to be creative when we’re bound up in taut knots. Creative energy flows when we’re loose and playful. That’s why actors shake it out before they go onstage. Musicians nod their heads and tap their feet to the beat. Animals shake their bodies too.
Being in your body is a good tool for all writers. It’s surprising how many creative problems can be solved with a brisk walk around the block. (Or by doing whatever gets you moving!)
Jedi mind tricks work too. Instead of approaching writing thinking it’s hard, try getting curious about what will make each writing session more fun. If you need help with this process, talk to me about coaching. I’m also a new teacher on Insight Timer, where you can find my free guided audio tracks on how to write with ease.
Follow me on Insight Timer! https://insighttimer.com/suzannealyssa
Suzannexo
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