Daily writing prompt
How do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen?
Each morning, Aurora awakens to the faint whisper of wind chimes outside her window, a gentle cue to rise and greet the day. She stretches languidly, savoring the fleeting peace before the world intrudes. Her mornings are a ritual of deliberate actions—slipping into comfortable clothes, brewing a pot of tea, and basking in the quiet glow of dawn.
Aurora is a weaver, her days spent intertwining threads of thought and creativity into tapestries of meaning. Her home, a small but vibrant cottage on the edge of a vast forest, is a sanctuary of colors and textures, where every item tells a story. She prepares a simple breakfast, the scent of freshly baked bread mingling with the earthy aroma of herbs drying by the window. Her enchanted mirror, which reflects the outside world’s clamor, remains dormant by her choice, its surface dark and silent.
Her journey to the loom is a winding path through the forest, each step a meditative exercise in mindfulness. She greets the ancient trees, the birds, and the streams, drawing inspiration from their unspoken wisdom. At the loom, she loses herself in the rhythm of her work, her fingers deftly dancing over the threads. Her fellow weavers often marvel at her ability to maintain such focus, attributing it to her harmonious connection with the natural world.
As the sun climbs higher, Aurora feels the pull of the enchanted mirror, its siren song of distant voices and shifting images tempting her. She knows the cost of its allure—how it can fracture her concentration and drain her spirit. She resists, setting firm boundaries to preserve her creative sanctuary. She understands the importance of solitude, of listening to the quiet whispers of her heart.
By twilight, Aurora returns home, her mind a tapestry of ideas for her latest creation. She prepares an evening meal, each ingredient chosen with care, the act of cooking a soothing ritual that eases the day’s tensions. The enchanted mirror remains untouched, and she basks in the stillness, the only sounds those of chopping vegetables and the gentle crackle of the hearth.
One evening, as she gazes into the darkened window, she sees her reflection framed by the night. Her face bears the marks of exhaustion, shadows beneath her eyes a testament to the ceaseless demands on her attention. She realizes she has allowed the mirror’s call to disrupt her peace, encroaching on her time for introspection and rest.
Determined to reclaim her tranquility, Aurora devises a plan. She places a cover over the mirror after the sun sets, a barrier to protect her evening hours. She sets specific times to engage with the outside world, ensuring these moments do not dominate her day.
The following morning, she awakens feeling more refreshed. Instead of uncovering the mirror, she reaches for her sketchbook, letting her hand roam freely over the paper, capturing the remnants of her dreams. The walk to her loom feels more vivid, each step a reminder of her commitment to stay grounded in the present.
At the loom, she shares her new boundaries with her fellow weavers, who respect her need for balance. She finds herself more productive, her creations infused with renewed energy. She takes frequent pauses to step outside, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the forest, grounding herself in its timeless rhythms.
In the evenings, Aurora immerses herself in her weaving, losing herself in the interplay of colors and textures. She reads ancient texts, visits the village storytellers, and reconnects with friends by the fire, cherishing these tangible interactions. The restlessness that once haunted her begins to fade, replaced by a profound sense of calm and fulfillment.
Aurora learns that knowing when to cover the mirror is about honoring her own rhythms, recognizing when the noise of the outside world drowns out her inner voice. It is about creating space for stillness, for creativity, for true connection. She finds that in shielding herself from the mirror’s pull, she reconnects—with her art, with the world around her, and with herself.
Her reflection in the window changes. The exhaustion fades, replaced by a serene glow. Her eyes shine with inspiration, and a peaceful smile graces her lips. Aurora understands now that the key to her well-being lies in these moments of intentional disconnection, allowing her to truly live and create with her whole heart.
Fred Aiken Writing 