I write because it makes me live more fully, gain more awareness of others and of nature. In the process I learn more about myself. Writing requires digging deeper. I like to share what I write. It pleases me that others find something of value in it, but I would write even if nobody read it. My greatest influence has come from Natalie Goldberg, who wrote Writing Down the Bones and other wonderful books about writing and about herself. By February 2010 I will have attended seven of her week long workshops. She combines writing with Zen Buddhi more...