Tonight I find myself sipping a Long Island iced tea instead of my usual hot beverage, in hopes that a loose mind might meet loose fingers. And let’s face it, despite the love and devotion one might hold for caffeine, every now and then we need a different type of buzz.

The past few evenings I’ve found myself engaging in something that my favorite Prof. calls, “Playing the keys.” Now I’ve heard of this technique before—usually termed something like ‘Free Writing’, but there’s just something about his verbiage that makes it so much more appealing. For those not in the know, this procedure involves writing for a set period of time with zero regards to spelling, grammar, and subject matter. In essence, you’re writing absolute nonsense. The general goal is to clear the mind, get past perfectionist tendencies, and hopefully find some thread of thought that can develop into more. It’s something people like me need use to get out of their own heads. My first reaction to the concept was very open-minded and full of writer-ly enthusiasm. OR, it might have ended in a sniff as I reached for my Thesaurus.

But sometimes, even synonyms get tossed in disgust. So I surrendered and gave it a try after reading yet another lovely experience had by people who know more than I do. And I have to tell you, it’s fun. Of course, it’s also weird and nonsensical, and full of grating errors, but it’s a reflection of your brain, and the way thoughts develop; no longer floating around in the think-tank but in visual, tactile form.

Added bonus: You discover new things about yourself. For example, apparently I prefer an oblivious death, such as the sun engulfing the earth. A bit macabre perhaps, but true.

I was also surprised at some of the lyricism found in my thoughts; some of which were quite pretty (I swear I’m not a pompous person). Here are just a few—and do remember it’s not meant to make sense:

“The ice cold lakes below beckon with temptation and call for a life that is not my own. I dream of you, of pain and sorrow, reactions and moves that are not reality, but a message to myself that I must let you go.”

“A strange taste of copper has overtaken my tongue and my eyes long for the rosy blush that slides over bright metals in fake visions.”

“There is music in the whispers of your lips and songs hovering in the strands of your hair as you giggle and paint your love gold. “

I can’t honestly say that anything has inspired me in one direction or another, but I do feel more creative. And yes, we get touchy-feely here. So as someone who has jumped on the bandwagon, allow me to add my voice to the masses. Let go, play the keys, and dance with your words. You’ll feel better. I promise.