WRITING EXERCISE:

OBSERVING the ENVIRONMENT

1. Go out and observe the “reality of life” – collect pictures for the mind.
2. “Gather pictures for the mind” by writing notes in the space below, using the suggestions on the left
side.
3. Smell reminded me of …. Or I heard a sound today …. Or today I watched ….. Or I touched it a few
hours ago but I can still feel it…. It …..
4. Conclude key message/information for the topic

The script should end with: “This reminds me of the wise saying … (then include a saying, homily, or proverb).
Time yourself for about 20 minutes, then submit it to;

1. “Seeing” pictures for the mind.

➢ Colors
➢ Texture (what does it look like?)
➢ Size (How big is it?)
➢ Shape
➢ Quantity (How many? How much?)
➢ Surroundings (the location or position)
➢ Gesture/action
➢ Intention/Purpose (Why? What’s the
reason?)
➢ Imagine the history of what you are looking
at (What has happened? What will happen?)
2. “Hearing” pictures for the mind
➢ Foreground noise (closest and demanding
most attention )
➢ Background noise (constant or occasional)
➢ Unusual noise
➢ What is the texture of the noise (What does it
sound like? Is it hard? Soft? Warm? Cold?
Sharp? Metallic? Piercing? Etc.)
3. “Feeling” pictures for the mind.
➢ What is the person’s body temperature?
➢ What does it feel like? Is it Smooth? Silky?
Rough? Hard? Soft?
➢ What is the purpose? To Soothe? Frighten?
Excite?
➢ Impression (What emotion does it leave you?
How do you feel about it?)
➢
4. “Smelling” pictures for the mind.
➢ Character (What does it smell like? Is it
good? Bad? Pleasant? Unpleasant? Etc.)
➢ What memories does it evoke?
➢ What does it taste like?
(Is it sweet? Bitter?)
➢ How strong is it? (Weak? Mild?
Overpowering?)
➢ What is its texture? (What does it smell like?
Is it sharp? Dusty? Etc.)
Use this space for your own notes and script ideas.