Friday, October 9, 2009

The Six Word Autobiography

I was reminded today of the six word autobiography by one of my favorite astrologers, Donna Cunningham. Here's what she posted last week on the AARP "REALLY short stories" website:

My whole life: steep learning curve

You can read more about Donna's recovery from the dysfunction of her childhood in the "My Memoirs" section on her blog SkyWriter, which is devoted to astrology, healing, and writing.

Summarizing your life in six words is a great creative exercise. Our attention is drawn to what really matters. Who are you? What have you learned? What might you inscribe on your urn or your tombstone for your great-grandchildren to read?

I can't find the autobiography I wrote when I first heard of this technique on National Public Radio. (It's likely buried somewhere in my journals.) So I wrote a new one today that feels like Truth:

Once past the fear, unending discovery!

Assignment: Take a moment today to capture your life journey in six words. Ask your friends and family to write theirs too. Notice the feelings that arise. And heal.