The Mechanical Compass

1. Sketch — Draw or describe a small, whimsical object—perhaps a pocket-sized piece of clockwork or a vintage compass—that feels like it belongs in your hand right now. You might consider how the surface feels against your palm, whether it’s polished smooth or has the textured flake of a little orange rust. 2.

Compose — Write a short list of three "directions" this object could point you toward today that have nothing to do with north or south. These could be playful or honest, such as pointing toward a forgotten hobby, a person you miss, or a place where the light is hitting the floor just right. 3.

Explore — Choose one of those directions and write about what you find when you follow it for just a few minutes in your mind. Notice how the bright energy of this new path makes you feel, and perhaps finish by noting one small thing you can do today to keep that feeling clicking along.

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