Writing is not something that comes naturally for most people, but it is
one of the most powerful ways to transform ourselves. It is a journey of
self-discovery, self-healing, and self-expression that can be achieved
anywhere and at any time by anyone.
There is a practice
called “Morning Pages”, coined by Julia Cameron, where you write down
anything that is on your mind every morning to clear your mind and gain
some clarity in your thoughts and life. Though this practice originated
with the purpose of enhancing creativity, anyone can benefit from it. It
is not just about putting words on paper; it is about delving
deep into our thoughts, emotions, and desires to truly understand
ourselves.
Writing Morning Pages involves freeform
writing, not like keeping a diary or journaling, where you can give
yourself free rein to write and express anything without
restrictions, judgments, or expectations. It provides a blank
canvas where you can explore your innermost thoughts, dreams, fears, and
desires.
For over two years, I have been writing every
morning, and it has become an integral part of my routine. It has helped
me untangle my thoughts, understand my emotions, and make sense of my
life. Through this practice, I have learned valuable lessons that have
helped me navigate through the complexities of life.
Takeaways: Lessons learned from writing every day
- Treat writing like your own personal playground for thoughts. Own your space of freedom. Play around and have fun with it. Allow yourself the freedom to explore, experiment, and play with your words.
- Consistency is key, but do not force yourself to hit a specific goal. Writing every day, even if you can only manage to write a line, is enough. By writing consistently, you can track your thoughts and emotions, gaining a deeper understanding of your current state of mind, and cultivating a deeper connection with yourself.
- Acknowledge that clarity is not constant. You’ll always have ups and downs in your clarity. Your state of mind is not the same every morning. Some days you may have profound insights, while on others, your mind may feel clouded. Write to understand your current self better without making comparisons.
- Some insights will never be discovered until they are crystallized into words. Writing also allows you to crystallize your thoughts and emotions into tangible words, enabling you to see things more clearly.
- What you write about a lot, whether good or bad, reflects your current life philosophy. Writing is like a mirror that reflects our innermost selves back to us. It allows us to see patterns, make connections, and gain insights that we may have otherwise missed. Notice these hidden patterns so you can make conscious changes and improve your beliefs and behaviors.
- Writing serves as a record of your present experiences and thoughts. Write to document your current lifestyle and thoughts. By recording your life, you create a timeline of memories that you can cherish and reflect on your hopes for the future.
- There’s always an extra in the ordinary. Write to uncover the extraordinary, the beauty, and significance in the mundane aspects of your life. It is about shifting your perspective and finding joy in the simplicity of everyday moments.
So, I encourage you to pick up a pen and paper, or your keyboard and phone for that matter, and start your own writing practice. Embrace the process, and watch as your thoughts and emotions unfold on the page, revealing hidden gold nuggets within yourself. Be patient and allow your words to guide you on your journey toward clarity.