I’ve often shared about my practice of writing Morning Pages based on Julia Cameron‘s The Artist’s Way. I spend about 20 minutes each day (as far as possible) hand writing three pages. Today’s reflection is about my relationship with this practice!
20 Minutes
20 odd minutes is all it takes. Yet, how I fight this every day. Like someone fighting against taking medication that they know for certain is going to make them well!
My head is distracted. Full of ideas and plans. I feel rushed. Out of time. I feel like I should be spending time on something more productive.
But I remind myself of all that I’ve experienced through this practice in the past.
What better way to focus than watch these words spill on to the page. Thoughts in my head translated into writing. Thoughts that I’m not even conscious of. Words and sentences that are seemingly unrelated to what’s going on around me. But they form a thread. Revealing what’s really bothering me. Or the area I need to work on in my life.
Words that draw me back to my real self. Helping me to express my fears, hopes and dreams. These words that help me convey my anger, resentment and jealousy in a harmless way – in a place where no one sees them.
As I write, I start to feel the pace of my breathing slowing down. I’m more in control of my emotions. I find myself starting to get more comfortable in my chair.
Ease and flow. Calm and peace.
20 minutes is all it takes. Refueling for the day ahead. A gift to myself.
Do you have a similar practice to calm yourself down and focus better?
May you be inspired – every day!
Corinne
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Corinne,
I am absolutely in love with my time doing Morning Pages as well. I safeguard that time with the protective nature of a momma bird. Reading The Artist Way was life changing for me and my Morning Pages have brought so many positive life changes my way. Thanks for sharing!
The sound of file on metal,
the dust falling from sanded wood;
these things serve to settle
me, and turn pain into something good,
an object born in beauty
of substance in the raw,
and it is thus my duty
to find there what heart saw
and bring it to the surface,
bring hidden unto life,
and though it makes me nervous
to wield that whittle-knife,
I lean in to understand
that all is in God’s guiding hand.
This is such a wonderful practice. While I spend time reading and writing each morning, it is not often handwritten. That is something I need to return to doing.
I focus in better when I say a prayer for the un-focused feelings.
I also focus better with a cup of caffeinated tea or decaffeinated tea if I’m too anxious.
Maybe you should try tea!
Jennifer
If I skip my morning scripture, prayer & journaling the rest of my day is all wonky.
Lesson learned.
FMF #3
20 minutes of journaling is a great self-care practice, Corinne! I spend about 20 minutes in the garden each morning. I water the plants, then sit in my chair and commune with the Creator. It is so refreshing!
To calm myself, or to get life back into focus, I garden or doodle. Mindless watering or weeding, switching off to the problem(s) of the day, or randomly drawing seem to do the trick for me.
Just stopped by from FMF #15
I Love your insights and message conveyed within. Blessings.
Visiting today from FMF #28
For a long time I did this twenty-minute writing practice, only not on paper. I was amazed at how much I could write if I sat for twenty undisturbed minutes. Also, surprisingly, I could disconnect from everything around me for that short period of time. It was quite a revelation. I should get back to it.