Writing Begins with the Breath

1. Writing Begins with the Breath: Cultivate Mindfulness

"Returning to the rise and fall of breath, bringing a level of conscious awareness to a predominantly involuntary action, reins in the scattered nature of our thoughts and grounds us in our bodies, squarely in the present moment where we must remain if we are to write deeply."

Mindful breathing is the foundation of deep writing. It connects us to our bodies and the present moment, essential for accessing authentic creativity. By focusing on our breath, we:

• Calm scattered thoughts
• Ground ourselves in the present
• Increase awareness of our physical sensations
• Open ourselves to creative inspiration

Practical application: Before writing, take a few minutes to focus on your breath. Notice the inhale and exhale, the pauses between breaths. This practice helps clear the mind and creates space for creativity to flow.

2. Authenticity is the Core of Deep Writing

"When we realize we are carrying these stories with us, expressing them is the next natural step."

Authentic writing comes from within, from our lived experiences and the stories we carry in our bodies. To access this authenticity:

• Connect with your physical sensations and emotions
• Explore personal memories and experiences
• Write from a place of honesty and vulnerability
• Trust your unique voice and perspective

Developing authenticity: Keep a journal to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Practice writing without self-censorship, allowing your true voice to emerge. Remember, your unique perspective is what makes your writing valuable and engaging.

3. Embrace Risk and Humility in Your Craft

"What are you willing to risk to tell your stories?"

Taking risks in writing means pushing beyond your comfort zone and facing your fears. This requires:

• Vulnerability in sharing personal experiences
• Exploring challenging or controversial topics
• Experimenting with new styles or genres
• Being open to feedback and criticism

Cultivating humility allows you to:

• Approach your work with an open mind
• Recognize areas for improvement
• Learn from others and grow as a writer
• Maintain a beginner's mindset, regardless of experience

Practice risk-taking: Write about a personal experience or topic that scares you. Share your work with a trusted friend or writing group. Embrace the discomfort as a sign of growth.

4. Curiosity and Empathy Drive Compelling Narratives

"Through writing, we discover our thoughts and our ideas. Through writing we can deconstruct and dissolve those same thoughts and ideas. We can gain clarity, focus, and lightness."

Curiosity fuels exploration and discovery in writing. It helps you:

• Ask probing questions about your characters and plots
• Delve deeper into research and background information
• Uncover unexpected connections and insights

Empathy allows you to:

• Create multidimensional, relatable characters
• Understand diverse perspectives and experiences
• Connect emotionally with your readers

Developing curiosity and empathy: Practice observing the world around you with wonder. Ask "what if" questions about everyday situations. Imagine life from others' perspectives, even those very different from your own.

5. The Body is a Source of Creativity and Inspiration

"Our cells have memories. Our bodies have stored all of our experiences—those expressed and unexpressed, even those forgotten. They are there, waiting for us."

The body as creative source:

• Houses memories and experiences
• Provides sensory information for vivid writing
• Connects us to emotions and intuition

Accessing bodily wisdom:

• Practice body awareness exercises
• Pay attention to physical sensations while writing
• Use movement to stimulate creativity (e.g., walking, yoga)

Body-mind integration: Before writing, do a quick body scan. Notice any areas of tension or discomfort. Write about these sensations, allowing them to guide you to unexpected stories or insights.

6. Balancing Process and Product in Writing

"If you hold on to the goal of publication as the hallmark for your success as a writer, you are giving away your power."

Focus on process:

• Embrace the journey of writing
• Find joy in the act of creation
• Develop a consistent writing practice

Product considerations:

• Set realistic goals for completion
• Understand the publishing landscape
• View publication as a part of the process, not the end goal

Striking a balance: Set process-oriented goals (e.g., writing for 30 minutes daily) alongside product-oriented goals (e.g., completing a first draft in six months). Celebrate small victories in your writing practice, not just major milestones.

7. Revision is Re-visioning: Embrace Evolution

"Re-visioning. You are looking at your work anew, with fresh eyes, innocent eyes, from a place of humility and curiosity."

Revision as re-imagining:

• See your work with fresh perspective
• Be open to major changes and new directions
• Focus on deepening the core of your story

Practical revision strategies:

• Set aside your work for a period before revising
• Read your work aloud to catch awkward phrasing
• Consider different points of view or structures
• Seek feedback from trusted readers

Embracing evolution: After completing a first draft, set it aside for at least a week. When you return, read it as if it were written by someone else. Note areas that excite you and those that feel flat. Use these observations to guide your revision process.

8. Perseverance and Surrender in the Writing Journey

"You continue to show up because you know that without this relationship you are only a shell of who you could be."

Perseverance is crucial for:

• Developing a consistent writing practice
• Pushing through creative blocks
• Completing long-term projects

Surrender involves:

• Letting go of ego and expectations
• Trusting the creative process
• Being open to where the writing leads you

Balancing perseverance and surrender: Commit to a regular writing schedule, but allow flexibility in what you produce. Some days may yield polished work, others may be exploratory. Trust that showing up consistently will lead to growth and completion over time.

9. Impermanence and Detachment in the Creative Process

"Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well."

Embracing impermanence:

• Recognize that all creative phases are temporary
• Be present with the current stage of your work
• Let go of past projects to make space for new ones

Practicing detachment:

• Separate your worth from your work's reception
• Release attachment to specific outcomes
• Focus on the process rather than external validation

Cultivating acceptance: After completing a project, take time to reflect on the journey. Acknowledge what you've learned and how you've grown. Then, consciously release the project, creating mental and emotional space for new creative endeavors.

Last updated: October 26, 2024