winter wellness SPECIAL mind matters
What is conscious writing? Counsellor Nichola Marsonet shows you how this practice can deepen your selfknowledge and enhance relationships.
“I
know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. Sometimes I write one, and I look at it until it begins to shine.” When American poet Emily Dickinson wrote this, she had likely been struggling for the right words, as we all do at times: stumbling on just the right way to articulate our emotional world is a precious gift, and a tool to unite human minds. While certain techniques and routines can help get words down onto page or screen, just as important is to be able to weave real feelings into those words. “Writer's block” - the failure to link soul and text, and to therefore connect in an authentic way – breaks that magical link between a writer and reader. And it doesn't just afect professional writers: have you struggled with composing a letter to a loved one, or even a work email, that doesn't capture what you really want to say? Conscious writing could be the answer.
Searching the soul Founder Julia McCutchen developed the conscious writing practice after a serious incident threatened her life. Formerly working in publishing, she now teaches the process of moving a busy life aside to discover how the depth of a writer’s soul-searching should be expressed. Here are her tips to ind truly conscious expression: • Clear your mind A cluttered mind is too ‘noisy’ for you to ind your passion, much less express it. To clear a path, jot down your ‘todo’ lists and any worries you have. Now, put all these thoughts aside. • Find the perfect place Creative writing specialists urge colleagues with writer’s block to change their environment. Where we sit to tap into our feelings largely determines our
success in expressing them. For some, it might be inspiring to sit next to a window with a beautiful view; for others, it might be the warmth and bustle of a busy cafe. Find your perfect writing place. • Step into insight If the words aren’t lowing, go for a walk. A Stanford University experiment found that a brisk walk increases divergent thinking and productivity. How? The physical activity releases feel-good hormones and energy that drive the brain to be more creative.
Conscious writing is all about bringing our true self to the creation of communication. • Cull criticism McCutchen’s conscious writing method urges a writer to be authentic. One way to allow this is to hush the constant inner critic that can take up residence in the mind. Write free-form, without trying to analyse the words. As Professor James C Kaufman notes in his book, The Psychology of Creative Writing, it’s much easier to edit than to write! • Collaborate on creativity Inspiration comes not just from lovely surroundings, but also from those people around you. Learn to really listen to others and how they express their thoughts and feelings. This doesn't mean copying them, as doing that loses authenticity. What it does mean is using others' words and ideas to inspire the translation of your soulsearching into your own words.
natureandhealth.com.au | 61 | June-July 2018