[The article below was excerpted from ICW’s
blog.]
The image of an iceberg is a wonderful
metaphor for the creative writing process.
The 10% we see above the surface of the water
represents the actual words of the blogs, books and other communications we
write. It arises out of the 90% that is largely hidden from view yet without
which the iceberg would not exist at all.
The same principle applies to our writing. A
large proportion of the work we do as writers is invisible to our readers but
greatly determines the quality of our work and the contribution it makes to the
world.
The following 5 practices may not be obvious
as part of the mix from the outside looking in when we read the latest book
from our favorite author.
Yet, having spoken with thousands of highly
successful Writers, and from both personal and professional experience of
Writing in action, these practices come up time and again as the foundation for
authentic success.
I invite you to dip into one or all of these
practices to the extent it feels right for you at this time and see from your
own personal experience what contributions they make to your writing, your
authorship, and your life.
1. Journal/Reflective Writing
Writers approach the immensely beneficial
practice of journaling or reflective writing with both focus and flow. The
practice of simply showing up on a daily basis trains our brain to experience a
task until its automatic. It’s a task that requires focus and dedication. The
focus is required to show up on a regular basis to do the practice without
judgement or any expectation of an end result. Ideally this will be daily and
first thing in the morning (most of the time).
The flow of writing leads away from a rigid
structure or number of pages that have to be completed (for those writers on a
deadline). Instead, this practice invites us to develop a more intuitive
relationship with our creativity and what is required of us in the moment as
writers. This approach builds awareness into our experience of writing which
also benefits all the other writing we do or want to do.
2. Conscious Movement
Writers understand the importance of engaging
the body as well as the mind and emotions in the creative process. According to
research published in the journal Psychological Science, people can
become more creative simply by moving in their immediate surroundings. In one
study, participants explored creative problem solving using physical movements
of their hands to emulate the phrase “on the one hand … on the other hand”.
Those who gestured with both hands came up with the most novel ideas. Adding
awareness to physical movement delivers up even more powerful results. Paying
full attention when out walking, and undertaking conscious movement practices
like running or exercise creates an energetic alignment which enables us to
bring our whole self to the creative writing process, and see the positive
results of that on the page.
3. Cultivating Awareness
Awareness beyond the boundaries of the mind,
gives rise to the most original and authentic creative expression. Conscious
Writers explore this territory from the inside out using a mixture of “formal”
and “informal” meditation practice and mindfulness. The benefits of meditation for health are
well-documented. Add to this the expanded awareness and enhanced creativity it
cultivates, and the case is made for including at least 15 minutes of “formal”
daily meditation. “Informal” meditation
involves carrying awareness forward into all aspects of daily life. It is being
present in the most mundane moments, that creates the space out of which our most
notable thoughts, words and deeds arise. An aware approach will always be the
most fulfilling and rewarding experience of authorship.
4. Being in Nature
One of the most repeated recommendations from
highly successful Writers for anyone wanting to enrich their creative output is
to spend time in nature. The ideal circumstances include solitude and silence
so we can sharpen our senses to appreciate the subtle dance of life all around
us. Ultimately, we realize that the life flowing within us is one with God’s creative
energy . Through inner stillness, we empty ourselves of the everyday and enter
a space of a pure being, living in the present moment, following nature’s
example. Bringing nature indoors with plants and fresh flowers, and taking
ourselves out to experience the wild landscapes of the world, regular time with
nature recharges us as Conscious Writers like nothing else can.
5. Nurturing Creativity
When we empty our minds of mundane matters,
we make space to fill our hearts with creative inspiration. Conscious Writers
recognize the value of nurturing creativity in a multitude of ways so the inner
well never runs dry.
Our creative soul may be nourished simply by
making time to reflect, listening to music, painting a picture, reading
inspirational literature, connecting with like-minded people, cooking colorful
meals … or all of the above, and more!
Whatever ignites our personal creative fire,
the way for this fruitful level of being to become our reality is to make
conscious choices that are based on nurturing our creative soul being a genuine
priority. From here, we schedule time, take appropriate action, and resist all
but the most urgent intrusions.
These practices provide the foundation from
which Conscious Writers build an original and worthwhile collection of writing
that contributes something of real value to readers. Taking one step at a time,
one practice at a time, gradually over time they become a richly rewarding and
creatively productive way of life.
Q4U: What is your experience of one or all of
these practices? How do you think they might support you as a Conscious Writer?
Share your answers below.
By popular demand, I’ve put together a periodically updated reading list of all the famous advice on writing presented here over the years, featuring words of wisdom from such masters of the craft as Kurt Vonnegut, Susan Sontag, Henry Miller, Stephen King, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Susan Orlean, Ernest Hemingway,Zadie Smith, and more.
