Joy and Creative Flow
On Writing,
Whether you make your living as a writer or just love to scribble notes in a journal, you probably know the elation that comes when you’re writing in the zone. The words flow; you feel at one with the rock you’re sitting on or the warm sun on your face. The words often seem to come from somewhere beyond you. You just receive them like a gift. And they feel perfect.
Reading over what you’ve written, you may feel a sense of rightness. You might even ask yourself, “Who wrote this?”
When I’m in that space, I feel so joyful, grateful to be alive, filled with a sense of the greatness of being.
And so, like many writers before me, I’ve searched for ways to consistently write from this place of joy, rightness, love of life and inspiration. I’ve come up with a system I call writing in the zone and I’ve taught it to thousands of people: aspiring authors at Harvard Medical School’s CME publishing course, science and math professors at the University of Rhode Island, moms, entrepreneurs, therapists, coaches, doctors, healers, astrologists and even a few accountants.
You
can use it for writing, painting, dancing—any creative activity—if you want to feel flow, inspiration and joy. Here’s how I fine tune it for writing, but feel free to experiment. I’ve created it as five steps, but you can combine a couple of steps to simplify it, or add a step. Make it your own writing or creativity ritual.
Wipe Your Mind Clear: In order
to create something, you need to make space for it. You need to clear your mind and let go of clutter, worries, stress and fears. You may also need to clear your work space—get rid of piles of papers, replace a crowded bulletin board with a simple inspiring picture or simplify and straighten your desk area.
Read Your Intention and
Goals Aloud: Ever been to a meeting without an agenda? What a waste of time and little to show for it, right? When you possess a clear vision and know what you want to accomplish for yourself and your audience (or readers), the words flow more easily.
Invite Your Muse: Make a
conscious connection to that creative part of you. Close your eyes and see if you envision your muse in a particular way—perhaps a symbol, an angel, an animal guide or other image may come to you. You might light a candle.
aspiremag.net
Tune in and Write: Once you
complete the steps above, you’re ready to step into the writing and enjoy the sense of inspiration and flow, as the words come effortlessly.
Enjoy the Gratitude: This is
perhaps the most important step. When you allow time to feel grateful for the joyful creative flow, you set yourself up for the next time you write. It makes it that much easier to experience flow in the future. Besides, it’s just good manners to say, “Thank you,” when you receive a gift.
I’ve seen blocked writers unblock with these steps, those writing about tough subjects feel more supported. I’ve seen stressed out women reconnect with their joyful child inside, and others discover a part of them they never knew.
Getting in touch with creative flow enhances all aspects of your life. It may make you a more loving mom, a patient listener, a more present friend, a more passionate lover. I’d love to hear what you discover when you begin Writing in the Zone—or cooking, painting or dancing in the zone—for that matter.
National authority on writing and publishing books, she guides you through joyfully expressing yourself in writing, and appears monthly on WPRO’s Positive Living.
www.LisaTener.com
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Inspired to Write?
Lisa Tener
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