In yesterday’s post, we saw what cathartic writing means. But how do we achieve this state? Before we start the how, when I say achieving a state, I’m referring to a mental, emotional and basically an internal state. How can writing influence our state of mind? When we pour out what we are feeling, what our thoughts are, what is my right now experience, it brings an experience of calm and our thoughts seem to slow down. It brings a genuine sense of acceptance within. This is a state where we feel very light. To be in this state and then operating from there allow us to respond to situations rather than react. Now, how do we write for achieving this state, is there a specific way to do so?
One has to understand that there is no prescribed way to do such writing. No one can really teach us that. But one thing that can be done is one can be guided into it. Like when we learn to ride a bicycle before we gain the ability to balance, we use the training wheels. This assistance is something similar to that. Once we have this ability, we no longer require training wheels, and with more and more practice, we are not only comfortable with riding a bicycle but also can try out new tricks with it. So it goes with this cathartic writing.
Some basic points to remember as an initial guide are as followed:
Dedicate a specific time slot and a specific duration in the morning – before we give ourselves access to any digital world – for writing.
Sit down with ease. Breathe slowly for a few seconds. And, become aware of this moment in time.
Start writing. Stop thinking. Simply write. One should not think of how they sound or is it appropriate to write that or getting into the right/ wrong mode. Simply pour the thoughts as they come. Keep aside all the biases, apprehensions, worries and fears, and just involve in the writing.
There comes a point when you think you’re done writing as the thoughts lingering on your mind seem to now slow down or (if you are lucky) disappear.
Put down the pen, close the notebook. Take a few breaths before you get up.
Try not to rush to a gadget or your mobile phone or iPad. Instead, try doing something banal – maybe water the plants, dusting the furniture in the living room, taking a cold-water shower or whatever that does not require consuming of mind instantly.
Slowly with daily practice, one will be able to notice the subtle difference. It’s a simple process but requires discipline to do the writing each morning. Try this exercise for at least a couple of months before seeing any difference within.
P.S. Usually the length of writing may vary. On one day we may write just one page and feel that we’re complete from within and someday we may write pages together and yet feel there’s a lot to come. There is no correlation between the quantum of writing and our state of mind, so try not to analyse or post rationalise this writing. Instead, simply do this activity merely with involvement through action (and not thinking).
Commenti