The morning pages - write like your life depended on it
Today I had the rare treat of meeting one of my private clients in person. You see, most of my consulting is done over the phone from places as far away as Australia. Occasionally, someone local finds me and we meet at my “private” off site office aka Dunkin Donuts. I hold court at the far corner table but today it was a lunch meeting at Wok’n Roll. Only the best for my clients.
My client, let’s call him “R,” was in town from California and decided to pay me a visit. He’s one of my favorite people to work with since I get to explore the creative process with him from its very seed. R is a very serious and successful professional who feels called to express himself in a new, more expansive way. He’s plenty secure in his work yet has learned that monetary rewards do not equate fulfillment.
As corny as that may sound, I admire R for his wide eyed, welcoming view of life. He was lucky enough to have an event in his life trigger a sort of epiphany that inspired him. He has ideas for books but realizes that he must first experience what he wants to write about, not just think it. He’s looking for his authentic voice. (an overused word but important, nonetheless).
And, he doesn’t want to write about his profession, at least in any traditional way. The only hint I’ll give you, so as not to betray the confidentiality of my client, is that he is looking at the mind-body-spirit connection. Having mastered the mind and body piece, it’s time to check out what “spirit” means. Firsthand.
Where to start? If he wants to unleash that part of him and channel it onto the page, there’s some letting go that needs to happen. Set aside the linear, goal setting mode that has gotten him to where he is today.
My prescription: the morning pages ala The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Each morning, before any activity takes place, even before that cup of Italian Roast, write. Write with no rules. No judgement. With complete abandon.
Write for about four notebook size pages, nonstop. Don’t even go back and read what you wrote. Just write like your life depended on it.
Because it just might. Writing like this EVERY day for a few weeks will surprise you. Things will come out that you didn’t know you had inside. You may even find some questions answered but what I do know, is that this practice will loosen up something creative in you. Even non-writers can benefit in other areas of their lives by doing their morning pages.
How do I know? I had the good fortune of being taught to do this by a clever and creative guy who has since moved from the state. A great gift he left me from his creativity workshop and I’m glad to be reminded of this tool.
Try it. Then, write me and tell me of your discoveries. If nothing else, it’ll feel liberating.
Once R has a few weeks of the morning pages under his belt, I know the direction of his book will have more definition. And, he’ll have more fun.
Loosen up.
Do the morning pages.
You’ll thank me.
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I shall give this a try. I look forward to “letting go”. I enjoyed your blog and I’m sure I’ll be back.