Tranquilosphy: Write

Week 26: Write

The blank page beckons. It provides the opportunity to unleash emotion, memories, fantasies, and dreams.

Writing is a blend of vulnerability and empowerment. Hemingway said, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” Yep, full-fledged vulnerability.

I grew up to the dings and taps of my father’s typewriter as he wrote into the wee hours. The instrument provided power to create and share. I was smitten.

For years writing served simply as an emotional outlet to capture my struggles, relationships, and doubts in a lined spiral-bound journal. Then I began writing for my yoga studio—newsletters, agreements, marketing materials. Shortly thereafter I found my way to blogging, writing books, studying writing, and occasionally teaching about the writing practice.

My journey continues to evolve the more I learn and explore. It’s truly a practice ripe with possibility. And the best part? There’s no one way to do it. From love notes to snail mail to memos to journal writing to essays to articles to op-eds to books, the options are limitless.

Yet to write takes time, effort, and the desire to bleed . . . at least a little.

Writing has been shown to speed up emotional and physical healing, to help change our perspective, and to lead to long-term improvements in mood, stress levels, and depressive symptoms. So, it looks like it may be worth the bleeding.

What do you feel bubbling up inside longing to get out? Does the thought of a blinking cursor or blank sheet of paper make you queasy? Is there a book idea swirling around in your mind?

Begin with pen and paper or a Word document titled “Writing.” Simple. Write what’s on your mind. Write what’s keeping you up at night. Write about the day your life changed. Write about your scar. Write about your relationship. Write the back cover copy for your memoir. Write your eulogy.

Make writing a priority this week, even if for only a few minutes during your lunch hour. Record your day with sensory details. Jot your dreams. Describe the setting you’re in. Share what you’re feeling. The point is to translate what’s in your head onto paper and observe what transpires without judgment.

Bleed a little and watch magic happen.

Share your experience this week in our Facebook group. Snap a photo of your writing practice and share it using #52weekstranquility.

Watch for Week 27 of 52 Weeks of Tranquility here next week.

Thank you for being here with us. Bisous. x

52 Weeks of Tranquility

This complimentary program is designed to help us stay motivated and engaged in 2015. Each week I’ll send inspiration to your inbox via Love Notes.

Joining later in the year? No worries, read previous weeks here.

To find support and community, join the private Facebook group and use hashtag #52weekstranquility to create additional online connections.

Connect live by calling in to seasonal Tranquilosophy podcasts. Next one happening Monday, September 21. Can’t join us live? Recordings are available.

May we savor deep moments of tranquility.

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