I have a feeling that this may be a long post or post that becomes a series of posts because that’s what happens when I am inspired.
Hearing words
I recently attended a Hay House event, the Writer’s Workshop, in Bristol, UK. One of my main reasons to attend was because it was an opportunity to listen to Julia Cameron, in person. In case you haven’t come across her (yet), Julia is the author of many books but the first one I bought of hers, more than twenty years ago, was called the ‘The Artist’s Way’.
Millions of people later
This book has helped millions of people discover their creativity or/and overcome their blocks to it. It contains sensible, down to earth, no-nonsense, practical advice, written with the eloquence and authenticity of someone who is writing from the heart and soul, about writing from the heart and soul. Many of her wise words have stayed with me during the last two decades and now I can recall them with the lovely lilt of her voice, and warmth of her laugh (she is wise and funny).
A woman for all seasons
In my opinion Julia’s work is much more than can ever be described on the cover of her books. She inspires, uplifts, encourages, nurtures and helps individuals discover what they know, but may not know they know, about themselves. Those who follow her advice to write ‘Morning Pages’ (explanation provided by Julia in a video at the bottom of this page) discover in their own words, an understanding about what gives their life meaning and purpose and what really matters. Julia’s work provides ‘the way’ for people to understand, love, forgive, heal and whatever else they may need to do or need to be, in order to become more of their true self. Just like ‘what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’, what is written in the morning pages, is never intended to be read or scrutinised by anyone else.
A new lens on ‘Morning Pages’
I wrote the Morning Pages (almost) every morning for a couple of years and then intermittently. Then I suffered from the illusion that I could substitute the Morning Pages with other practices, for instance writing ‘Thoughts’, this morning blog. However, after listening to Julia over the weekend, I understood the process better and made new connections to my work as a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Applied Positive Psychologist and writer.
Capturing the elusive
I now fully appreciate why the Morning Pages should never be written with any pre-conceived idea, or intention. They provide us with the opportunity to allow unconscious thoughts to rise up into awareness and be caught before they disappear. Although my ‘Thoughts’ are often ethereal ideas that I wake up with, they are nevertheless reformed, shaped and organised on my website page, a discipline not required with the Morning Pages. So, I have resumed my previous habit and write my three pages of longhand notes on A4 paper each morning. The good news is, nowadays the process is much quicker, twenty minutes on average, or the time it takes to drink a large mug of very hot, Earl Grey tea.
The ‘How To’ of Morning Pages
So, in case I’ve inspired you to read ‘The Artist’s Way’, or any of Julia’s other books (highly recommended), or if you are a client of mine signposted to this page. Here is the ‘How To’ and ‘How to Not’, begin your own morning writing practice. Like all the theories that ever were, are and will ever be, you need to put them into practise in order to understand how it works and how it feels.
Basic Tool: Morning Pages from Julia Cameron on Vimeo.
Please note: I am an early riser and frequently wake up with thoughts and questions on my mind. I write them down and record them in these short unedited, un-researched, unscientific bits of writing. They are written in a half asleep hypnopompic state and should not be regarded as anything more than what they are – random thoughts and musings. For sensible subjects and writing please visit Positive Psychology Learning website
