Writing is a skill that can be learned. It’s also an art and a craft that can be pursued and explored. For it to become something that truly transforms and transcends, it can be helpful to approach it as a spiritual practice.
For many, the act of writing is random. We do it only when we are in the mood, or when time permits, which may not be often enough in the midst of our busy lives.
Like any other practice, the more regular and consistent is our writing discipline or regime, the better we become at it, and the more meaning it brings to us. Praying five times a day is considered the second most important pillar of Islam. Muslims are ordered to pray five times a day as a physical, mental and spiritual way to stay connected to God: before sunrise, mid-afternoon, late afternoon, sunset and at night.
I know many people who say they love to write — but don’t actually do it five times a month let alone five times a day. No matter where you are in your writing practice, try following in the footsteps of Muslims for a week (or longer). Commit to writing at designated times during the day, even if it is just for a few minutes. Begin to develop a rhythm that works for you to stay more connected to your craft.
The most meaningful and transformative spiritual practices are also very intentional. Beyond the regularity and consistency, there is a very deliberate and conscious approach, whether it is in praying, meditating, chanting, or walking a labyrinth. We can approach our writing with the same kind of attention and focus.
For example, before we start writing we can take a moment of silence to ask for the creativity for our thoughts and words to flow. We can set the scene when we sit to write in a number of ritualistic ways: create an altar-like setting with objects that inspire us in view; always have our favorite cup of tea and snack at hand served in a special way; write with a pen that has special significance; play inspirational music; light a candle to remind us that we are in the presence of spirit; and more.
Another way to approach our writing with this kind of deliberation is to think of each word we place on the page as a kind of offering. Imagine that each word — even every letter — is sacred and part of a divine blueprint of words that will help you to share your heart, soul and mind with others.
We engage in spiritual practices for many reasons but primarily to be transformed and to connect with something bigger than we are … to connect with that which unites us all. We can do the same with our writing. When we are doing what we love and “in the zone,” it is easy to tap into the source of our divinity.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember when putting together any kind of practice is to make it your own. Just as many religions can stifle a person’s spiritual practice by being too dogmatic and including too many regulations and restrictions, writers often face the same thing from teachers, editors and critics.
Remember that rules — grammatical and otherwise — are there as guideposts. While it is helpful and often essential to follow them as closely as possible, we also have to trust our own creative instincts in knowing when it is okay to stray and take risks. At its best writing is a spiritual, experiential and practical practice.
The final thing to keep in mind is to let go of all possible outcomes when writing — but be open to whatever arises. We are co-creating with spirit. Whenever that kind of synergistic relationship takes place, magic happens. Miracles are possible.
When we sit to write, we may have an idea of what will transpire. What actually appears on the page is sometimes a mystery even to us. Do not be afraid of what others will think about or judge it. When you write for yourself and your higher power, there is no word that isn’t divine.
Happy writing!