The messages one needs for self-study and growth are delivered in many ways in life. A moment of truth can be realized in a half moon. Reading an honestly written book can trigger great transformation. For me, both have been true.
I read, "Long Quiet Highway: Waking Up in America" by Natalie Goldberg over ten years ago and attended my first "Writing Down the Bones" workshop with Natalie three years ago in Sedona, Arizona. A Zen student, Natalie teaches sitting, walking and writing meditation to help you listen, reflect and convey your own truths.
The rules for writing practice are simple:
1. Don't be tossed away.
2. Practice for the greater good.
3. Keep lists of writing topics.
4. Write for ten minutes - go!
5. No crossing out.
6. Read to another person (but know that you can always pass).
7. Be kind to yourself and give yourself permission to write the worst shit in world history!
So, I am taking a creative leap forward and extending my writing practice from jotting in moleskine journals to now my first blog. The purpose is to keep practicing and to keep showing up...and of course, to keep giving myself permission to write. Through this process, I find myself simultaneously reflecting on the details of my life while also detaching from them. It's a way for me to focus on "what" is occurring as opposed to obsessing over "why" it's occurring. It's a way of being present.
By sharing my writing and experiences, I hope to motivate others to pick up a pen and practice...creating a sangha of sorts. Encouraging and allowing one another to sit, walk and write is one of the kindest things we can do to bring peace to ourselves and others.
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