Using morning pages
Personally, I have always struggled with journaling, I know it is an amazing practice but somehow, I had a mental block around it, but the ‘Morning Pages’ feel magically different, so cleansing, no structure, just a brain spew, and oh!!! the release…
I have never been able to use journaling for any extended period. Somehow the concept of journaling felt, like a chore, in my head it had to be structured, eloquent, deep or relate to my day or week.
Morning Pages, however, feel completely different to me. You wake-up grab a notebook and write 3 pages of whatever you think and feel, whatever comes to mind like; “I don’t want to do this”, “I want another cup of tea”, “I don’t know what to write”, whatever is in your head, a stream of consciousness and wow does it take you to some wonderful places.
There is no need to spell correctly, form sentences, use grammar, punctuate, write legibly, no need to be nice, appropriate or even make any sense. Just write. No one is supposed to ever read it, not even yourself (well if you must or want to, at least wait for 8 weeks before you do). If you are worried someone will read it, write it then fold it up pop it in your pocket and throw it in a public bin that morning, burn it, shred it, let it go so there is no anxiety around it, just release.
“There is no wrong way to do morning pages.“
Julie Cameron
Rant, whine, swear, complain, ponder, contemplate, plan, create visions, dreams, goals, work through your ‘to do’ list, relationships, worries, fears, shopping list, ask questions, maybe sometimes answers will spring forth from the pen, maybe not, it doesn’t matter just write 3 pages as continuously as possible.
“Do anything until you have filled three pages“
Julie Cameron
To me, it feels like I am emptying the kitchen bin or compost bin in my head. It feels freeing and therapeutic, cleansing and calming.
Morning Pages is a daily practice from the book ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julie Cameron.
A few tips on how
1. Morning pages are the first thing you do in the morning (well ok you can go to the loo first, and make a quick tea).
2. Use paper and pen (avoid devices).
3. Write 3 full A4 sized pages no more, no less, of whatever comes to mind.
4. Write continuously, a continuous flow of consciousness.
5. Do not censor, edit, filter or check
6. The privacy of the Morning pages is sacred; it is important that your mind has the freedom to express whatever and however it wants, safely. No one reads them including you. If you are worried about this dispose of them.
I find the morning pages take about 30 mins to complete, I also find it useful to have a separate piece of paper on hand this way I can quickly capture a ‘to do’ that sudden pops up without interrupting my flow or losing it. Get up 30 mins earlier each day to complete your pages for 8 weeks and see if it was worth it. For many people this has become a ritual they are not willing to ever sacrifice, for the feeling and for the fruits and benefits that comes from clearing this space each morning.
The morning pages clear space in our head by helping us remove the stuck thoughts and feelings, reduce the congestion between the ears, help settle the brain and nervous system. Then there is space for peace, positivity, beautiful visions and space for creativity of thought, a new way of being or playfully exploring your chosen forms of creative expression.
Over time you will be amazed at how your inner wisdom creeps into your pages, how you find you have a clearer mind, better ideas and less anxiety. But no expectations, no judging, waiting, no rights or wrongs, no good or bad, just write 3 pages each morning and see how it changes you.
Thank you for reading, Lou
