(The title of my post is a play on words—a perfect example of a homophone [e.g., bear/bare, know/no, stair/stare]).
Every day, I make my best effort to carve out righting time by choosing writing time—taking time to right/write my mind, to give it a voice, to attempt to put chaos into order in the framework of a page.
Things aren’t always so simple.
The vortex of thoughts, sounds, and images sometime swirl and tumble until I can collect them onto the paper. I herd the cats (onto the page). I heard the cats (I listen) to help them become quiet.
As I venture out into the sea of this writing life I feel calmed by meeting the page every morning—my spiral-bound notebook, my life boat. It collects me into a small space where I spill my vortex between the faint-blue lines. The page brings order.
My writing time is my righting time, it sits me upright, it brings order to my thoughts, and it points me in the direction I’ve chosen. Writing (righting) reminds me of my goals, it reminds me I have a story to tell.
Regardless of who eventually reads it, it has purpose. Writing this story is righting me, and it is righting my life.
Writing is therapeutic. Writing is magical. Writing is righting.
I encourage everyone to take five or ten (or 101) minutes of the day, every day, to write (right) what’s on your mind. It doesn’t have to be deep, mysterious, or revealing—just describe what’s outside your window, or what the stars sound like at night, or the scent of a home-cooked meal.
Are you writing every day? And if so, for what reasons do you write?
[Photo courtesy Sundials by Carmichael]
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Lori,
This is so wonderful! And I can relate on many levels. Writing started out for me, as just a way to share some thoughts. It has become much more. Today, I find writing to be a real guide for me in my life. Those thoughts that are in my brain, those feelings that are in my heart…just thinking or speaking them doesn’t always make them all come together. Writing does. Or if it doesn’t, I still come away with a direction on what it’s purpose was – these thoughts and these feelings. And that is all very therapeutic.
So, Lori, this just really sits so well with me…and says much of what I have thought as I’ve been writing…and the introspection from it that leads me into deeper and more meaningful places on this life journey.
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
Hi Lance,
Thanks for your comment — and your observation that you, “find writing to be a real guide…in life.”
Isn’t that the truth? There are some writers/writing instructors that say we can ask our own inner guide advice and for inspiration on the page. I thought this was a strange thought, but then I tried it. Wow, what experiences! Sometimes my inner guide decides to let me sit with my questions, but often times, the guide shows up and directly answers me right on the page. How amazing is that?
I’m so happy that you’ve enjoyed this short post of mine today. When I got to the end, I decided what I wanted to say had been said.
Thank you, Lance, for your writing and your work over at The Jungle. You finding meaning via writing (righting) blesses all of us. Keep up the inspiring work!
Forgive me, Writer, for I have sinned… it’s been several days since my last attempt at righting myself through writing.
I do want to say, however, that I’m impressed with your correct use of the word “homophone”. It used to drive me nuts that Hunter’s Spelling textbooks (back when we used them) always got the definitions of homophones, homonyms, and homographs mixed up.
I wrote them a letter, and tried to get them to correct it, but I never heard back. I guess as long as the kids are learning SOMETHING, it doesn’t really mater if it is accurate information or not, huh?
Hey! I just wrote a whole bunch in this comment… and feel better already.
.-= Lisis´s last blog ..What Are We “Teaching” Our Children? =-.
The Writer has forgiven you, blessed child.
It’s fine to take breaks, but don’t let too many days go by, if you’re like me, I start to get a bit lop-sided and need to be ‘righted’ again.
Oh, by the way, your comments about the incorrect uses of words really irked me. What the heck are our children being taught? And to not even hear anything back?
Dooh!
Feel free to write to your heart’s content over here at JBN anytime (or drop me an email, or write your congresspeople about our education system).
Hi Lori!
A day never goes by that I don’t spend at least an hour journaling first thing in the morning – it’s so ingrained in me I’m at a loss to start any day without this time. Much of what I write ends up a blog, article or fodder for bigger stuff. It starts my day off “right”!
Thanks for encouraging everyone to make writing – whatever it is – a daily practice!
Hugs
suZen
Hi Suzen,
Wow, you’ve established a great habit. Sometimes I don’t get in an hour, but I suppose J. Cameron at least instilled in me to write my three pages. And wow, does it clear the decks and get creative juices flowing!
I also agree with your comment about much of what you’re writing ending up in a post or for use somewhere else.
I realize we all have very busy lives — but even when I was working in the corporate world (two-million hour weeks) I’d take five or ten minutes at the start of the day to just write about anything, it started my day right.
Yay for writing/righting!
Have a great week, Suzen.
Hey Lori,
Brilliant post. Everything from the title on.
An excellent reminder as well as to the write way of doing things – writing as a rite that you engage in every day.
g
.-= George Angus´s last blog ..Flash Fiction: Night Stocker =-.
Hi George,
This is another comment I need to frame on my warm fuzzy wall. Don’t stop — don’t stop!
Thank you. Your comments mean a lot to me. I find daily writing, whether it’s a book, a post, a journal, a comic strip, or even any creative pursuit, to be incredibly healing and important for our brain and mental state.
I like how you said it, “…writing as a rite that you engage in every day.”
Love it! And, I forgot about the third member of the homophone: write/right/rite. Good one.
Hello Lori! Your post is brief but very nice.
[[Writing is therapeutic. Writing is magical. Writing is righting.]] – Yeah, this is spot on. At times, I may feel that I’m using writing as a form of escapism, but then I realize I’m just being too hard on myself. As long as writing provides me with the euphoric effect which comes after seeing that finished product and as long as what I write proves to increase other people’s knowledge of our world, then I don’t mind trying to escape. hehe.
[[Are you writing every day? And if so, for what reasons do you write?]] – Well, sometimes I wish I could write as much as I try to learn. My reason – to share what I know. =)
Keep up the good work, Lori. I’m sure you inspire many people out there with your writing/righting. =)
Peace and respect,
Ryhen
.-= Ryhen | Mind Power´s last blog ..Psionic Power: Knowledge Of The Past And Future =-.
Hi Ryhen,
Thanks for visiting and adding your thoughtful comments. I appreciate it!
Yes, this was a brief post, but when I got to the end, I felt I has said what I needed to say. I’m glad you stuck around to get my drift. Sometimes I feel self-conscious for being too long-winded in my >1,200-word posts.
I hear what you’re saying about sometimes feeling your writing is a form of escapism — but it’s good you’re not hard on yourself. Like George said (above), I firmly believe writing is a rite for all of us and it is also quite healthy. I’m scientifically trained, and there is now a raft of research supporting the benefits of writing, spanning everything from recovery from PTSD to abuse to illness to increased brain function.
Wright/right away, I say! Good for you!
Thanks for your kind words, also. I have felt such profound inspiration from reading great writing in my life, I’m at the point in my life where I simply want to give back what I have received and also share what I’ve learned.
Peace and respect to you, Ryhen.
Be well and create a great day.
no prob! =)
[[Sometimes I feel self-conscious for being too long-winded in my >1,200-word posts.]] – yeah, that’s something we have in common. we have a lot to say but we have to realize that people are very busy. haha.
.-= Ryhen´s last blog ..Psionic Power: Knowledge Of The Past And Future =-.
Lori:
I love this post! You are right: writing is really all about righting!
Last year, I did morning pages for a couple months and I saw how my writing improved (both personally and on my blog). I also attended a job hunt/career support group session recently that started with a writing exercise, which was very helpful.
I know many of us meditate or want to try meditation…I’ve got to say that when I did my morning pages, it was really meditation for me. Perhaps by writing in a journal or by doing morning pages, we can kill two birds with one stone– writing and meditation.
In any case, thanks for this writing encouragement!
Hi Tim,
Hey, thanks for your comments about your journey. Your comment reminded me of a time where I also was in a group of some sort organized by my employer and it started with a writing exercise. It felt strange at the time for writing to be incorporated in a seminar that had noting to do with writing, but I enjoyed what it did to open up my brain.
There are a lot of books/authors out there that profess the meditative nature of writing. So, yes, what you’re saying about writing as meditation — I absolutely agree. I see that in my own life as well.
I hope you can find time to get back to morning pages, or at least a five-minute meditative writing session most days. Let me know how things go.
Enjoy your week, Tim, it’s always great to see you here.
So true Lori about the importance of writing time. I often say writing is good for my soul.
Writing often provides a right-sized window to look and see what’s really going on in our lives.
Alex
Hi Alex,
That’s a great thing to say, that writing is good for your soul. I agree!
I love the idea or imagery of using writing as a window to our lives. I hadn’t thought of that before. It’s like — every day we have an opportunity to open the shades, crack the window, and take a peek into the fresh air of our souls. To air out our lives, per se, to get a breath of fresh air.
Thank you, Alex, it is a pleasure to see you here.
Beautifully expressed, Lori. You describe what writing does for me also. It nourishes, balances and paints what is in my soul. I crave it like food or water.
Hi Debbie,
I have been following your blog since your first comment here on my “mind” post. You are such an amazing soul, Debbie. I’m so fortunate to have crossed paths with you.
Your comment gave me goosebumps, “[writing] nourishes, balances, and paints what is in my soul.” That statement is so beautiful, Debbie. I enjoy your writing (righting) immensely. Thank you for being in this world, and for sharing your thoughts with us.
I’m sending a symphony of rich vibes your way!
~xo
Hi Lori .. I do write everyday – usually my blog post type notes .. so eclectic to say the least. Sometimes it’s easier depending on how much history I add in!
I make hundreds of notes too .. so I’m awash with wanting to put them into type format – I prefer it this way .. but I’m somewhat behind!
I spend my first hour or so on my Reader – I can concentrate them .. or now – taking a break and writing a few comments .. righting the overload of blogs to visit – love to comment, but sometimes just don’t feel like it or relate at that time.
I’d love to be free to write – I will one day .. in the meantime I do what I do, write, comment, “research” ..
I love your title and homophone play .. carat and carrot .. and the picture is great .. have a good week .. Hilary
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..Friends, Romans, Countrymen send me your socks … =-.
Hi Hilary,
That’s great you’re writing/righting — I’ve been enjoying all your hard work.
I usually try to write before I visit my RSS reader or check email, I can become completely lost in time by reading posts/correspondence if I’m not careful.
I hope you try freewriting sometime — I’m often amazed at what comes of out of this brain of mine. ha ha
Take care and have a great week, too!
Hi Lori,
The longer I blog, I more I realize blogging is that therapeutic means many need to right their lives.
When I started blogging, on one blog I downloaded ideas, hints, tips and observations that were in my head. Then, on my blogging blog, I was sharing what I was learning in the process. Ironically the more I wrote, the more right I felt about it. I love how that works.
Right on!
P.S. Leave it to George to add “rite”.
.-= Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..My New Baby – The Unveiling – Enter The Drawing And Win =-.
Hi Barbara (a.k.a. Blog Maven Extraordinaire!),
I enjoy your visits to JBN — thanks for taking the time to stop here.
I agree, I find that most of the sites I visit are mostly a labor of love, and people trying to understand themselves as much as trying to show what they’ve learned to others. Great observation!
I like that you could ascertain that the more you wrote, the more you felt right about it. I think that’s a very accurate account of what often happens, that definitely applies to me.
Yee-haw — right on, indeed!
P.S. Yeah, good ‘ole George never misses a beat. It must be that kilt. I’m so glad I met the both of you.
Hi lori
“Writing is righting” I guess that when I write, I use exactly the same words as you…but you put them in a much better order!
Don’t know if you remember a group called Family.
In one of their songs they use the line…
“Sky blue slate blue, cold as the wind blew.”
I like that.
Can’t use homophones when I’m writing speeches, the audience would never understand but I have learnt a new word.
BTW many thanks for your lovely email – Keith
.-= Keith Davis´s last blog ..A helping hand… =-.
Hi Keith,
Thanks for saying I put my words in a good order — not always, but I try.
Hey, I like that line you mentioned in your comment. Good one!
That’s a good point, I don’t think homophones have the same effect in the spoken word as much as the written word. Good point — and you definitely would know.
I enjoy connecting with people, so feel free to email me anytime. Have a great day. Tomorrow is FRIDAY – yay.
Hi Lori — I’m definitely writing every day because I’m going through one of my periods where I’m brimming with ideas. Right now I’m coming up with ideas for my first live workshop — I loved the Q&A portions of my book talks so much that I figured “why not do a full day of Q&A?” Well, it’s a bit more than that, actually, but you get the picture.
Hi Chris,
Isn’t it fun to be brimming with ideas? Oh, the joy! Keep writing, keep writing, keep writing. Good for you!
I can’t wait to hear more — please let me know how your project proceeds.
I think that’s a great idea.
Hi Lori,
Beautiful post. The words just flow–I love *that*!
I was going to say that I don’t write every day, but then I realized that since completing “The Artist’s Way” last year I write 3 morning pages when I wake every day. Kind of just a stream of what is on my mind. That usually leads to some kind of journal page, poem, or blog entry later in the day.
I love words: I love reading words, I love writing words, I love listening to words, I love celebrating words, so they are an integral part of my day in whatever form they are manifested….
.-= Joy´s last blog ..Friendship =-.
Hi Joy,
It means a lot to me that you think my words “just flow”. Thank you!
Oh, and I loved the Artist’s Way. I’m on my second round through the process. I’m finding new things the seconds time around, too.
I think we’re soul sisters, I love words, too. Love them. I love amazing sentences that break me free of my thinking. A amazing sentence I read recently, went something like, “The morning sun clanged in my ear,” written from the point of view of a recovering alcoholic. Now, doesn’t that bring his world to life?
I hope all is well in your world. Sending massive hugs your way!!
~xo
Dear Lori,
Beautifully expressed! Writing is always righting because it is the unique expression of oneself, and that is always truly welcomed.
.-= Ana Goncalves´s last blog ..Inner Guide =-.
Hi Ana,
Thank you! I really appreciate you and your words. I enjoy the way you express yourself — your compassion and generosity comes through in your words.
Create a great day!
P.S. I also quite enjoy your blog — I’m a new and grateful subscriber.
Lori,
I love this play on words, and so relate to the sentiment. I was just describing writing as “magic” earlier today, because I truly feel that its impact in changing my state of being is magical. What a blessing to have something like that in my life, know what it is, and…after years of neglecting my writer self, now have her back at the center of my life, which is just where she is meant to be.
Warmly, Tara
Hi Tara,
Thanks for taking the time to leave me with your thoughts about writing. I agree, writing IS magic! That’s a great thought.
I’m happy for you that you’ve rediscovered or made time to feed your writing (righting) self. It is absolutely a lovely thing to be centering your writing life.
Onward ho! Thanks again for being here.
All my best!