There are a few books I've read over and over and consider sacred, Julia Camerons "The Artist's Way" is one. For years i heard about morning pages here and there and it sounded like hipster nonsense to me. But once I discovered The Artist's Way I realized this is a very practical strategy for coping with anxiety and overwhelm and pushing through to productivity and creativity.
Why i think it works - The anxious thoughts that swirl in our heads take up real-estate and keep us trapped in a loop of worry and stress. In this state we can't have epiphanies, feel inspired or harness our creativity. Putting those anxious thoughts down onto paper gets them out of the way so other more beautiful, useful and creative thoughts can surface.
Its such a nice way to be in your own company without being on your phone. I now consider it the ultimate self care to write my morning pages.
A second batch of ideas comes after the anxiety has been quieted that is more inspired and hopeful. When I write morning pages i identify what I'm worried about and set it aside then i identify what i'm wishing for and create a plan for how to have it. I may be hoping for an adventure and plan a day out or hoping to reconnect with friends and plan a dinner party.
You don't need a beautiful journal in order to do morning pages, its crucial not to put pressure on the process and rather grab any random scrap paper and pen or legal pad, write DRAFT at the top and get writing in your most random handwriting. In other words avoid the temptation to be perfect because it will disrupt the magic.
Once you've been doing morning pages for awhile and trained your brain that done is better than perfect you may want a pretty journal to toss into your tote and if so I've found the perfect one and listed it on our website HERE
Let me guide you through the gentle process of writing morning pages.
Firstly, find a quiet and comfortable space where you won't be disturbed. It could be a cozy corner of your home, a favorite chair by the window, or even a spot outdoors where you can connect with nature. The important thing is to create an environment that feels nurturing and inviting.
Next, grab your journal or a stack of loose paper and a pen. There's something beautifully tangible and grounding about putting pen to paper, so I encourage you to embrace this traditional method of writing.
Now, take a few deep breaths to center yourself and set the intention for your morning pages practice. Remember, this is a sacred time for you to connect with your innermost thoughts and feelings, so approach it with gentleness and compassion.
As you begin to write, let go of any expectations or judgments. This is not about crafting polished prose or impressing anyone—it's about giving yourself permission to be perfectly imperfect. Allow your thoughts to flow freely, without censoring or editing. If you're unsure where to start, you can simply write about whatever is on your mind or how you're feeling in that moment.
Don't worry about structure or coherence; let your words spill onto the page in whatever form they take. Sometimes they may be a jumble of thoughts and emotions, and other times they may flow effortlessly. The beauty lies in the process itself, not the outcome.
If you find yourself getting stuck or blocked, just keep writing. Even if it's just a string of "I don't know what to write" repeated over and over, keep the pen moving. Often, breakthroughs come when we least expect them, so trust in the process and allow yourself to be surprised.
Remember, there's no right or wrong way to write morning pages. The most important thing is to show up for yourself and your creativity each day, with an open heart and a willingness to listen to the whispers of your soul.
So, my dear friend, I invite you to embrace this simple yet profound practice as a gift to yourself—a sacred ritual of self-discovery, healing, and creative expression. May your morning pages journey be filled with insight, inspiration, and an abundance of love.
1. Write without editing: Morning pages are about free-flowing, stream-of-consciousness writing. Don't worry about grammar, spelling, or coherence. Just let your thoughts spill onto the page without judgment. This helps to bypass your inner critic and allows you to access deeper layers of creativity
2. Set a routine: Make writing morning pages a daily habit. Ideally, do it first thing in the morning, before the distractions of the day set in. Setting a routine helps to reinforce the habit and signals to your brain that it's time for creative expression. Consistency is key to reaping the full benefits of morning pages.3.
3. Be honest and authentic: Use morning pages as a space for raw honesty. Write about your fears, frustrations, dreams, and desires without censorship. This process of self-expression can be cathartic and liberating, helping you to unearth buried emotions and gain clarity about your creative aspirations.
4. Explore without expectation: Approach morning pages with a spirit of curiosity and exploration. Allow your thoughts to wander freely, without the pressure of needing to produce something profound or meaningful. By giving yourself permission to simply explore and play with ideas, you open yourself up to unexpected insights and creative breakthroughs.
5. Trust the process: Trust that the act of writing morning pages, even when it feels mundane or unproductive, is contributing to your creative growth. It's not about producing polished work; it's about showing up consistently and nurturing your creative well-being. Over time, you'll likely
