Morning Pages - move forward with clarity...

I thought it would be really useful to share this thing I’ve been doing for around 70 days...I know, it’s about the only thing that I can seem to stick to, even though some days I absolutely resent it!

So, what is it & why am I doing it...

it’s something called Morning Pages!

Its one of the main ‘tools’ born out of the book ‘The Artists Way’ by @juliacameron.

It’s a ‘for your eyes only’ writing exercise which involves scribing three sides of A4 paper (in long hand, no abbreviations!) from your conscious thought stream (that’s literally what’s going through your mind in ‘live’ time at any one second - & feel free to let rip & leave it all there on the page…& I mean ALL of it - uncensored, unedited, swearing - the lot!) 

So why do it...!?

•For me it’s an insight into what’s really going on within me.

•It gives a stage to that stuff that sits in the unconscious & seems to be able to ‘undo’ our mood, to stub a toe, drop a plate, have a shit day etc..

•Morning pages enables you to clear your mind.

•When you write off the top of your head first thing in the morning, the words & feelings that spill out onto the blank page no longer take up space in your brain, and you can approach the rest of the day with more clarity.

•They assist in provoking & clarifying your thoughts...bringing comfort, sometimes even giggles.

•They help to prioritise and synchronise your day.

•They give rise to a clearer mind, better ideas & less anxiety.

How to do it..!?

•”There is no wrong way to do Morning Pages,” Cameron says.

•Its best first thing in the morning, before our ego’s defences gets a chance to ‘kick in’.

•Complete three sides of A4.

•Of course you can get a coffee or a brew before you start or even do it in bed. It’s totally up to you.

•Stop after three pages too, this avoids the self absorption or narcissism of the ego taking hold. 

What do you even write...!?

•Basically - whatever the F you want!

•Honestly you’d be surprised by what weaves itself through your pen & onto that page in-front of you.

•Feelings, frustrations...’why am I even doing this...why did I start this....I really need to google...need coffee... this kinda thing... ‘all the feels’! Keep going with it & just see what comes. 

•You’ll soon realise, that you can’t actually write three pages about nothing! (that’s the key).

•Refrain from making it a gratitude list or a ‘to do list’, although if these feature organically, let them come.

•Don’t over-think Morning Pages, simply put three pages of anything on the paper.

What do I do with them..!?

•If you’re asking me - BURN THEM! Joking aside, they are for you, they are yours - sacrosanct! Keeping them private is more important than keeping them for reference, so you do whatever you need to do to keep it that way. 

My invitation to you...

•Simply - give it a go!

•You might be surprised...so much so, that people (myself included) find it hard to stop!

•Use it as a tool, a looking glass into yourself. Id advise you commit too yourself to do it for at least 40 days, then stop, or carry on - it’s really up to you.

Let me know how you got on - I’d genuinely love to know.