I see writing practice as a routine within your own lifestyle, but like anything, it ebbs and flows. Life happens. Sometimes, other things take priority. Confidence may slip away. For me, I have lost the practice throughout my life and then have climbed mountains and swam against currents to rediscover it again. Natalie Goldberg wrote a book titled, Writing Down the Bones: Freeling the Writer Within. She said it is her sincere wish that her “book be taught in …schools, that students learn how to do writing practice, that they come to know themselves, feel joy in expression, trust what they think,” (2005). I believe that coming to know yourself, feeling joy in expression, and trusting what you think should be the focus and are essential in maintaining confidence within the writing practice making writing practice sustainable and intrinsically rewarding.
1. “Come to Know Yourself”
Natilie Goldberg writes, “the more we understand the human mind, our basic writing tool, the better, more secure we can be in our writing.” Just like we slow down to observe the world around us to better narrate the sensory experience, we should also go explore our own human minds. Why do we think the way we do? What triggers us? How does our body feel at that moment? Why? What memories bubble up? Once we have a better understanding of ourselves, then we can take on the challenge of telling the truth and depicting it in detail (2005) in our own writing. And the more we do that, the better our writing gets.
2. “Feel Joy in Expression”
Expression can be the narration of all the things we have experienced in our life. First of all, how do we narrate our life and do that well? And then we need to feel joy while doing it? So how do we do that? I think like anything, feeling joy is first a choice, then a practice, then a habit. I always say, we are what we focus on. We should let go of the outcome of our writing and just simply write. For me joy can dissolve when I resent the challenges that come up and worry about how my writing will turn out. I see myself as a project oriented person rather than a process oriented person so for me reminding myself of the joy and embracing the journey is exactly what I need to feel more positive.
3. “Trust What You Think”
Natalie Goldberg said, “once you connect with your mind, you are who you are and you’re free.” I remember a time just after adjusting to my divorce when I was rediscovering my writer’s journey. It was years ago. I downsized to a one bedroom apartment with my first son. I was developing my confidence which at the time, I was gaining the awareness that I didn’t have the true confidence that I thought I had. The idea that you are who you are is uncomfortable at times. But I remember, one night on my bed in my underlit living room with a well used journal book in my lap, I had written something like my ordinary life will inspire others as extraordinary. My thoughts and word choices, although common for me, will be something uncommon or inspiring for someone else. Those were not the exact words but close enough. Obviously, the feeling from my revelation stuck with me after all these years. It gave me permission to trust what I think and just get it on paper letting go of the outcome. I am sure to inspire, and for that idea, I am free.
As you are developing or maintaining your own writing practice, may you remember to go within to continue to know yourself, feel joy in the process, and trust what you think letting go of the outcome. You have a lot to offer to this world.
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Thank you!
Sincerely,
T.J. Hopkins
Goldberg, Natalie. (2005). Writing Down the Bones: Feeling the Writer Within. Shambhala Publications, Inc.
