Writing as Yoga Practice

          Your yoga practice doesn’t end when you step off the mat and resume your day. To be in a state of yoga means to be aware of the body, mind and breath regardless of whether or not you are actively in posture. Keeping a journal is an excellent way to supplement asana and pranayama in your quest to be more self-actualized.

Journaling has long been a tool of therapists and artists alike. When we free-write, we tap into a deeper layer of consciousness where logical, linear thought goes by the wayside. The act of writing for oneself without fear of consequences or criticism is incredibly freeing, and can serve as a problem-solving tool as well as creative inspiration.

Just as we lay in Savasana after all the postures, we can come to a blank page to allow our very temporary feelings space to escape. Savasana allows us to absorb all the yoga. Journaling allows us to organize our thoughts and express our emotions in a safe, sustainable way. Because this form of communication taps into a deeper consciousness, using parts of the brain not usually exercised in mundane activity, writing hones our creativity and helps to expand our awareness of Self and Spirit.

I have kept journals since I got my first pink Little Twin Stars diary over 25 years ago. A serious Beatnik since early adolescence, there were times I believed life itself existed for the sole purpose of writing practice. You don’t have to be that devoted to journaling to experience profound benefits, however. You just have to show up. Here are some tips for starting (and continuing) an enjoyable, valuable writing practice.

1. Try using your computer as well as many kinds of pens and pencils. Word processing is sometimes better for those who think very fast or feel hampered by the quality of their handwriting. If you find yourself stumbling because the letters don’t look “nice” or “perfect” on the page, try a digital diary instead. See whether you like felty pens or ballpoints, pencils or markers.

2. Start keeping a journal in an inexpensive book. Leather-bound diaries are nice, but sometimes intimidate us. We don’t want to ruin the beautiful paper with our sheisty thoughts, cross-outs and doodles. Writing in a spiral notebook or even on loose leaf frees you to just show up at the page and get it done. Once the habit of showing up and getting it done is ingrained within you, feel free to make or buy something fabulous.

3. Once your hand begins writing, try not to stop. If you make a mistake, just skip a line and start again. If you think you will need to keep this entry for future reference you can always camouflage your mistakes with a sticker or some correction product. Don’t second-guess yourself. Just keep your hand moving until you have discharged the entire feeling, or you’ve come to the end of the anecdote.

4. Don’t become married to your thoughts. This is especially important to those who already have writing experience. Don’t judge what’s good or bad, just come to the page and do the work. Then take the opportunity to practice non-attachment. Zen writer and teacher Natalie Goldberg advocates taking the ego out of the moment in order to allow “writing to do writing.” 

          This means being present for the experience, and writing while you are writing --- not making an absent-minded half-assed effort. Go get a copy of Goldberg’s “Writing Down the Bones.” Do everything she says.

5. Unless you are trying to solve a particular problem, or you’re working on a piece you plan to publish, don’t read over what you have written just yet. Give your thoughts enough space to dissipate. You’ll be more honest, more instinctual and relaxed if you free-write without your inner editor interjecting every third word.

6.     Set a timer. Go for five minutes nonstop, then ten. Just keep your hand moving without judging yourself. You don’t have to sound awesome. In fact, don’t try to. 

   Over time, you’ll find yourself more centered and focused. Keeping a journal is yet another tool you can use to wake up and become more self-aware and peaceful. Read this article and more about writing @ kitty:magazine.