A writer and writing teacher I admire, Rebecca Evans, talked about an Entry Point as an opener when writing.
Rebecca asked us to think of comfortable things.
Things you’re wearing and you don’t even know you’re wearing, like eyeglasses.
I thought that was interesting because I don’t like wearing my glasses. I usually take them off as soon as I get home from going out.
About a week after Rebecca’s workshop, as I drove to my first errand, things looked blurry. I couldn’t read signs clearly.
I thought, “I need to get my eyes checked.”
I accomplished my errands. Got home. And did my usual, took my glasses off first thing.
That’s when I noticed . . . I was not wearing my distance glasses. I was wearing my computer glasses.
I guess the moral is things can be comfortable without our even noticing it.
Or, maybe the moral is . . . pay attention.
Either way, let’s find an entry point for writing.
Find something comfortable on your body. It could be a tattoo, a scar, something you are wearing. Just notice an item of comfort.
Now look around, find something to look at that brings comfort, or a sense of peace, a sense of all is right with the world.
If none of that works, think of a phrase, a word or a sound, that brings comfort to you.
If you can’t find anything right now, don’t worry. Something will come to you.
If you did find a comfort point, use that as your focal point. If the writing gets difficult, look at that comfort item or think of your comfort word . . . use that as a reminder to breathe. As a reminder that you are okay. In the here and now, you are okay.
If the writing gets difficult, you can tap on your chest, just above the breast bone, with the tips of your fingers. This is a calming and centering activity.
While you are writing, if you run out of ideas of what to write about, and there is more time to write . . .
Rewrite the prompt.
Literally, rewrite the prompt.
Or:
What I really want to say.
I have been doing meditations online with Alister Gray.
Here are some thoughts from his meditation.
These are ideas we can use as an entry point into our writing.
~ Let go of resistance
~ Drop into a level of awareness
~ The power of acceptance
~ Experience inner freedom
Acceptance is accepting all there is in the present moment. Allow it to be.
Clarity and wisdom guide us into the next moment.
Let acceptance in. Let acceptance be your super power.
Acceptance is a gateway to a peaceful place, a grounding place.
Acceptance of yourself, including your flaws, past experiences, what you think is unlovable.
Realize your true nature. Your wholeness of who you are.
Drop in to the super space of awareness which is unconditional love for yourself, including what you have labeled as bad.
Writing can help us to heal . . . so we can navigate life consciously.
Take a moment to take this in.
Feel it. Let it settle.
While you write:
Notice what emotions come up. Let the tears come.
Accept whatever comes up.
Accept whatever path you are on.
Before starting to write:
Stretch.
Take a few deep breaths.
There are two writing prompts.
Prompt #1: Acceptance.
Write for 15-20 minutes. Longer, if you have time. Save time for an exit point.
Rebecca talked about an exit point, closure, after writing.
Don’t carry your hard writing to the next thing you are doing. Writing is your sacred place.
Think of your item of comfort . . . either a real thing, or a word, a mantra.
Prompt #2: Write about what brings you comfort.
