First Things First: Starting Your Writing Day

Have you gotten up on the “wrong” side of the bed lately? If so, you know that how you wake up in the morning can set the tone for your entire day. Do you awaken to an alarm clock, jump out of bed, and feel rushed all day long? Do you feel like the day’s to-do list will take a week to complete? Does your life feel like a succession of endless striving and doing? If so, slowing down your morning wake-up process can make a difference in your day. Waking up slowly and deliberately—bringing awareness to this time of day—can help you maintain your equilibrium, which will make you calmer, and also more productive. Here are a few suggestions for bringing awareness into your mornings and starting your day with consciousness attention, clarity, and joy:

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Stay still: When you first become aware that you’re awake, don’t move your body. If you’ve opened your eyes, close them.

Dreams: See if you can recall your dreams. Maybe all you’ve got is a lingering sequence, phrase, or feeling. Write it down. Keep a pad and pen or a dream journal near your bed. Even one word or image can ignite and inspire wisdom and creativity in your day’s writing.

Tension scan: Even though you’ve just awakened, you may still be holding tension in your body. Scan it for any gripping, clenching, or tightness. Release it. Wait a few seconds and see if the tension creeps back in. You might notice tension in your hip, shoulder, jaw, or hand. Let it go. Several times, if necessary.

Give thanks: Count your blessings. Give thanks for your life, your writing, your friends and family, and all your other blessings. Gratitude is a balm. And the more you focus on what you’ve got and love, the more it grows. Gratitude adds altitude to your attitude.

Intention: Set an intention for the day. If you’re struggling with a difficult writing project, state what you’d like to receive that day in terms of information and inspiration. Be definite with the infinite. Specificity is an effective tool in creating positive life outcomes, as well as writing strong poetry or prose.

Ask for Assistance: What do you need? Where are you struggling? Who can be of service to you? Ask fellow writers for assistance. Maybe you’re stuck in the middle of your project and wondering if you’ll ever finish. Maybe you’re two weeks from your publication date and are feeling weak in the knees. Or sick to your stomach. Maybe you’re about to begin a new project. Whatever your situation, there are other writers who have been there and done that. You might actually be doing somebody a favor. Being of service to a fellow writer feels good. Most people like to help where and if they can.

Trust Yourself: Don’t be afraid to reach inside as well as out. Everything you need to resolve your stress exists within you.  But you must be quiet and listen. You must slow down. Sometimes it’s easier to go outside yourself, to consult others, than to listen to your own wisdom. But your own wisdom is your Holy Grail. Seek counsel. Put together a dynamic team. Consult experts. But don’t forget your most precious resource is you!

Taking the time to start your day with calm, centered awareness is like calibrating a delicate instrument. The instrument will not perform accurately if it’s not properly calibrated. Give yourself this same care and respect and the quality of your days will blossom. Spaciousness will creep into your life and shine all over your pages! Happy writing. Happy awakening! May your mornings inspire bright and beautiful days!