We as writers spend countless hours in our writing “caves,” creating characters and stories we hope will engage and captive our readers. The more enticing our writing environment, the more apt we are to enter and stay awhile.Â
Surround yourself with objects that have helped you find your way in life — books, totems, photos, quotes, special rugs, notepads, pencils and pens. Pay attention to little ritual details. Do you like to light a candle before beginning to write? Brew a cup of tea? Have classical music playing in the background?Â
Creating a sacred writing space releases you. And, as Joseph Campbell writes: “…since that space is associated with a certain kind of performance, it evokes that performance again.” “To live in sacred space is to live in a symbolic environment where spiritual life is possible, where everything around you speaks of exaltation of the spirit.”
As you cross the threshold into your sacred space, cast off all your responsibilities. Banish the internal critic. Seal yourself off from distractions. Allow yourself to sink more deeply into your inner life. Invite in the sense of play and discovery.Â
And most of all, have fun!!
Yay for writing space. I think the trickiest part these days, is keeping it “sacred,” with the Internet breaking through the physical walls. Oops! Here I am! I love the connections I make with other writers this way, so I want to let this part in, but I am shooting for moderation and for keeping my writing at the top of the priority list.
Tea at my side!
Hi beckylevine, Where I live now free internet arrives only after 8AM. With the temptation to connect gone, I find I’ve gained hours of predawn quality and sacred writing time. Hurrah for limited access!!
good piece.
Clearing the space out in my head is my main problem. LOL. I have had a writer’s block for awhile now. Wrote a partial poem for the first time this year. Ugh!
I do need to get out some and mingle with others. I think good human interaction and less stress would help.
Shai, I love that — clearing the space out in your head. Wonderfully put, though difficult to do, I know. The fact you have a strategy in place — going out amongst others and being filled with the joy of companionship — leaves me with a deep sense of hope for you and your writing. Great good luck….