Mindful writing
What it is and why to practice it.
It takes great courage to look where you need to look, at yourself, your experience, your relationship with your fellow human beings, your relationship with the earth, with spirit, and with the first cause. To look at them and get the major from them.
H. Crews
In everyday life, we have many opportunities to practice mindfulness. For example, simple activities such as brushing our teeth, doing the dishes, taking a walk, or even waiting in traffic can serve as occasions to focus our attention on the present moment. These personal, daily habits have taken on a new dimension, and we now hear more and more often about mindful eating, mindful walking, mindful consumption and more.Â
However, mindful writing seems to have a paradox, as the practices of mindfulness and writing seem to be at odds with each other. Mindfulness simply requires being present in the moment, while writing often involves seeking out new experiences to inspire creativity. From this perspective, the objectives of mindfulness and writing may seem disparate.Â
The connection between mindfulness and writing can be found in Aristotle’s definition of Rhetoric, which defines it as “… the ability to see in every matter what are the available means of persuasion”. He stresses the importance of observation, situational awareness and reflection before action. According to Aristotle, Rhetorical education should teach basic techniques and strategies of persuasion as well as the wisdom of knowing when and how to act, when to be silent and when to listen. Mindful writing requires the same preparation and techniques as rhetorical action: slowing down, observing, waiting, listening, and being aware of the situation and environment.
The practice of mindful writing is not limited to writers; it is a versatile tool that appeals to a broad audience. This audience includes professors, teachers, students, personal development consultants (coaches), their clients, lawyers, and anyone who wants to express themselves through writing. Mindful writing can serve different goals, such as knowledge acquisition and academic writing, but also inspiration, creativity and self-development.Â
Mindful writing can help us realise the paradoxical nature of language. As human beings, we have a system of language that helps us communicate our internal and external experiences to ourselves and others while allowing for interaction. However, this system can sometimes work against us. When we constantly think about our problems, we become overwhelmed with emotions that make us feel vulnerable, leading to a change in our behaviour.
Moreover, mindful writing allows us to explore our thoughts and feelings non-judgmentally to understand them better. Instead of trying to control or suppress our feelings, we can observe and analyse them by recording them on paper. By externalising our emotions, we can reframe them to benefit our emotional regulation and self-awareness.
By writing mindfully, we can explore the depths of our consciousness and develop insight that guides our actions. Mindful writing connects mind, body, and soul, allowing us to experience interbeing[i].
The practice of mindful writing requires complete focus on the present, putting aside any past experiences, successful or otherwise, and distancing oneself from future concerns or ambitions. By approaching our writing with awareness in the present moment, we can turn off the inner critic and devote ourselves entirely to our work.
Mindful writing is a practice of creative expression that highlights the power of the written word to cultivate mindfulness, personal growth and self-awareness. In a world where everything evolves quickly and superficially, mindful writing offers a shelter of calm where we can explore the depths of our thoughts and feelings.
[i] The concept of “Interbeing” is a fundamental principle of Zen Buddhism, particularly as clarified by Thich Nhat Hanh. It is a way of understanding the interconnectedness and interdependence of all elements in the universe, including human beings, the natural world, past, present and future.
Bibliography
https://doi.org/10.1080/1047621032000135159
https://doi.org/10.1093/clipsy.bpg016