An interesting phenomenon came up in the Get Your Writing Done Program last week, when people found themselves writing deeper in creative flow.
After we did our breathing and movement warm ups, everyone began writing. It was inspiring to witness the concentration and focus revealed on each face as people wrote. After 40 minutes of writing, I asked whether the group wanted more time.
A resounding, “YES!”
Four More Minutes of Flow
What struck me was Laurie Hunt‘s comment afterwards:
“I’m amazed at what I got done in four minutes! It’s a lesson around ‘every little bit makes a difference.’ I usually think I need a big chunk of time to sit down and write my book, but even in a small amount, so much can happen.”
Writing Deeper in Creative Flow
As I reflected on the power of that last four minutes, I shared what I’ve come to know, “When we think we’re done, that’s often where the greatest juice is. There’s a part of us that often holds back—out of fear, our ego, or the inner critic. That’s part of being human. Often that extra little bit is where the censor relaxes and suddenly we go deeper.”
Part of writing is leaving the surface of things and diving deeper—whether that means being more vulnerable, exploring new ideas or being more creative in our work. Little tricks like the extra five minutes tacked on at the end of a practice session can often act as a catalyst for this deeper work.
In fact, in class, we take a break after our first 35-45 minute writing session, participate in some reflections and optional sharing, and then begin another 35-45 minutes of writing. Often, the second session is even more powerful.
Connecting with the Inner Muse for Creative Flow
Lorraine Segal
mentioned a particular step we take during class, that of connecting to our inner muse:
“That practice of checking in with the Muse has been just amazing for me. I’ve been doing it every time I write and it’s helping me come from gentleness and trust. I did it yesterday and recommitted to getting my memoir published, because I heard from my Muse that I could trust—and only listen to—experts when my intuition validates it. It’s been miraculous!”
I often encourage people to connect with their inner muse with a sense of gratitude. The more positive feelings you generate for your creative source, the more your writing flows.
[bctt tweet=”Write In a State of Creative Flow!” username=”LisaTener”]
If you’re writing on your own, think about how you can invite yourself to go deeper. And how to connect with your Muse. And if you’re curious about what Get Your Writing Done can do for you, your writing practice and your book, you can read more about the Get Your Writing Done Program here.
Several participants mentioned particular practices we use that helped them get in that state of flow, as well as the accountability partner system (a streamlined and strategic 10-15 minute phone call once a week where partners answer 5 questions about their commitment and follow through). The optional accountability system helps you see what’s working, what’s not and plan your next steps to make your habits work.
My Confession
When everyone’s writing in the flow, I’ve been working on my books too—writing or revising. I find, too, that the class puts me in a creative state with ease and forces me to take the time to write. Of all the classes I’ve taught over the years, this is my favorite.
Can I say that? I love the other classes, too. But there’s something about the simplicity and power of this class that makes me look forward to Thursdays!
Read more about the Get Your Writing Done Program here. And consider joining us so that you write from an inspired state, complete your projects with ease and get your wisdom out into the world!
