Today, I returned to writing morning pages. Finally, I picked up one of the spiral journals on my bookshelf, plucked a pen off my desk and wrote.
My first morning pages started over thirty years ago when I was introduced to The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. It is one of the tools she uses to open up creativity.
What are Morning Pages?
The idea is very simple. Each morning, before you do anything else, take pen in hand and write on paper. The standard for how much to write is three pages or thirty minutes. The only requirement is physical writing.
At first, you might not know what to write. That’s okay. If you’re stuck, write “I don’t know what to write. This is stupid.” Continue writing these two sentences. As if by magic, your words change to release whatever needs to come out. Maybe the emotions release. Perhaps, a new idea may emerge.
There is no wrong way to do morning pages. Furthermore, don’t worry about syntax, punctuation or spelling. Above all, just write.
How Might This Work?
The physical task of moving the hand allows the brain to slowly unwind. It seems like expressing your thoughts on paper is basic therapy. Moreover, it doesn’t hurt you or anyone else.
Morning pages are private. They are not shared. When you’ve filled up your first notebook or journal you choose what you do with it.
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- Store it
- Burn it
- Shred it
- Physically tear it up
Start Today
Why not give writing morning pages a try? Do you have an empty notebook lying around the house? Any writing instrument will do; pen, pencil, marker. Start writing morning pages and watch your creativity soar.
For me, today’s morning pages made me feel so much calmer, I didn’t stress over publishing this page much later than usual. Ahhhh.
Helpful Resources
As I composed this article, I remembered the scores of young people who were not given the joy of learning cursive writing in school. If you want to learn how to master this creative style of writing, here are a few of the many helpful sources online. Most noteworthy, the first link is full of more resources at the end of the article.
- What Happened to Cursive Writing? – A teacher’s perspective and history
- Cursive Writing – Complete Lesson with Practice Sheets – one of many You Tube videos aimed at adults
- Cursive Handwriting for Adults… – a book for adults
- Cursive Worksheets and Free Printables – geared for children
- Bonus! Free Printable Books – for young readers and anyone who wants to learn English
On a personal note, thank you, kind reader, Donna M., for emailing me the link in the last item above. The world needs more teachers like you.
Have an enjoyable, safe Labor Day weekend, enjoying the vestiges of summer and looking forward to fall.
Warmly,
Dawn
