MORNING PAGES
Morning Pages have saved my mental health!
And no, I am not exaggerating. Since I started journaling first thing in the morning I have found my thoughts to be more intentional and leave more room for creativity. I have bought every journal, ebook, and agenda in the world to find a method of journaling that I could habitually complete without getting bored.
Although I loved using The Five Minute Journal, I found it repetitive and a bit boring. I needed something that would allow me to write without structure, to dump all my thoughts out into the world without being prompted. That’s where an old-fashioned lined notebook with a pretty cover saved me. Nothing special, just a blank page for me to work through my thoughts and feelings.
I first heard of Morning Pages from wellness coaches on Instagram encouraging people on their journey to well-being to incorporate journaling into their daily routines. I have since learned about their famous origin from Julia Cameron, author of The Artist's Way. The New York Times has an amazing article on Julia Cameron that I recommend giving a read. She insists this is a necessary practice for artists (but also everyone) to tap into their creative energies. And let me tell you it works!
What are Morning Pages?
Morning Pages is stream-of-consciousness journaling done first thing every morning on a daily basis. The idea is to wake up, open your journal, and write three pages with any thoughts that come to mind. This is a time when spelling doesn’t matter, your handwriting can be messy and you don’t reread what you wrote. Put pen to paper and don’t look back!
Benefits
Clear Your Mind: When you wake up your head is already racing with what you need to get done that day and whatever came from the day before. Of course, I don't open my eyes and race to my journal right away. I like my mornings slow, so I make a coffee and get comfy before I grab a pen and begin to pour my thoughts out onto a blank page.
Process Your Emotions: We are bombarded with information 24/7 and it takes a toll on us. With everything that goes on in a day, the habit of Morning Pages provides an opportunity for you to get out those lingering emotions and free you from whatever is clogging up your mind.
Silence Your Inner Critic: We are all our own worst critics. Morning Pages gives you a chance to say all those ridiculous thoughts you wouldn’t normally share. Stream-of-consciousness writing accesses only what’s on your mind at that moment, leaving no room for self-criticism.
Best Practices
Be Authentic: Here at Corner Store, we strive for authenticity. No one will ever read your journal so don’t write to an audience. Write whatever thought comes to mind, regardless of how silly or weird you may feel they are.
Fill Up 3 Pages: The hardest part is getting started. Some mornings I have no idea where to begin so I write to my inner child. I will ask “little me” for guidance on what I should do to work through a challenge or I will write to her about all the amazing things that are happening in my life. As I write I always come to a breaking point on page two with what’s really on my mind. Keep writing! Fill all three pages and you will find relief by the end.
Bonus Ritual: Emotional Purge Writing
The benefits of stream-of-consciousness journaling don’t just stop at Morning Pages. I have a bonus ritual I like to do during more difficult times when I need a big release of thoughts or emotions. With the same principles of Morning Pages, emotional purge writing takes your brain dump to the next level.
How To:
Before you begin, get a notebook and pen and find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Sit down and set a timer for twelve minutes.
Open your notebook and simply start writing about whatever is disturbing your peace, just as you would for Morning Pages.
At the end of twelve minutes, stop writing. This is where we get cathartic… you are going to light your pages on fire! Your goal here is to transfer your thoughts from your mind into the world and then release that energy.
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