Talk to Yourself
Last week's tip dove into what some might consider hippy-dippy territory, discussing the art of Feng Shui as a method of improving the flow of creative energy. I'm headed back to that "out there" sort of place today with another technique I learned early this year.
Ever have a story that just won't talk to you? Characters who turn their backs, a muse who takes unscheduled and unapproved vacations? Ever feel like you just can't get into that writer "flow" the way you do when that word count is burning up pages? Here's a trick to get in touch with that Awesomely Prolific Writer You.
The weird tip is: Use meditation/visualization to talk to the future/alternate "You" who has already written the project you want.
Here's how to do this:
Find a comfortable spot to sit or lie down in at a time when you can spend ten or fifteen minutes without being disturbed. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, in and out, in and out. Thoughts will come, telling you about the dishes you need to wash or the bill you forgot to pay. Let the thoughts drift away, telling yourself you will deal with them in a little bit.
When you feel relaxed, picture a door in front of you. Imagine that on the other side of the door, you will encounter yourself, specifically, the future self (or alternate self, if you prefer) who has successfully written your current or planned project. When you're ready, open that door and find You. Maybe you're at a desk in a grand office, typing another book. Maybe you're outdoors, enjoying nature. Wherever "You" are, walk up and say hello. Ask about the project, how it was written, how You got past any pitfalls. Let You talk, and listen carefully to whatever You say, any advice given. Observe how You are dressed, how You talk about writing, the energy and positivity You project. Let that energy fill the present you until you feel in synch. When you are ready, move back through the doorway, into your own time and place, bringing the energy and wisdom of your other Self with you.
This might feel silly the first time or two you try it. That's okay! If this doesn't work at first, try again tomorrow. If You said something that doesn't immediately seem related to your problem, don't dismiss it too quickly. Think on it. You might have given just the right advice, once you learn what it means.
Give this a fair try. You have the answers you need. Trust your intuition!
Ever have a story that just won't talk to you? Characters who turn their backs, a muse who takes unscheduled and unapproved vacations? Ever feel like you just can't get into that writer "flow" the way you do when that word count is burning up pages? Here's a trick to get in touch with that Awesomely Prolific Writer You.
The weird tip is: Use meditation/visualization to talk to the future/alternate "You" who has already written the project you want.
Here's how to do this:
Find a comfortable spot to sit or lie down in at a time when you can spend ten or fifteen minutes without being disturbed. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, in and out, in and out. Thoughts will come, telling you about the dishes you need to wash or the bill you forgot to pay. Let the thoughts drift away, telling yourself you will deal with them in a little bit.
When you feel relaxed, picture a door in front of you. Imagine that on the other side of the door, you will encounter yourself, specifically, the future self (or alternate self, if you prefer) who has successfully written your current or planned project. When you're ready, open that door and find You. Maybe you're at a desk in a grand office, typing another book. Maybe you're outdoors, enjoying nature. Wherever "You" are, walk up and say hello. Ask about the project, how it was written, how You got past any pitfalls. Let You talk, and listen carefully to whatever You say, any advice given. Observe how You are dressed, how You talk about writing, the energy and positivity You project. Let that energy fill the present you until you feel in synch. When you are ready, move back through the doorway, into your own time and place, bringing the energy and wisdom of your other Self with you.
This might feel silly the first time or two you try it. That's okay! If this doesn't work at first, try again tomorrow. If You said something that doesn't immediately seem related to your problem, don't dismiss it too quickly. Think on it. You might have given just the right advice, once you learn what it means.
Give this a fair try. You have the answers you need. Trust your intuition!
Have fun, and have at it!
~~~
J. Rose Allister is the author of more than twenty-five books, primarily romance and erotic romance. A former editor and submissions director, she now works as a mild-mannered hospital secretary by day, naughty writer by night.
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