Mindful Writing: 3 Tools for Creativity and Mental Well-being

As writers, we often find solace in our craft, seeking tools and practices that not only enhance our creativity but also nurture our souls. Let me clarify upfront that no single practice can universally benefit everyone in the same way. But when we find something works for us, it is essential to establish them as rituals in our daily lives. Not only do they help us foster a certain discipline to approach our writing journey with, but also promote mindfulness in our words, thoughts, and actions.

Since the beginning of 2024, I've navigated through several mental and physical lows both mentally and physically, compounded by significant personal changes, which have hindered my professional life. However, since April began, I've integrated three seemingly ordinary tools (you can also call them 'lifestyle choices') that have profoundly impacted my creativity and well-being. I want to share these with you because they've proven incredibly beneficial to me, even though I initially approached them with skepticism. While they may not yield the same results for everyone, I hope they offer value to you as they have for me.

Morning Pages: A Sanctuary of Reflection

I have to confess, of all three practices, this is the one I approached with the most skepticism. Inspired by Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way, this part of my morning ritual has become a daily sanctuary for reflection and expression. In a remarkably short time, they've become a lifeline, guiding me through moments of uncertainty and self-doubt.

This exercise involves the daily act of writing three pages of stream-of-consciousness thoughts every morning as soon as you wake up. The magic lies in its simplicity and the ability to connect with your innermost self.

Key Takeaways (... so far):

• Discipline: Before morning pages, I had days where I wrote (a little or a lot) and days where I did not write at all. But I have observed that putting my pen down to the paper consistently each morning has also brought me to my writing table every single day.
  

• Forgiveness and Acceptance: I now realize that I was the most skeptical about this practice because I was scared about what was going to come up in those pages. But the pages have proved to be a non-judgemental space where I have learnt to forgive myself (and others) and trust the process. I am learning to accept imperfections- both with the creative process and myself.
  

• Creative Exploration: The stream-of-consciousness method has helped me run with ideas and explore possibilities about on-going projects and new possibilities. And because this is an activity that is supposed to be done early in the morning, I have also been able to pen down the most bizzare dreams that I would normally forget an hour after I wake up.

Bullet Journaling: Crafting Order from Chaos

For the past few years, Bullet Journaling has been my steadfast companion on this journey of creativity. This organizational masterpiece introduced by Ryder Carroll transcends traditional planning, offering a canvas for tailoring a journal to a person's unique needs.

With its customizable spreads and endless possibilities, my Bullet Journal has become a reflection of my creative journey.

Key Takeaways (... so far):

• Celebrating Little Wins: One of the most tricky and interesting things in this journaling method is the trackers. Because the layout of the journal is highly customizable, you can have as many and as little trackers as you want. It is tricky because you have to train your mind to look at the trackers as motivators and not another thing to make yourself feel bad about. Celebrating the little wins on these trackers has done wonders for my motivation.
  

• Analog Connection: I cherish the time when I disconnect from the online world and immerse myself in the tactile pleasure of pen and paper. Whether it's designing a new spread, or spending time on my daily and monthly logs—there is certain joy in the process of creation. I have found bullet journaling to be therapeutic when it comes to shutting out all the chaos and noise and just... disconnect for a while. Each page becomes a roadmap guiding me toward my creative destination, instilling a sense of purpose and direction in my journey.
  

• Creative Expression and Gratitude: I love experimenting with different lettering styles, doodles, and layouts in my BuJo. Each page becomes a reflection of my journey—both artistic and personal. Flipping through my completed journals is like revisiting old memories, a testament to my growth and creativity. An important part of my daily spread is the daily gratitude section which has shifted my attitude towards myself and others quite a bit.
  

Pocket Notebook: Capturing Moments of Inspiration

Then there's the humble Pocket Notebook, a faithful companion that accompanies me wherever I go. With each scribbled note and doodled sketch, I'm reminded that inspiration is everywhere, just waiting to be discovered.

I won't lie, a dear friend of mine had to push me quite a bit with this and I realized- no longer are things getting forgotten on the notes app in my phone. I go through the notebook every time I've had an interesting day, I sit down and transfer things to my Bullet Journal.

Key Takeaways (... so far):

• Observations and Reflections: I find myself becoming more mindful about things around me- may it be nature or even the nuances of human existence. I jot down fleeting thoughts, capture moments of beauty, and reflect on them later. These notes are more than just scribbles— they become the building blocks for my writing projects.
  

• Instant Gratification: In a world where instant gratification often feels elusive, my pocket notebook offers a simple yet profound sense of achievement with every task completed. May it be something like a client meeting or something like picking up groceries and vegetables, there's something deeply rewarding about jotting down a task, tackling it head-on, and then crossing it off the list.
  

• A Haven of Simplicity: In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, my pocket notebook reminds me to slow down and savor the world around me. Here, amidst the pages of my trusty companion, creativity thrives, and inspiration blossoms, undisturbed by the noise of the outside world.

You know, sometimes I wish I could just ditch social media and trade my smartphone for a simpler one. But let's be real—whether it's for work, staying connected with friends scattered across the globe, or just indulging in some mindless scrolling, screens are a constant in my life. At the end of the day, they often leave me feeling terrible about myself and disconnected from my creativity.

In an age dominated by digital distractions, Morning Pages, Bullet Journaling, and Pocket Notebooks have become more like my anchors—grounding me in the present moment and reminding me of the beauty of simplicity. These tools offer more than just structure and creativity; they're a lifeline, weaving fulfillment and enrichment into the fabric of my daily existence.

What strategies do you use to stay away from digital distractions? What are your favourite journaling methods? I would love to hear from you!