We’ve completed Round 3 of our practice check-ins! In September, we did morning pages. For October, meditation. November was dedicated to movement. I’m finding this three-pronged practice a powerful support for my creative life.

My practice was primarily yoga with a few neighbourhood walks thrown in. There is no doubt that a regular movement practice enhances my energy, lowers my stress, helps me sleep better and supports my mind, body and spirit in feeling more alive. I was also more aware of my body’s energy demands and that, in turn, encouraged me to make more nutritious food choices. As well, I’m starting to feel a little inspired to come back to running. We’ll see how that goes when we cycle back to the next movement check-in!

What did you notice as you focused on developing a movement practice? When was it easiest to embrace? When did it slip to the wayside? What movement was the most satisfying to you? What felt like a chore? How do you feel after spending a month dedicated to moving? Is this a practice you’ll keep up? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

We’ll come back to check-ins with morning pages in January. For December, I want to do something entirely different!

Throughout December, I’m going to be hosting “Creative Living Mini Moments.” At random times throughout the month you’ll be able to join me *LIVE* for a 5-minute free write!

Here’s how it’s going to work:

• Follow me on Twitter or join me on Facebook to get the announcements.
• Keep your eye out for a message like this, “Hey, everyone. It’s time for a Creative Living Mini Moment. Join me now for a free write!” and a link.
• Wherever you are, grab something to write with and something to write on (Of course, as a creative living aficionado, you always have that with you, right?), click the link.
• I’ll be there *live* to share a prompt and for 5 minutes, we’ll write together.
• Then we’ll give each other virtual hugs and high-fives and go on with our day – knowing we took 5 minutes for our creative life!

I’m going to try to do these at all different times of day so that I can connect with you no matter where you are in the world!

What do you think? You in?

It’s amazing how the simple act of a daily check-in can reinvigorate a practice.

Twice this year, a beautiful community has come to life around sharing a tidbit of daily support for developing a creative living practice: morning pages. What a delight! Thank you to everyone for making the effort, for showing up – when and where you could – and for your beautiful, candid honesty. We had days of insight and days of slogging. We shared celebrations and grumblings. That’s the practice, in all its gritty, beautiful, unfettered flow.

Whether you did it sometimes, mostly, every day or once, I’m celebrating you and morning pages – and I invite you to do the same in the comments! What would you like to acknowledge? What have you learned? What insights do you want to hold onto How do morning pages support you? How does developing a practice nourish you?

PS If you’re wondering what the heck we’re talking about, the journey started here.

Devoting May to a practice of morning pages has been an absolute delight. It’s amazing to see how quickly a community can come to life around an idea and how even a tidbit of daily support and cheering can make all the difference. Thank you to everyone for making the effort, for showing up – when and where you could – and for your beautiful, candid honesty. We had days of insight and days of slogging. We shared celebrations and grumblings. That’s the practice, in all its gritty, beautiful, unfettered flow. And you did it!

Several people have asked me if I’m going to continue through June and beyond. The answer is no and here’s why: self-trust. See, when we decided on this practice, we told our souls we’d be at it for May. I want to honour that agreement. How many times have we coaxed ourselves into baby steps and then said, “Hey, let’s go farther!” Who could blame our souls if they’re a bit sceptical the next time we say, “Don’t worry. We’ll take baby steps.”  Please don’t take this to mean that you shouldn’t continue on your own. It’s a new month and you can make a fresh commitment with your heart.  And maybe we’ll return to morning pages next May. Or maybe next time we’ll go for a whole season. Maybe we’ll try a new practice – meditation, moving our bodies…. I’m seeing a trio of M’s: morning pages, movement and meditation, hmm….

For now, let’s celebrate what we’ve done, our morning pages in May. As we draw this experience to a close tomorrow, what would you like to celebrate? What would you like to acknowledge yourself for? What have you learned about yourself through this practice? What insight do you most want to hold onto?

Namaste, you beauties!

PS I’m posting this on the 30th because I don’t want our discussion to get lost against tomorrow’s podcast. You’re welcome to add your thoughts at any time.
PPS If you’re wondering what the heck we’re talking about, the journey starts here.

It’s amazing how certain ideas just take on a life of their own!

I’ve been moved to re-take up the practice of Morning Pages lately. I mentioned it in on Facebook and Twitter and this energy came to life, like a breeze had awoken a flame that was just under the surface and suddenly there was fire! When that happens, I know it’s time to pay attention. So for May, let’s commit to a practice of Morning Pages. Every day we’ll have the opportunity to check-in and say, “I did it!” on my Facebook page or on Twitter. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, let’s awaken that spring creative energy and get the the flow started! If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, let these pages support you in the clearing and releasing that’s so important at this time of year. Wherever you are, you are invited to develop a Morning Pages  practice this May.

What are Morning Pages?*

• In Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, she introduces the idea of Morning Pages: 3 pages of long-hand free-form stream-of-consciousness writing that you write each morning to start your day.

Why do them?

• Morning pages are a practice. They get thoughts, ideas, stuck points, garbage, treasures, energy, out of your head and onto the page. This is not about the product at all. You could (and I do) throw your pages out after you’ve written them. This is about getting the juices flowing and getting your energy going. (Julia does recommend some ways to harvest from your pages at a later date. Be sure to check out her book if that sounds of interest)
• Morning pages also give you a daily opportunity to hear what you’re thinking. Being in touch with your heart, your mind, your soul is the very basis of all creative living. This is a practice to ground yourself in.
• And the woo-woo reason: morning pages are magic. I don’t know how to explain it but every time I’ve started doing morning pages on a regular basis, my life has changed for the better. Every. Single. Time. Energy starts shifting when you start openly sharing with your self and the Universe what’s going on in that beautiful heart of yours, spilling the truth in all its raw power onto the page.

What do I write?

• Whatever is in your head goes onto the page. No censorship. If all three pages ended up being “I don’t know what to write. I don’t know what to write…” that would be fine. Mine sometimes look like this, “I’m tired. I’ve been thinking about writing a piece about– oh, I have to remember to pick up Jinx’s meds. Now, what was I thinking?” That kind of thing. It doesn’t matter what you write, just write.

What do I need?

• A pen. Paper. And about 30 minutes.
• As for the paper, this where I always apply the “Will it move you forward?” test. What kind of paper or journal or notebook will get you to write? If you love pretty journals and it inspires you to wake up in the morning, crack it open and write, do that. If it’s going to take you two weeks to find just the right book, ditch that idea. What will get you started today? I use dollar store exercise books because for me, it’s important they be abundant and not precious. Trisha did something lovely and collaged the front of her Morning Pages Journal to make it special and inviting. I’ve used pages of 3-hole paper. I’ve used a newsprint pad. It just has to be something you’ll actually use.
• It can be a lot of writing, I really recommend experimenting with a few pens to find one that allows you to move smoothly along the page with a minimum amount of grip. So many of us have all kinds of repetitive strain and fatigue in our hands, so be as gentle on yourself as you can be. Find your way to make it work.

Can I do it on the computer?

• If that’s the absolute only way you’ll consider doing it, I won’t discourage you. (And if you do, here’s a helpful resource. Thank you, Samantha )But really, it does make a difference to do it by hand. There is something about the pace and the kinesthetic experience that has impact. Trust me. Besides, don’t we all spend more than enough time on the computer anyway?

Do I have to do it in the morning?

• The gift of the morning is we can dive into the pages before we’ve been engulfed by the rest of our regular life. That is tremendously valuable. But again, applying that good old Jamie guideline, if morning’s mean you won’t do it – choose something else! It’s better to do it than to worry about following the rules. I used to always do them right before bed because the action of clearing my head on the page helped me fall asleep and feel at ease.

Does it have to be three pages?

• It is important to have a structure and one that takes you a bit beyond what you might otherwise do.
• Three pages seems to be just about the right amount of time to push you a little bit into new territory. If you just stop when you feel like stopping, you can be sure that you’ll miss the good stuff that’s just around the corner.
• Three pages also seems to be enough to get you through your resistance. Once you know exactly how much you’ve committed to, you can make it a non-negotiable with your gremlin.
• One alternative that has worked for me is to give myself a fixed amount of time. I’ve often given myself 30 minutes for my morning pages. That way I feel secure that I have dedicated time, I have enough time and I don’t have to rush.

How is this going to work?

• Easy-peasy. This is just a regular morning check in on either my Facebook page or on Twitter. Each morning I’ll just put up a little note that says I’ve done my pages and you can share when you’ve done yours. We’ll be able to celebrate with one another along the way.
• Join my Facebook page here.
• Follow me on Twitter at @starshyne. The hashtag we’ll be using is #morningpages, so you’ll be able to search for #morningpages and see what everyone’s up to.

Joining In

• Anyone is welcome to join. If you’d like to make it official and say, “Yes, I’m in!” add your name to the Mr. Linky below. That way we can also come visit and see who we’re playing with.
• You can join in any time.
• There’ s no pressure here. Just encouragement. Even if you just do one day but that’s more than you would have done before – woohoo!
• Here’s a badge if you’d like to make it official on your site.

Let’s make May magical with Morning Pages!

* Please note: This is the “Jamie take” on Morning Pages. I encourage you to go to the source for Julia Cameron’s explanations and discussion.

Until recently, I have never considered myself a writer. Natalie Goldberg helped to change my mind. When I started reading Writing Down the Bones, I felt a lot of “Yes!” that made me reconsider. Now I’m enjoying reading about writing and thought I would share some of the books that have been highly recommended to me. I hope you’ll also share your top writing books so that we can continue to build some fantastic inspirational resources together!

Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within (Shambhala Library) by Natalie Goldberg

I’m wild about this book. I have the anniversary audio edition on my iPod and I travel the city everywhere listening to Natalie’s wisdom. I listen to chapters over and over again.  I hear Natalie’s voice in my ear when I’m choosing to say hydrangea instead of flower. The chapter “Writing is a Communal Act” is a must read.

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Ann Lamott

I feel less connected to this book, in part because it’s focused on writing fiction. Ann’s got a great gift for storytelling and for me the joy of this book has been reading her share about her own experience and life within the context of writing.

If You Want To Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit by Brenda Ueland

When I started reading this book, I cried.  I’ve only read a couple of chapters because I have to take time to cry with each of them. Crying is just one of those things I do when something really speaks to me. The first chapter starts with “Everybody is talented, original and has something important to say.” In Brenda, I feel like I’ve found a mentor. She articulates with confidence and grace so many of the philosophies I hold dear and reminds me that I am a part of a greater discourse, a part of a discussion about life and art that has been going on since life and art began. That made me feel at home.

On Writing by Stephen King

I haven’t so much as picked up this book but it comes so highly recommended by so many resources that I thought I should share it too. If you’ve read it, what did you think?

What writing books would you recommend?

This podcast is 28:20.

This week’s guest: Patti Digh, writer

Website: pattidigh.com
Blog: 37 Days
Twitter: @pattidigh
Books:

Life Is a Verb: 37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful, and Live Intentionally

Creative is a Verb: If You’re Alive, You’re Creative (available for pre-order)

Four-Word Self-Help: Simple Wisdom for Complex Lives (available for pre-order)

About Patti Digh…

Patti Digh is the award-winning author of the grassroots bestseller, Life is a Verb: 37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful, and Live Intentionally (skirt! books, Globe Pequot Press, 2008). She has two new books coming out in 2010 from Globe Pequot Press: Four-Word Self-Help: simple wisdom for complex lives (Sept 2010) and Creative is a Verb: if you’re alive, you’re creative (Nov 2010). All three books are illustrated with original art from readers of her blog, 37days.com, around the world.

Show Notes…

• Patti mentions her article “how to write (a book). a wee rant“.
• This week’s listener question came from Linnea of Cafe Mercury.
• Patti mentioned her business partner David Robinson.
• She also mentioned author Barbara Kingsolver.
• And Julia Cameron and The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity are also referred to by Patti.
• I mention my upcoming dance event, Groove Back and its sponsors Romana Mirza and Red Tent Sisters.

If you liked this, you’ll probably like…

• Your Creative Spark: An inspiration e-power pack with 3 hours of creative interviews, their transcripts and great bonuses to boot!

Subscribe to Creative Living with Jamie…

• You can subscribe to Creative Living with Jamie here and also on iTunes here (Note: this link will ask to access your iTunes and then take you to the podcast. You can also simply open iTunes and search for “Creative Living with Jamie)

This podcast is 28:51.

This week’s guest: Chris Kay Fraser, writer and writing teacher

Website: Footprint Memoirs
Facebook Group: Word Food

About Chris…

Chris Kay Fraser loves words. She has taught creative writing, video and photography workshops to seniors, at-risk youths, young children, yoga teachers, university students, and dozens of groups in her cozy home studio. She holds a Master’s degree in Adult Education and Community Development, where she explored the connection between art, personal change and community development. Chris currently teaches short fiction, memoir-writing and poetry from her home in Toronto while running creative retreats around the country. In her spare time, she drinks tea, reads poems, gardens, and rides her loyal blue bike.

A Special Just for You!! Chris is offering $25 of the upcoming Satellite Life Writing Class ~ Memory Threads, Satellite: A workshop for life-writers and couch-sitters

Back by popular demand! This is a mail-and-email-based class, inviting participants to write themselves into the rich world of their own personal stories. Every second week, a group of writers spread across the globe will receive an “inspiration Pack” in their mail box – a colorful envelope packed with creative stimulation, a theme to write about, ideas about how to get started, some beautiful examples of memoir on that theme, and a writing tip. Participants will email in their assignments, which will be read and commented on in a supportive way by myself or another mentor, as well as one other participant.

May 10 – Aug 23
7 packs over 16 weeks
$295 plus mail/materials fee ($20 in Canada, $30 in US, $40 internationally)

Show Notes…

• In this week’s intro, I mentioned the importance of checking in with your inner compass and how Soul Reflections can help.
• Chris talked about The Life Cycle of Creative Projects. She was kind enough to share her pdf about the cycle. You can download it here.
• I mentioned that Chris and I are friends. She’s one of my Art Picnic buddies! Lucky me!
• Chris mentioned Andre Alexis‘ article “Are You a Writer and Other Unanswerable Questions.”
• She also mentions Letters to a Young Poet by Rilke.
• This week’s viewer question came from Karen Deldino of Journey to Spirit through Art & Creativity
• Chris also mentions Stephen King’s On Writing

If you liked this, you’ll probably like…

• Your Creative Spark: An inspiration e-power pack with 3 hours of creative interviews, their transcripts and great bonuses to boot!

Subscribe to Creative Living with Jamie…

• You can subscribe to Creative Living with Jamie here and also on iTunes here (Note: this link will ask to access your iTunes and then take you to the podcast. You can also simply open iTunes and search for “Creative Living with Jamie)