Day 312, Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Reflection
Inspiration
One morning I watched the sun rise from behind a beautiful cloudy horizon. For a few minutes, I remained mesmerized as the golden yellow orb changed to bright orange, igniting the sky with a fiery otherworldliness. I don’t usually go outside first thing in the morning. If I hadn’t opened the door to bring in a package, I would not have witnessed those few minutes in which the sun and sky were performing their daily display of sheer beauty.
That whole day, the glory of the sunrise stayed with me, connecting me with many spectacular sunrises I had witnessed before. It was like a surprise gift sent along with the parcel I brought inside. Perhaps it was a hint not to ignore the beauty that constantly happens in the world while I’m occupied with my routine.
But my self-created, self-cultivated routine is important to me. I don’t feel guilty for missing this or that. Without the self-discipline of practicing meditation, journaling, and reading in the morning, I believe my life wouldn’t be what it has unfurled into. Sunsets and sunrises have their time. My creative and spiritual life is enhanced, and rich and complex even when I do not wait for inspiration.
Writing Meditation Practice is for a writer the way surgery is for a surgeon. Meaning whether you feel motivated or not, regardless of whether the muses visit, you just do it. The more you practice, the more your writing voice strengthens. Your persistence and discipline land at your feet when you take the hours of writing practice seriously.
From my study window, a woodpecker chips away at a tree, his staccato beat consistent, the metaphor isn’t lost on me. Writing is about showing up. Every. Single. Day.
Journal Prompt
Find interviews about the writing process of your favorite author. Pay attention to when, how, and where they write and model your writing day based on it.
Today’s Practice
Meditation: “Gratitude”
Read, reflect, and journal.
Lorraine
Your pictures are stunning, Madhu. Sunrise is my favorite time of day. Thanks to unblocking, I’m in the habit of sitting to enjoy sunrise most mornings while I read these posts, meditate, and pray (even if I don’t have time to respond until later, I normally read upon wakeup.) I also like to create in the morning, but am getting better (and less agitated) at adapting to the schedule the day demands. Namaste!
Madhu B. Wangu
Namaste Lorraine!
Thank you!
Your morning spiritual power spot sounds wonderful. Is it outside? Or is the space you meditate at near a window? This routine feels comforting and a creative stimulant.
Jenn Diamond
Good morning, Madhu! Your photos and words inspire me! I am compelled to walk outside first thing in the morning to take in the morning light. There is research supporting the practice of getting early morning (and evening sunset) light to your eyes as a way to set your circadian rhythms. Once I’m back in the house, I then sit down to my Writing Meditation Practice. Thank you!
Lorraine
When weather is nice I sit outside, otherwise I sit near a window. I prefer outside. ?
Madhu B. Wangu
Namaste Jenn!
If all the 920+ OMWG members were practicing Writing Meditation the way you are the world would be a little better place than what it is now. Thanks for your daily practice!