Thursday, October 23, 2025
We all have had experiences of writing alone at home behind closed door, writing with a fellow writer, writing with a group of writers on weekly basis and writing at retreats. These are different experiences. For some writing alone the first thing in the morning or last thing at night in the silence of their study is the most productive way to write. For some others a gentle beginning with a short meditation and/or journaling session inspires them to write for hours.
What helps my flow start and continue for hours is to practice meditation, deep reading, and journaling in the morning. Then, working on my “formal” writing flows like a waterfall. (For decades, I journaled daily. But at some point I had nothing to pour out on the pages of my notebook. No garbage, no baggage, not even unacceptable floating sediments. They had settled to the bottom. Now, I only journal when something negative refuses to leave my mind in peace. I journal about it repeatedly even if it takes days or weeks to flush it out.)
In addition to starting the day with the morning practice, once a week I meditate with a group of about fifteen members of Mindful Creators Group who also love to journal. While I work on my poems it is a pleasure to watch others journal after we have meditated.
We have two fifteen minutes of meditation sessions and two twenty minutes of journaling sessions. I also read to the group a relevant Inspiration. At the end of the two-hour class I ask if anyone wants to share with others what they jotted down in their journal. Some volunteer to read which touches hearts because it has come directly from the heart.
Sharing our heartfelt experiences has brought the members of the group closer. Those who offer to share do not hesitate to contribute to the enrichment of this intimate experience. This writing together does make a difference in experiencing writing with others as compared to writing alone.
Our writing does not change. We write what we write from our heartmind, whether it’s an essay, a story or creative fiction. What are your experiences of writing alone or in a group?
Lorraine
I enjoyed reading about your time with the Mindful Creators Group. Some days I skip journaling and other days I journal for pages on end, or I’ll journal several times throughout the day. Most days I take time for meditation and prayer — sometimes multiple time a day. I prefer a routine/sched but for now I’m taking the days as they come. All things considered, I feel more peaceful inside and am working to bring that peace outward. (I tend to be highly reactive and am working to think thrice before spewing but… well… I’m a work in progress.)
Jenn Diamond
Good morning, Madhu! I’m at the Mindful Writers Retreat right now! It’s heavenly to live for five days with, meditate with, and write with like minded people! Thank you for inspiring the creation of such a wonderful group!
Madhu B. Wangu
Dear Lorraine, Not resisting what suits you the best is the way to go. Floating with your creative and meditative flow is the best course of action.
Madhu B. Wangu
How wonderful, Jenn!
Hope you get all the writing you have planned completed.
Say hello to all the retreaters I know.