Thursday, October 30, 2025
You know well the benefits of writing alone behind closed door as well as meditating and writing with others at retreats and groups. You’ve come full circle back to where you started as a beginner on your way to an advanced writer. How much pleasure do you feel as you practice in your study, at your Sacred Power Spot? Through years that space has accumulated a presence due to your meditation, journaling, and deep reading practice. It emits a spiritual aura that you sense when you enter the room.
No longer do you feel alone. You feel grounded in the source of your creativity, your AS. The walls of this space are lined with books which you know well. The story of your writing life echoes from the pages of these classics. They know you as well as you know them. You have highlighted, underlined, commented in their margins. Your writer’s voice has been hewn by their writing voices and styles. You respect and admire and love the works of these masters. The transference of influence seems magical. But this marvel is no magic, it is your dedicated practice that has brought you here, honed your writing and creativity.
These mentors are with you each day to motivate, to inspire, and to encourage. They are with you cheering my effort, proud of you for showing up almost every morning, and leaving a daily word count you are happy with. This literary richness has come your way because you have read, chewed, and digested these books. You write alone, you wrote with others, and published pieces that you’re proud of. Now as you write or create alone in your study, you feel the warmth of the fellowship of writers and artists, past and present.Which writers or artists do you admire? At times, do you feel that creative activities are difficult to begin and every time you begin you are afraid to mess up.
Jennifer D. Diamond
Good afternoon, Madhu! I love getting started with my writing meditation practice and love getting into flow, but I have at times had difficulty transitioning back into “the real world” after my practice. Fortunately, I learned a few tricks to make these transitions more smooth at the 2025 Pennwriters Conference from psychologist and writer Brent Maguire. Thank you for sharing!
Lorraine
My sister asked me to draw Christmas cards for her to send this year. No rules — Anything I want to draw… It took me a long time to get in the groove, but now that I am, I’m engrossed (obsessed) – I might even draw some cards for myself. I’ve created abstract, cute, silly, traditional. It’s been a delightful and joy filled project but I am ignoring most other things. Like Jenn, I struggle to transition back to the real world. (Although, art is making my real-world obligations feel lighter and less burdensome. )
Madhu B. Wangu
Jenn, I’m impressed that you get so deeply engrossed when “in the zone” that it is difficult for you to transition back. So glad you learned how to return. May I know what tricks did Brent Maguire teach you?
Madhu B. Wangu
Wonderful days of creativity, Lorraine! Keep this fruitful time alive as long as you can. Enjoy this transient time! It doesn’t happen too often. Besides, Jenn may share with us a few notes about transitioning to the real world. (Although our “real world” seems to be filled with euphoria of immense creative activity)