For an article about using Tarot to trigger ideas for inspiration in your writing, go to the Tarot Page on this site!

 

What is Inspirational Writing?

 

Inspired writing happens when you allow yourself to write about or draw thoughts, ideas, symbols, pictures or feelings that come into your mind in an inspired fashion - it is a co-creation.  We may feel 'inspired' and have ideas that we write in our own voice and may think this comes from our own thoughts, but I believe that all inspired thinking is influenced on a subtle level from the spirit - although that may well be our 'higher self'. The word 'inspire' indicates spirit and it's no coincidence that it also means 'to breathe'.  It is breath that connects us to both the earth and the spirit so deep breathing is a good way to connect.  Even those not of a spiritual persuasion speak of 'the Muse', which is the inspiring genius of poets, artists and others.  (In Greek and Roman mythology The Muse were 9 sister Goddesses who presided over the arts.)

 

When working with inspirational writing as a spiritual practice you are consciously working with 'God' in whatever form or name you believe the Creator or Higher Power to be, and guides, angels, loved ones and/or your own higher self.  You will be aware of the thoughts that come into your mind before or when you write them down.  You have the power and are in control of the process, because whilst the energies of the spirit world give you the inspiration - whether words, ideas or images - you are the one with the pen or computer so the words only get written with your permission.

 

The angels and guides love working with us in this way. They enjoy communicating with us and are thrilled when they make contact.  We can ask questions and get answers and be actively involved with what is coming through. A lot of of trust is needed in the process, but when you find such interesting, beautiful or poetic thoughts or even challenging notions coming into your mind, you will find it to be a fascinating process.

You might say, as I have, "But what if it's only me, what if it's just my imagination?"  Not a problem - you have a right to be heard!  But guess what?  The chances are that it's a higher, wiser part of you - and your imagination is a necessary part of the process.  My own writing, for example business letters and mundane things that the guides aren't interested in, are a lot harder to write than some of the beautiful and wise things that gush forth when it's not 'just me'!

 

It is always wise to start a writing session with a thought to the guides and the Universe, sending out love and requesting guidance and protection. You might like to use a prayer or visualize white or golden light around you to create the right energy and shift you into 'writing mode'.  When an interesting thought or image occurs, one of those "Where did that come from?" moments, writing what you are experiencing is a form of inspirational writing. If the thoughts keep repeating in your mind, it may be your guide trying to get your attention. 

 

The ability to write inspirationally can be initiated or enhanced through visualisation and meditation. This will help you to be calmer and clearer and put you in a slightly altered state of awareness and receptivity, then it's easier to access the inspiration and for the guides to access you.  How it happens will be slightly different for everyone. Don't compare yourself with others. The more pleased you can be at other people's progress and success, the more you will progress yourself. Envy or despondency can hold you back. We all progress at different rates. It's not a competition; you are doing this for yourself. It is for your own benefit - yet it may someday also benefit others. 

 

When you finish your preparatory meditation, sit quietly for a few moments with eyes closed, be still and peaceful and you may become aware of a thought or a memory stirring, a phrase or a picture beginning to take form. Then start writing!  Some people are visual, some hear, others sense or feel. Whatever comes into your mind, write it down. Some people may get a stream of words or poetry, maybe a song, others may have just a word or two pop into their mind - or a picture, a feeling, a memory, a taste or smell. Write or draw what comes to you and then wait peacefully and patiently to see if there's any more.

 

If you feel blocked and don't have any thoughts coming to you, begin to write about what you may have seen, sensed, heard, felt, tasted, touched or smelled in your meditation, for when you actually start writing, more thoughts may come to you. If you didn't experience anything in meditation, felt agitated or confused, write that down. For example, if you think, "I feel empty, (or blank, silly, sad or angry etc.)" write that thought down - then let the next thought drift into your mind. It might be, "I don't want to be here". The word, "Why?" may come next, so answer it.  "Because everyone is doing better than me." Write it down. The next thought may be a question, such as "Is that true?" or "Why does that matter?" You may need to express some of your own negative stuff before you can let the good stuff come through. Your angels may be prodding you to heal some important issues before giving you information on more universal themes. 

 

If you are ever doing this process and feel negative energy other than your own wanting to express things that you don't like or don't want, remember that you are in control.  (This has never happened to me or anyone I have taught, but it is a slight possibility.) Put down your pen, get up and do something practical and active.  Call upon the light and your angels and guides to clear the energy, then wait until you are in a higher, more positive frame of mind before attempting this kind of writing again, but don't get caught up in fear.  Trust in your higher guidance and call on that guidance to help you. Writing, even your every-day stuff, is a great way to help yourself. Keep a journal, get your thoughts down on paper.  The more you write, the more it will flow.  Happy writing! I hope it gives you as much joy as it has given me.   

 

©Jan Hunneybell, 2010