Write Your Way to New Possibilities

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Claudette Rowley
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Write Your Way To New Possibilities

By Claudette Rowley
Copyright 2003

What makes writing such a powerful tool for reflection and the
discovery of new possibilities?

* Writing makes the invisible visible. At any one time, you have
myriad thoughts, ideas and insights lodged in your mind,
waiting to be released. Writing is one way to let your thoughts
flow, to take you wherever you need to go.

* Writing assists you in putting aside your internal censor. It
is important for you put aside any self-judgment when you begin
to write. Refrain from judging how "well" you're writing or the
ideas that show up on the paper. Instead write to think, write
for the fun of it, write to relieve confusion. Sometimes the
thinking mind can't access what the writing mind can.

* Writing is a process of reflective thinking or
self-observation. It puts you in touch with emotions or
thoughts you might not be aware of. Plunging into a problem on
paper, you may suddenly see a solution clearly.

* Writing is a form of creativity, and creativity is one of the
best antidotes to mental or emotional confusion and
burn-out. When you feel like you've thought a problem to death,
stop thinking. Turn to creativity and engage the right side of
your brain. And allow the answers to come to you.

Try this exercise:

Intuitive Writing

Find a quiet place and a 15-20 minute block of time. Sit down
with a sheet of paper and a favorite pen or pencil. Think of an
important question you'd like the answer to. The question can be
about anything - the sky is the limit.

Clear your mind of everything but the question itself. Write out
your question on the paper. And let your hand - NOT your head -
begin to form an answer. This is an exercise in intuitively
connecting with yourself. You will begin to see that "thinking"
of an answer is not always to the most effective way to gather
information.

Suspend your judgment about your answer. Let yourself go! Let
your creativity and intuitive sense answer the question for you.

If this is a new way of thinking for you, this intuitive state of
being may feel uncomfortable or awkward. Let yourself feel
uncomfortable and give yourself the space to practice the
exercise a few times. It will become more familiar and you will
begin to see RESULTS! Some people find that they hone this
intuitive approach more quickly and comfortably when they write
for 15 minutes each day for a week or two.

Why does intuitive writing work?

When you attempt to solve a problem or find an answer to a
question, much of your thought process is based on past
experiences, negativity and your unconscious or conscious belief
systems about yourself and the world. These can hinder your
ability to identify the wide range of options and choices
available to you. Intuitive writing taps into the information
that lies below the surface of your conscious thought.

One client shared this example of her success with intuitive
writing. In the process of overcoming a fear of speaking in
public, she joined a local speaking club and was about to give
her first speech. As the date of the speech grew closer, she
prepared by sitting down for brief intuitive writing
sessions. She would ask herself questions such as, "Will my
speech go well?" She repeatedly received affirmative answers to
questions like these. She was able to give her speech with much
more confidence, and with the understanding that her fear was
just simply fear - ungrounded in any reality about the present
moment.

Next time you are stuck or searching for the answer to an
important question, give writing a try. Move past any confusion
or resistance you feel by putting pen to paper. Observe your
thoughts, emotions and desires on paper - let your own unique
brilliance emerge! By cultivating a regular writing habit, you'll
gain access to new parts of yourself and tap into your creativity
and intuition - the best problem solvers of all.

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Claudette Rowley, coach and author, helps professionals
identify and pursue their true purpose and calling in life.
Contact her today for a complimentary consultation at 781-676-5633
or claudette@metavoice.org. Sign up for her free newsletter
"Insights for the Savvy" at http://www.metavoice.org.