The alarm clock rings, you open your eyes, and your first thought is, “What do I have to do today?”. Your head quickly fills with thoughts, tasks, and worries. Amid this morning chaos, there’s a method that can help you gain clarity, foster your creativity, and start the day with a fresh mind: Morning Pages. In this article, dive into the world of Morning Pages and discover how this simple practice can transform your life.
What are the Benefits of Writing Morning Pages?
Before we dive into the details, let’s clarify the fundamental question: What are Morning Pages, and why should anyone spend time writing them? Morning Pages are a morning routine where you put three pages (about 750 words) of unfiltered thoughts and feelings onto paper. This practice was developed by the American teacher and artist Julia Cameron and is valued by creatives all over the world.
The benefits of Morning Pages are diverse. They allow you to clear and release your thoughts, manage anxieties and worries, and unleash your creativity. Morning Pages can help you start the day more consciously and focus on what’s essential. They’re like a mental shower that refreshes your mind and helps you think more clearly.
The Origin of Morning Pages: Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way”
The idea of Morning Pages originates from the book “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. In this book, Cameron shares not only the technique of Morning Pages but also her philosophy that everyone is an artist and has the ability to be creative. Morning Pages are a tool to discover and unfold this creativity. Julia Cameron encourages readers to view Morning Pages as a safe space where they can write everything without judgment. This practice helps to overcome inner blockages and release the flow of creativity.
Morning Pages: A Step-by-Step Guide
The technique of Morning Pages is simple, but it requires discipline and consistency. Here’s how to start step by step:
1. Prepare Yourself
Make sure you have a quiet place where you can write undisturbed. All you need is a pen and paper.
2. Set a Timer
Plan about 20-30 minutes for this exercise. Set a timer to ensure you’re not interrupted.
3. Write Unfiltered
Simply start putting your thoughts on paper. It doesn’t matter how disjointed or chaotic they seem. Write whatever comes to mind.
4. Don’t Stop
Don’t try to censor or overthink your thoughts while writing. If you don’t know what to write, just write “I don’t know what to write” as often as it comes to mind.
5. Conclude
Once you’ve written three pages, finish your Morning Pages session. You can read them again later, but that’s not a must.
Morning Pages Example
To give you an idea of what Morning Pages might look like, here’s a fictional example:
“I feel so stressed this morning. The deadline for the project is approaching, and I feel like I still have so much to do. I hope I can finish it on time. And then there’s the thing with the family gathering this weekend. I don’t know how to manage it all. Why do I always feel so overwhelmed? Maybe I should take more breaks and take better care of myself. Yesterday, I forgot to take out the trash. I should do that today before it stinks. Also, I haven’t exercised in days. I really should start working out regularly again. Maybe that’ll help me feel less stressed.”
Writing Morning Pages in the Evening: Is It Possible?
Although Morning Pages have their name due to their morning practice, they can also be written in the evening. The main thing is that you take time to put your thoughts on paper.
Morning Pages written in the evening can help you close out the day, let go of unresolved issues, and sleep better. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the day and write down things that are on your mind before you go to bed. If the Morning Pages routine isn’t practical for you in the morning, don’t hesitate to try it in the evening.
Conclusion
Morning Pages are a simple yet powerful practice that can help you clear your thoughts, manage anxieties, and foster your creativity. They’re a way to start the day with a fresh mind or to end it in a reflective way. And the principle is simple and doable for everyone: Just write three pages of unfiltered thoughts and feelings. So – when will you start?
FAQs
Yes, you can write Morning Pages on a computer or tablet, but many people prefer the physical experience of writing on paper.
It is recommended to write Morning Pages daily, but you can adjust the frequency to your needs.
Yes, you can adjust the length, but three pages are often ideal for diving deep into your thoughts.
No, you can write about anything that comes to mind. There are no right or wrong topics.
The experience varies from person to person, but many people feel positive changes in their mindset and creativity after just a few days or weeks.
