Like many people at this time of year, I am just recovering from a bout of flu. Being ill is happily a rare occurrence for me so I had forgotten that flu has different phases. Just when you think you’re feeling better, you slide back down the ladder to feeling wiped out again!
All you can do is let go and surrender to what ‘is’.
The ‘one step forwards two steps back’ scenario combined with conscious surrender echoes something else you may recognize – the creative writing process.
Our muse does not (usually) respond to willful demands to appear and pour forth her magic through us onto the page. She cannot be forced to show her face and become our trusted creative partner.
Instead she requires an open-hearted invitation to inspire us to capture the faint sparks of potential that become the flames of our deepest writing.
She thrives on clarity of intention combined with the creative surrender that comes from trusting that greater forces are at work.
She shows up most when we learn to allow as well as to plan … and when we consciously live the full creative cycle over and over until it feels as natural as breathing.
How do we begin the process of creative surrender?
1. Set your intention. Decide on the subject you want to write about, a character you want to develop, or a specific title you have in mind for an article or chapter. Write it down. Keep a pen and some paper nearby.
2. Focus on the body. Choose a warm place and adopt the yoga posture called savasana which is simply lying on your back with arms and legs gently released towards the sky. Let go of your muscles, deepen your breath, still your mind, and open your heart.
3. Listen, invite, surrender. Be patient with yourself and take your time. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your intention. Don’t push the river!
4. Capture the essence. As ideas arise, slowly roll towards your paper and write a few words to trigger more writing later. Then return to the centre and deepen into your creative surrender once more. Repeat as necessary.
5. Write up the detail. When you feel ready, gradually bring yourself back to everyday awareness, stretch your body, take a few deep breaths and sit down with your notes to write. Let it flow.
I invite you to share your experiences with your creative muse below …
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© Julia McCutchen 2011. All Rights Reserved.
If you want to use this article in your ezine or on your website I’d be happy for you to do so as long as you use the complete article, including the copyright line, and include the following paragraph in its entirety:
Julia McCutchen is the founder & creative director of the International Association of Conscious & Creative Writers (IACCW). A former managing director & publisher, Julia is an intuitive writer’s coach, mentor and professional publishing consultant. She has over 20 years’ experience of publishing and a track record that includes UK no 1 and international bestsellers. Julia is the author of The Writer’s Journey: From Inspiration to Publication. Visit www.juliamccutchen.com for a range of FREE articles, audios and videos for writers, and download a FREE Special Report, Discover Your Authentic Voice – on the page and in the world at www.iaccw.com
Tags: article, book, creative, creative process, surrender, Writing
Hi Julia,
I’d never thought before about how the flu and writing could be so alike. It’s a brilliant analogy! So glad you are feeling better and are back on track with your health and writing.
Hi Jenny,
Thanx! Yes, on the way to being back on track although those slippery ladders still keep popping up!