morning pages

Morning pages: 3 pages of handwritten words first thing in the morning.  Does not sound like fun to me.    The idea was sent to me two different times in the last two books I read, so I kind of feel obligated to at least give it a go.  The original idea is from a book called The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron, which I just ordered for my Kindle.  

When I did a little research on the interwebs about it, I found this article, which sold me on the idea.  It includes several quotes from the author describing why one should partake in this early morning ritual.  Here are the quotes:

 “When people ask, ‘Why do we write morning pages?’ I joke, ‘To get to the other side.’ They think I am kidding, but I’m not. Morning pages do get us to the other side: the other side of our fear, our negativity, of our moods.”
“It is impossible to write morning pages for any extended period of time without coming into contact with an unexpected inner power. Although I used them for many years before I realized this, the pages are a pathway to a strong and clear sense of self.”
“Pages clarify our yearnings. They keep an eye on our goals. … If we are drifting, the pages will point that out. They will point the way True North. Each morning, as we face the page, we meet ourselves.”
"Morning pages are about tuning out our inner critic. “We learn to hear our censor’s comments and say, simply, ‘Thank you for sharing,’ while we go right on writing. We are training our censor to stand aside and let us create.”
“The pages may seem dull to you, even pointless, but they are not. Remember that they are not intended to be ‘art.’ They pave the way for art. Each page you write is a small manifesto. You are declaring your freedom — freedom from your Censor, freedom from negativity in any quarter.”

“The morning pages teach logic brain to stand aside and let artist brain play.”

“Morning pages may hold insights and intuitions that startle you. Typically, they puncture denial.” 

"Write your pages daily and be open to their suggestions.”

Although I am not an artist in the traditional sense of the word, I do value creativity and do strive to be creative in my work and in my personal life.  I don't think you have to be an artist to benefit from doing morning pages-- just look at the words I highlighted above!   #goalz

I am excited about trying this out!   I wrote today, and my goal is to simply try it for the next three mornings in a row.  If I am able to do it four times in a row, I will be on my way.  

I will report back on my findings!  Let me know if you try it out, and what you find!

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