Writing as Meditation

 

"Leaning into gratitude, we begin to notice the everyday miracles that were right in front of us all along."

Katrina Kenison

Writing has always been a way for me to bring understanding within my relationship to self, others, and the world around me. To reflect deeply is to look, listen, and feel. Writing can be transforming, I use it as mediation, as therapy, it helps me to find clarity when emotions build up, or when grief, sadness, and anger feel overwhelming. Writing is a release. I write to let go of thoughts, experiences, and things I can't change. I write to make sense of the senseless, when confusion, uncertainty, and fear surrounds me.

Writing is a process of inquiry, it can be used as a practice of meditation or it can be added in before or after a seated or lying meditation. Creating space within the mind helps to sharpen our ability to be present, to relax our hold on attachments, and to become aware of habitual patterns. 

I love a good writing prompt, and my friend Katrina Kenison who celebrates the ordinary moments of our days asks, "what have you made this year? 

This past year, I have learned new ways of doing things. I have made new friendships, new connections, and met with people all over the world virtually. As a nurse, I have made awful situations more comforting to those who have lost loved ones and supported my colleagues during physically and emotionally draining circumstances. As a mother, I have created safe spaces inside our home for my kids to grow into kind, caring, compassionate human beings who are able to adapt to new surroundings and persevere. I have made art, poetry, and music as a way to nourish my spirit. I have made a winter compost,  planned out my garden for spring, and took a hard look at how much plastic I use and waste I create. I have made choices that support and lift others up instead of staying silent, turning away, or ignoring that injustice, racism and oppression don't exist. I have made time for conversations and discussions that are open ended, so my kids know they can always come to me with their questions and thoughts. I have read other people's words, listened to their stories, and uncovered what hope really means; hearing other people's emotions. I have written in my journal as a form of therapy and meditation. I have made space in my heart for patience, forgiveness,  generosity, and love for myself and for others.