5 Writing Rituals to Get You Writing

When it's time to write, especially writing from one's soul, one doesn't just turn on a dime. At least, I don't.

If I'm going to write from my soul, connect with my peeps, and write powerful, compelling material, I have to write consciously, not unconsciously.

First, what do I mean by writing unconsciously?

It usually happens when you have a task ahead of you: write the next ezine article, sales page, promo copy, social media updates for the next teleclass. When it becomes this "Oh, I have to do this so I can cross it off" or from a feeling of "it just has to be done," you're not in contact with your soul.

And if you are disconnected from the deeper message and purpose, your writing will be harder and not nearly as compelling. I've seen my clients write what they thought was awful stuff, but it was authentic and from their soul... the result was a powerful set of words.

To connect with your soul, you need to transition from that to-do mode to the soul mode. It's a little like transitioning from driving on the Interstate to driving through the rural countryside with all its twists and turns. You have to pay attention and go slowly.

In order to help me transition from that to-do mode (which, I admit, permeates a great deal of my work day), I have few powerful rituals I rely on. Here are my top 5.

1. Asking, "What do I mean by that?"

From Writing the Mind Alive, a great book written by Linda Trichter Metcalf and Tobin Simon. The whole book is about creating a writing ritual, but what sets this particular ritual apart is the constant question, "What do I mean by that?" Just asking that question forces you to go deeper. You ask it and then answer. And then ask again. And answer. And ask again. And answer. Eventually, you get to that deeper message.

2. Listening to my current favorite song over and over.

That way going from one song to a different one doesn't distract me, and, depending on the song I choose, the energy of the song can match my writing mood. (Right now, my favorite song is Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" - Pretty easy to write when you're all fired up!)

3. Pulling a card from one of my 14 divination/oracle decks (my favorite is Collette Baron-Reid's Wisdom of the Hidden Realms) and letting that card and its message inform me.

Whether it's the message I need for the day, the intention I want to set for a project, or an answer to a specific question, this one card is my beacon.

4. Determining what my Power Words are in that instant.

In my life, there are words that are very powerful for me and evoke a positive, strong reaction. These are words of desire, emotion, need, feeling... words that as soon as I see or say them, I'm filled with whatever emotion, concept, or idea they bring up for me. These Power Words end up being a snapshot of who Dawn is - way deep down.

5. Playing with my creativity, whether that's cross-stitching or creating photo quotes.

I find when I disconnect from the to-do-ness of life and embrace the creative side, it sets my mind free.