Automatic writing, automatic drawing and mark-making all help me stay in or (re)enter the creative process.
Automatic writing is generally defined as the process, or product, of writing material that does not come from the conscious thoughts of the writer. The writer’s hand forms the message, and the person is unaware of what will be written. It is sometimes done in a trance state. Other times the writer is aware (not in a trance) of their surroundings, but the actions of their writing hand. [source].
Automatic writing is sometimes referred to as psychography– a claimed psychic ability allowing a person to produce written words without consciously writing. The words purportedly arise from a subconscious, spiritual or supernatural source. [source]
Automatic drawing is a method of art making in which the artist suppresses conscious control over the making process, allowing the unconscious mind to have great sway. [source]
If I find myself in need of (re)entering the flow of the creative process when the flow has been interrupted by life markers, I don’t wait for inspiration to hit me. I don’t allow “writer’s block.” I put china marker to paper and allow what needs to be expressed, be expressed– without judgment.
As long as I take the time for the daily step to unroll the paper, clip it to my drawing board, grab my box of china markers and just automatically move my hand across the page, I stay in discipline. It can take as long as it needs or however large my window of time is. 5 minutes… hours…
There is something quite tangible and lovely about allowing the magic. No matter what (dis)beliefs we hold, the process can be quite universal for any project.
Check out:
1. Start each automatic writing session with ‘My Spirit Guides or My Higher Self’ or ‘My Angels’ as the first line.
2. Just start writing and don’t worry about what you’re writing at first.
3. Setting a timer while you do it can be helpful
4. Create the right conditions so that you can lose your inhibitions about what you’re writing
5. Don’t allow your mind to interpret the information while you’re getting it
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