Thanks for your post, Heather. I have recently started reading about and practicing meditation after feeling like my creative/writing energy was flagging. A long time Yoga student, I was always interested in meditation, but find it hard to sit still. I have a hard getting into my writing flow, so perhaps I’ll try meditating prior to a writing session, as you suggest. One thing I have read a lot, and you mention here, but I’m still unsure what it actually means is “non judgmental thoughts” or “without judgment.” Can you expand on this idea as it relates to one’s meditation practice?
It’s mostly about letting the perfectionist and inner critic move aside. Meditation actually works on the part of the brain where the inner critic resides, so through practice you actually strengthen your resistance to it. But the biggest thing is simply that you don’t see a meditation session as “good” or “bad.” It just is. It’s neutral. Even if you don’t feel super chill on the cushion, know that you’ll see a ripple effect in your life the more you practice. The key is to be kind to yourself. If your mind wanders for 3/4 of the time, no big deal. Just notice when you’re off the breath or object of concentration, and come back to it. If you’re interested, I’m teaching an online mindfulness immersion for writers that begins this Thursday. You can find out more here: https://www.pneumacreative.com/mindfulness-immersion/
Storyologist
3 years ago
Thank you for the post. I’m looking forward to trying your guided meditation.
Thanks for your post, Heather. I have recently started reading about and practicing meditation after feeling like my creative/writing energy was flagging. A long time Yoga student, I was always interested in meditation, but find it hard to sit still. I have a hard getting into my writing flow, so perhaps I’ll try meditating prior to a writing session, as you suggest. One thing I have read a lot, and you mention here, but I’m still unsure what it actually means is “non judgmental thoughts” or “without judgment.” Can you expand on this idea as it relates to one’s meditation practice?
Hey!
It’s mostly about letting the perfectionist and inner critic move aside. Meditation actually works on the part of the brain where the inner critic resides, so through practice you actually strengthen your resistance to it. But the biggest thing is simply that you don’t see a meditation session as “good” or “bad.” It just is. It’s neutral. Even if you don’t feel super chill on the cushion, know that you’ll see a ripple effect in your life the more you practice. The key is to be kind to yourself. If your mind wanders for 3/4 of the time, no big deal. Just notice when you’re off the breath or object of concentration, and come back to it. If you’re interested, I’m teaching an online mindfulness immersion for writers that begins this Thursday. You can find out more here: https://www.pneumacreative.com/mindfulness-immersion/
Thank you for the post. I’m looking forward to trying your guided meditation.
Hey!
I hope it was helpful. If you’re interested, I’m teaching an online mindfulness immersion for writers that begins this Thursday. You can find out more here: https://www.pneumacreative.com/mindfulness-immersion/