Mindful and Embodied Writing Tips

Cultivating Presence and Inspiration in Your Work

As a soulful, trauma-trained book coach and editor, I understand the importance of mindfulness and embodiment (including respect for our bodies) in the writing process.

Mindful writing practices and embodied writing practices can help you not only craft better stories but also connect with your inner self, ultimately creating a work that resonates with readers on a deeper level. 

In this blog, I'll share how you can cultivate presence and inspiration in your writing journey through the art of mindfulness and embodiment.

Book writing tips

Grounding Your Mind and Body:

Before you begin your writing practice, it’s important to take a moment and ground yourself. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Inhale deeply, and as you exhale, release any tension and stress. This simple practice can help you center your mind and body, allowing you to be fully present in your writing.

Whether you practice something like a few moments of aware breath, or if movement or some other activity suits you better, making a transitional gesture like this helps your whole system recognize that you are shifting into a different space. 

In time, creating an opening practice like this can facilitate swifter movement into your writing space and a better writing experience.  

Setting an Intention:

Setting an intention for your writing session is a powerful way to infuse purpose into your work. Ask yourself, "What do I want to convey through my writing today?" “What is the intention of my writing?” By having a clear intention, you'll stay focused and motivated throughout your writing process. 

I also recommend a micro-focus for your writing practice. If you go in with the intention: I am going to write my book today, your system may register that as too large of a task (which can activate our protective parts and spark resistance). 

Find a way to narrow in on a specific plan or focus for your writing that feels really doable to your entire system.  You can present your intention to your body and see how it feels. 

Mindful Observation:

Mindful observation is the practice of being fully aware of your surroundings and the present moment. Take a few moments to observe your environment, the play of light and shadows, the sounds, smells, and sights around you, and the emotions within.

By immersing yourself in the present, you can draw inspiration from the world around you and infuse it into your writing.

This observation of your environment is what we call orienting (exteroceptive orienting to be fancy about it) in the somatic world.  This practice can help you anchor into the “here and now.”  This can be useful, especially if you are going to write about a past experience that was challenging or traumatic for you.  

I recommend during your writing process that you regularly pause to orient to your current environment (if that is feeling good to you). This lets your nervous system pendulate, or go back and forth, between the resources in your present environment and the challenges you are writing about.  

Make Space for Your Inner Critic:

When your inner critic is running the show, it can wreak havoc on your best writing intentions.  In my approach, we don’t try to eradicate the inner critic, but we don’t allow it to drive the bus, so to speak. 

Sometimes this voice just needs to be heard; and once heard, can settle down. 

Other times, it needs a firm but loving boundary. 

Sometimes we need to call forward our wise inner adult to take the wheel. 

Sometimes our healthy inner child wants to come forward with support. 

Find what works.  Know that the inner critic exists to protect you, but is usually running on really old data and big scary stories.  

Remind yourself that it's okay to make mistakes and have imperfections in your drafts. Embrace self-compassion and acknowledge that writing is a process. Let your inner creative come out and play; maybe even make a little mess.

By tending your inner critic and calling forth other resourced aspects of your system, you create a safe space for creativity to flow less judgment.

Mindfully Revise:

After completing a writing session, decide whether or not it would serve you to reflect on your work. Sometimes the answer may be yes, sometimes no. Honor what your system knows.

If you decide to review, read through what you've written fully before making any comments or adjustments. Celebrate what you’ve created first. Positive reinforcement encourages our system to come back for our next writing session.  

After you appreciate, then you may make any adjustments to the writing you see fit.  And it’s okay to let things remain “imperfect.” The writing season (which I relate to summer) is not the same season as revision (which I relate to fall), so know that you get to decide when its optimal to go in and revise.   

Mindful and embodied writing practices can lead not only to more inspired and meaningful writing, but also a deeper connection with yourself as a writer. I encourage you to embrace these practices in your daily writing routine.

By grounding yourself, setting intentions and micro-focusing, observing or orienting, and tending your inner critic, you can unlock the full potential of your creativity.

The Power of Support

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be fully supported in your writing process? If you are looking to be supported in your therapeutic writing or book writing journey, consider my private coaching services or group programs.