Dear Friends,

Several years ago, I read the book Write It Down, Make It Happen and it revolutionized my life. I started making lists of goals, desires and dreams. Later, I found a long-forgotten list in my nightstand drawer, and noticed I had achieved over 80% of the list. True story.

This month's insight – a slightly different take on the significance of writing – is an update on an old favorite of mine from 2002. Enjoy!

My best to you!
Claudette

The Power of Writing

I'm often struck by the power of writing to help me reflect and uncover new possibilities. I frequently use writing as I attempt to reconcile situations that are confused, unclear or complex. And I particularly like intuitive writing – it's an even more direct route to our internal wisdom.

Let's consider the benefits of using writing during the problem-solving process:

• Writing makes the invisible visible. At any one time, you have myriad thoughts, ideas and insights lodged in your mind, waiting to be released. Writing is one way to let your thoughts flow, to take you wherever you need to go.
   
• Writing helps you put aside your internal censor. It's so important to put aside any self-judgment when you begin to write. Refrain from judging how "well" you're writing or the ideas that show up on the paper. Instead write to think, write for the fun of it, write to relieve confusion. Sometimes the thinking mind can't access what the writing mind can.
   
• Writing is a process of reflective thinking or self-observation. It puts you in touch with emotions or thoughts you might not be aware of. Plunging into a problem on paper, you may suddenly see a solution clearly.
   
• Writing is a form of creativity, and creativity is one of the best antidotes to mental or emotional confusion and burn-out. When you feel like you've thought a problem to death, stop thinking. Turn to creativity and engage the right side of your brain. And allow the answers to come to you.

Try this exercise:

Intuitive Writing

Find a quiet place and a 15-20 minute block of time. Sit down with a sheet of paper and a favorite pen or pencil. Think of an important question you'd like the answer to. The question can be about anything – the sky is the limit.

Clear your mind of everything but the question itself. Write out your question on the paper. And let your hand – NOT your head – begin to form an answer. This is an exercise in intuitively connecting with yourself. You will begin to see that "thinking" of an answer is not always the most effective way to gather information.

Suspend your judgment about your answer. Let yourself go! Let your creativity and intuitive sense answer the question for you.

If this is a new way of thinking for you, this intuitive state of being may feel uncomfortable or awkward. Let yourself feel uncomfortable and give yourself the space to practice the exercise a few times. It will become more familiar and you will begin to see RESULTS! Some people find that they hone this intuitive approach more quickly and comfortably when they write for 15 minutes each day for a week or two.

Why does intuitive writing work?

When you attempt to solve a problem or find an answer to a question, much of your thought process is based on past experiences, negativity and your unconscious or conscious belief systems about yourself and the world. These can hinder your ability to identify the wide range of options and choices available to you. Intuitive writing taps into the information that lies below the surface of your conscious thought.

One client shared this example of her success with intuitive writing. In the process of overcoming a fear of speaking in public, she joined a local speaking club and was about to give her first speech. As the date of the speech grew closer, she prepared by sitting down for brief intuitive writing sessions.

She would ask herself questions such as, "Will my speech go well?" She repeatedly received affirmative answers to these questions. She was able to give her speech with much more confidence, and with the understanding that her fear was just simply fear – ungrounded in any reality.

Next time you are stuck or searching for the answer to an important question, give writing a try. Move past any confusion or resistance you feel by putting pen to paper. Observe your thoughts, emotions and desires on paper – let your own unique brilliance emerge! By cultivating a regular writing habit, you'll gain access to new parts of yourself and tap into your creativity and intuition – the best problem solvers of all.

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Products & Services

If you liked today's issue, you'll love these services!

• Life Purpose Coaching with Claudette.  Does your purpose or vocation seem to elude you? If the answer is "yes" – there's no time like the present to begin the process of identifying the work you'd love to do.
  
  Please contact me today for an introductory 30 minute coaching session, find out more about my career transition process, and we'll clear away the obstacles to discovering your true purpose.  Reach me directly at 781.316.1923 or claudette@metavoice.org.
  
  P.S. Remember, when you enjoy your work, you have so much more to give the rest of the world — this is purpose in action.
   
• Take a Stand for Yourself. Looking for a tool to help you overcome roadblocks on the way to living your best life? This little eBook can help – it's full of exercises and tools to guide you through the process identifying the best choices for you.
  
  Order your copy today -- please visit http://www.metavoice.org/store.

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Useful Resources

• Write It Down, Make It Happen by Henriette Anne Klauser. This book's premise is simple, clear and transformational. Writing down your goals, dreams and desires allows you to clear your head, identify what you want and set your intentions. Believe me – this really works!
  
  
• Books by Julia Cameron. She's most well-known for writing The Artist's Way and its two companion books. She's published a dynamite autobiography about the act of living a creative life. This woman is genuine – if you want to understand much more about transformative power of writing, pick up anything she's written.

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