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What are morning pages, and why do I keep hearing about them?
We've all read articles on how to become a morning person, how morning routines can change your life, and even descriptions of the alleged morning routines of some of the most successful people.
I'm fascinated by the rituals people put in place, both early in the morning and late at night. However, culturally, there is a certain morality attached to being an early bird versus being a night owl. In short, morning people are good, and night people are...not as good.
Before we get into this article, I want to clarify one thing. There is nothing morally "good" about being a morning person. Nor is there anything "bad" about being someone who naturally finds their energy and flow activated in the evening.
When we refer to "morning pages" in this article, know that these can be achieved at any time. If you're a night person, these morning pages can be night pages instead.
Table of Contents
- What Are Morning Pages?
- How to Write Morning Pages
- The Benefits of Morning Pages
- Tips for Writing Morning Pages
What Are Morning Pages?
The idea of morning pages originates from Julia Cameron's book, The Artist’s Way, which guides artists to find their path back to creativity.
The Artist’s Way helps readers overcome creative blocks borne from fear and perfectionism. Among the tools and techniques to help readers cultivate resilience and restart their creativity, the morning pages practice stands out as an accessible and applicable practice for almost anyone.
How to Write Morning Pages
You don't need to be an artist or a "creative type" to start a morning pages practice.
The concept involves writing three pages of longhand stream-of-consciousness every morning. Ideally, this practice happens as soon as someone wakes up, but it can be a powerful tool at any time of day.
To be successful with your morning pages practice, there are three important elements to consider when implementing your own practice.
- Format: How do you want to write your morning pages? Will you be writing freehand in a notebook? Will you use your Notes app on your phone?
- Content: There are no rules or expectations when writing morning pages. Much like Fight Club, this is the only rule when it comes to your morning pages writing.
- Consistency: The key to any intentional practice is consistency. Ideally, morning pages should be written daily at around the same time. However, if you miss a time block or a day, don't abandon the practice.
Morning pages are a pretty simple idea. It's that simplicity that allows one to clear their mind and write without judgment. This is how unexpected ideas blossom and bloom.
The Benefits of Morning Pages
By engaging in the daily practice of morning pages, individuals can often experience huge benefits. Here are a few important benefits.
Clarity
Writing morning pages can help enhance clarity. By providing an outlet for introspection and thought organization, you can untangle complex thoughts, identify goals, and confront challenges with a renewed perspective.
By starting and maintaining a daily practice, you might even see patterns emerge.
Creativity
Moreover, morning pages can foster creativity, sparking innovative solutions to workplace dilemmas and providing a space for brainstorming ideas. Ultimately, the consistent practice of morning pages cultivates a clearer sense of direction and purpose, empowering individuals to navigate their careers with confidence and intentionality.
Insight
Many people find that it helps them tap into their subconscious mind, access new ideas, and break through creative blocks.
Emotional Release
Additionally, some individuals report feeling a sense of catharsis or emotional release after writing morning pages. Just like keeping a worry journal helps us to let go
Self-Reflection
Writing morning pages can be a valuable catalyst for self-reflection, offering individuals a dedicated space to explore their innermost thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Through the process of stream-of-consciousness writing, individuals can delve into their subconscious, uncovering hidden motivations, fears, and desires. Moreover, writing provides a tangible record of progress and insights, serving as a valuable tool for tracking patterns, setting goals, and cultivating a deeper understanding of oneself over time.
Tips for Writing Morning Pages
Commit to Consistency
Make a commitment to write every morning, even if it's just for a few minutes. Consistency is key to establishing a habit, so try to stick to your practice even on days when you don't feel particularly inspired.
Set a Specific Time
Choose a specific time each day to write your Morning Pages or engage in your writing practice. Whether right after waking up, before breakfast, or during your morning coffee, having a designated time helps make writing a regular part of your routine.
Create a Sacred Space
Designate a quiet and comfortable space where you can write without distractions. This could be a cozy corner of your home, a favorite café, or simply a quiet spot in nature. Having a dedicated space can help signal to your brain that it's time to focus and be creative.
Keep it Simple
Don't overthink or overcomplicate your writing practice. Remember that the goal is simply to get your thoughts flowing onto the page. Don't worry about grammar, punctuation, or spelling – just let your ideas flow freely.
Stay Open-Minded
Approach your writing practice with an open mind and a willingness to explore new ideas. Allow yourself to be curious and playful with your writing, and don't be afraid to experiment with different styles or topics.
Embrace Imperfection
Accept that not every day will be a masterpiece, and that's okay. Give yourself permission to write poorly, make mistakes, and even veer off-topic from time to time. The important thing is to keep showing up and putting pen to paper.
Set Realistic Goals
Set achievable goals for your writing practice, whether it's a specific word count, a certain amount of time spent writing, or simply filling a page each day. Setting realistic goals can help you stay motivated and prevent burnout.
Find Inspiration
Surround yourself with sources of inspiration that fuel your creativity. This could include reading books, listening to music, going for walks in nature, or simply observing the world around you. Drawing inspiration from different sources can help keep your writing practice fresh and exciting.
Stay Flexible
Be flexible and adaptable with your writing practice. Life can be unpredictable, and there will inevitably be days when you can't stick to your usual routine. Instead of getting discouraged, find alternative ways to fit writing into your day, even if it means writing at a different time or in a different place.
Celebrate Your Progress
Always celebrate your achievements and milestones along the way. Whether it's completing a week of daily writing, reaching a personal writing goal, or simply showing up to write each day, take time to acknowledge and celebrate your progress. Positive reinforcement can help reinforce your writing habits and keep you motivated in the long run.
