eradicating writer’s block
There’s no predicting when it might happen — the sudden and unpredictable arrival of the dreaded writer’s block. For any writer, this is the ultimate maelstrom, one we try very hard to avert at all costs. And yet it can happen to any of us at any time.
What I’ve observed is that it usually starts insidiously, growing stronger if we let this beast take over. Kind of like a migraine headache. You need to take a pill for it before it gets worse. The remedial “pill” for me has many forms, and I pick and choose the appropriate elixir depending on how I feel. Sometimes it’s as simple as some deep breathing, a prayer, or a quick snack break. Other times a brisk walk or a longer break away from my laptop is needed.
The ultimate storm comes when you’ve got limited time to write and the beast suddenly shows up to wreak havoc on your precious writing time. Already anxious from the fact that you’re barely been able to carve out this increment of writing time, anxiety feeds on itself, nourishing the writer’s block beast even more and wreaking havoc on your writing process. A sense of panic may even set in, especially if you’re working under a deadline. And this can all happen in a matter of minutes. This type of writer’s tail spin can cause any writer to feel exhausted and maybe even start questioning why he or she ever wanted to write in the first place.
Taming the writer’s block beast is critical. It will take you over if you let it. The key is to wrangle with its energy as soon as you feel it. Sometimes a simple acknowledgement of its presence is all that’s needed, like a gateway you must pass through in order to begin writing again. Usually, however, there is greater force at work, an underlying wound or belief that needs attention.
In this way, writer’s block can be seen as an opportunity. An unexpected invitation to grow and expand, even if it’s not always pretty or pleasant. Facing the underlying reason for the writer’s block can be a form of shadow work or soul cleansing opening us up to deeper healing. This type of healing can be extremely powerful. It can have an iterative effect, pouring welcomed relief and self-confidence into other aspects of our lives. The ripple effect can bring many surprises, including a stronger connection with ones inner voice.
For me, this has been the ultimate destination. Once connected with my inner voice, I listen it more and more, until I barely notice the voice of the inner critic any longer. The inner voice is always calm, loving and encouraging. It is never critical. Acting as our inner muse, it is always there to support our writing and connect us with our creativity. It’s a state of inner knowing where the words flow magically onto the page and we are reminded of who we are and what we have to say. It is from this place that I call the “Gifted Writers’ Realm” that writing feels joyful. Hours can feel like minutes and the writing flows like water. This doesn’t mean that proofreading and editing isn’t needed. But the entire writing process feels natural, connected and full of possibility.
The inner writer’s journey can be a magical vehicle for transformation, not just for our writing, but for ourselves and for other aspects of our lives. It’s often the beginning of something so much bigger than a writing project.
