I've never heard of morning pages, so I love how you've described something new to me and it sounds like such a beautiful practise. When I taught university students, I used to write journal prompts and we'd all write for 5-10 minutes in a journal and when I worked in marketing, I'd spend time writing in my journal before work, but I haven't journaled in a while now. However, I work a full-time corporate publishing/data analytics editorial job and I spend my mornings writing my novel, writing a 'chapter' of my Substack, and editing my Grandfather's memoir. I do love this idea, though, and maybe I can adopt it one day when I don't spend my spare time reading (other people's Substacks, novels), editing, or writing (my own stuff and for freelance clients).
Yes. Juggling the ymorning routine to fit in 30-40 mins of a journaling practice is the challenge. Probably the only challenge to actually doing it. I had really significant (although periodic) demands on my morning attention within the two years I successfully did it. Yet, somehow I made it a priority and either got up earlier or put my day on hold until I finished it. I remember a scant few days when life interupted me and I would finish my three pages later in the day. That never felt as right. By my return to it, my brain was gummed up with the day's aggravations. But I was committed to my three pages. It also felt rewarding (?) to hold my fountain pen, watch the Japanese blue ink ooze from the nib, pool where my lines crossed, dry slowly on the coated paper, capture and seize my thoughts. I'm reminding myself of this mostly to push myself to restart it. Anyway, the practice will be there for you if you ever need it. I don't quite believe it works and yet for me it did.
Beautiful lines: "Japanese blue ink ooze from the nib, pool where my lines crossed, dry slowly on the coated paper, capture and seize my thoughts..." Yes, it definitely sounds like something worthwhile to do.
I’ve been doing morning pages every now since May 14 and love it! The ability to clear the clutter like you say, process the previous day, plan for the coming one, jot down ideas and insights - it’s really a priceless practice!
I've never heard of morning pages, so I love how you've described something new to me and it sounds like such a beautiful practise. When I taught university students, I used to write journal prompts and we'd all write for 5-10 minutes in a journal and when I worked in marketing, I'd spend time writing in my journal before work, but I haven't journaled in a while now. However, I work a full-time corporate publishing/data analytics editorial job and I spend my mornings writing my novel, writing a 'chapter' of my Substack, and editing my Grandfather's memoir. I do love this idea, though, and maybe I can adopt it one day when I don't spend my spare time reading (other people's Substacks, novels), editing, or writing (my own stuff and for freelance clients).
Yes. Juggling the ymorning routine to fit in 30-40 mins of a journaling practice is the challenge. Probably the only challenge to actually doing it. I had really significant (although periodic) demands on my morning attention within the two years I successfully did it. Yet, somehow I made it a priority and either got up earlier or put my day on hold until I finished it. I remember a scant few days when life interupted me and I would finish my three pages later in the day. That never felt as right. By my return to it, my brain was gummed up with the day's aggravations. But I was committed to my three pages. It also felt rewarding (?) to hold my fountain pen, watch the Japanese blue ink ooze from the nib, pool where my lines crossed, dry slowly on the coated paper, capture and seize my thoughts. I'm reminding myself of this mostly to push myself to restart it. Anyway, the practice will be there for you if you ever need it. I don't quite believe it works and yet for me it did.
Beautiful lines: "Japanese blue ink ooze from the nib, pool where my lines crossed, dry slowly on the coated paper, capture and seize my thoughts..." Yes, it definitely sounds like something worthwhile to do.
Dear Marjorie
I had never heard of it until, once again, you taught me something new. Grateful as ever. Aliza
It's a wonderful practice.
I’ve been doing morning pages every now since May 14 and love it! The ability to clear the clutter like you say, process the previous day, plan for the coming one, jot down ideas and insights - it’s really a priceless practice!
I agree.
Thank you for bringing this practice to my attention. I may try it!
Don't look for results. Just do the practice. Its kind of miraculous. :)