No matter what you call it…stream-of-consciousness writing, free writing, or spontaneous prose…there are some measurable benefits to freely writing without editing for a period of time.
what is free writing?
Free writing, is a relaxed-no-pressure opportunity, where "you simply ride on the waves of your thoughts and feelings and let them flow out of you without the slightest resistance." Without racing, simply let whatever is on your mind be expressed. Avoid reviewing, editing or evaluating, just release your thoughts and emotions without pause. Self-censorship will defeat the purpose of this activity; success is letting the mind overflow through your finger tips. In one sitting, I might find myself writing non-sense, venting, celebrating, praising, solving problems, quoting, praying etc.., but no matter what I produce I consistently find a significant decrease in stress and an increase in my capacity to meet life’s demands and embrace creativity!
keys to free writing
One priority is to write without stopping, so random uninterrupted thought is likely to include thinking about feelings, recounting events, and/or anticipating the future. There is nothing too petty or small. This is not writing we plan to share; instead, this is writing that embraces introspection in a safe space. Even when it is a struggle, persistence will pay off. Think of it "like taking a whisk broom to corners of our consciousness". No matter our mood, we are in the right mood for free writing. In contrast to journal writing, this process will "skitter from topic to topic...as though we have ADD."
Some find it important to write longhand for the total of three pages. Julia Cameron, of The Artist’s Way, advocates for clearing your mind through morning writing that she calls “cloud thoughts…meeting your shadow and taking it out for coffee.” She encourages us to start where we are at emotionally, not trying to fight it, but greeting it. A variation that has worked well for me is found at the website 750words.com. Not only is it a secure site to dump your ramblings, but it actually gives us stats on our writing that analyze feelings, themes, and mindset of our words. 750 Words has a free introductory offer that is worth trying. I like it so much that I plan to pay the minimal fee to continue using it.
Partial stat report from 750Word.com
Photo by Lovefreund on Unsplash
Free writing helps us make decisions by identifying priorities. It often might lead us in a direction that initially we dismissed, but ultimately is a game changer.
Like the tough love of a dear friend or family member it can compassionately highlight habits and hangups, and call on us to figure out what we are going to do about it.
Free writing accepts us where we are, but doesn’t leave us there. Gradually it alters our mood from negative to positive. Since we are being non-judgmental, and saying simply, “Thanks for showing up” we keep writing. And in the process of writing we purge negative thoughts and find positive thoughts coming to the surface.
It is a jumping off point for creativity. As we dream of possibilities, we find ourselves more light hearted and open to ideas such as “Wouldn’t it be exciting to…”, “I wonder if…?”, and “…could work!!” What might have at once seemed impossible becomes worth the risk; raising our creative ceiling.
Free writing helps us brainstorm solutions by allowing us to unleash our ideas more readily.
It will improve our memory. As we write down what we can remember about a subject, conversation, book chapter, podcast etc. we will improve our memory, spot knowledge gaps, and increase our motivation for attentiveness.
Free writing is a great way to reduce stress and worry. When we are able to leave all the “what if” thoughts on paper, and move from ruminating through identifying what we can and cannot control, We are better able to sleep and enjoy life.
“... it includes solid grips on slippery thoughts. The act of typing serves as a hand rail on our thoughts, and occupies a certain part of the brain that generally gets restless and looks for something to do...”
Read about Gratitude Journaling here.
Wendy Dellis is a certified wellness coach. She joins years of training and work in the area of behavior change, experience as a fitness instructor and run club coordinator with a passion for adventure and people. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, Jay, and two sons.
Madison Marathon
The information contained on this page is for general information purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as medical or healthcare advice, but only topics for discussion. No physician-patient relationship exists; please consult your physician before making changes in diet or lifestyle.