![The Writer's [Inner] Journey](/wp-content/themes/thesis_151/custom/images/header2.png "The Writer's [Inner] Journey")
An ongoing series about improving my beliefs (and understanding what, exactly they are) about writing, money, spirituality and how it all fits into life.
Truth: I’m not religious about prayer. Bigger Truth: I want to be full-on monkish about it. For my writing’s sake. Disciplined. Intentional. Seeking guidance from the big “G.”
Let me be clear: G. O. D. What that is for me on any given day can change – this much I know.
What I call it changes, too.
Still, do you think I’m a fanatic? This is one of my fears. And that you won’t like me for invoking the word or the notion. Think I’m weird. If you’re religious you’ll pity me because I’m not more prayerful. If you don’t believe in God you’ll think I’m too dependent of something that can’t be proven. All that’s gotta go.
I can’t run from my truth any longer.
Prayer before I write works for me. It’s a surrender of sorts to some kind of faith–of something bigger than just me who might just know more about writing than I do. So why don’t I do it more? I mean, what is this story really about?
I want to explore this. I, um, prayed about it because, I’ve decided that when it comes to writing my intention is to ask for “guidance” before I put pen to paper. Manuscripts, shopping lists — all of it. Also, how money comes into play when I write. Yes. Creativity, money, faith. I’m going to asked something bigger than me to take over. My plan is to unwind my story by using whatever resources I need. I might use the Twelve Steps from AA for my footpath at times (great for any type of inward or spiritual journey). And anything else that fits.
I’ll log in here. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, consider this question:
What is prayer to you?
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Prayer is such a personal process. I am comfortable praying on behalf of others – or even for inner strength for getting through challenges. But I never prayed before writing. Could I? Should I? Is my writing worthy of prayer? Is it too much to ask for divine intervention for my creative process when people are suffering? Doesn't make sense, but that's where my brain goes. I think I will fight through it and give prayer a try. Will I evaluate its effectiveness by feelings or word count?
I'm not a religious person, but I find that sometimes prayer is very necessary. For me, it's a chance for me put myself out there in the world, to voice my inner fears and desires. I don't think it's the recipient that matters as much as the voicing. I haven't tried praying about writing, but writing is a VERY abstract, spiritual process, so I imagine it could help!
Again I am not a true writer in terms of anything being published BUT Prayer always confuses me for many reasons. I guess because I am not religious or as spiritual as I would like, the only time I have prayed is over illness. During those very difficult times when I have found myself praying, I have wondered who the heck I am praying to. Kim helped me realize that prayer is not about the recipient bur rather putting your fears out there and just asking ( again not sure who) for help….So I am thinking Prayer as Barbara said is very personal and is different for everyone. I think people should do what works for them with no fear of judgment and being labeled (nor should they label themselves)….Does that make sense?
I find the whole concept of praying before I sit down to write disconcerting. I have embraced meditation if only to clear out my head. I feel somewhat more productive when I write after a yoga class. I guess I am of the "Just Do It" school of going to my quiet place and writing. Those days when I get in the flow are gifts. I still don't think I'd pray even when my words seem stuck in my pen. I'd probably just get up and take a walk.
I don't pray, but I do reassure myself. I sometimes have trouble letting go, but I also use my own voice to calm myself down. I have believed in gods, spiritual powers beyond, etc in the past. I can honestly say that my life is much better since I've begun to believe more in myself. I'm a believer in sitting down and doing the work. I like to think that I believe in myself alone–not in a powerful godlike way, but in the sense that I have confidence that if I just keep at it, that as long as I enjoy it, or at least desire the effort, then I'm on the right track. So far this is working for me. No, I don't get everything I want, but I see incremental growth and changes.
I also believe that if there is a god, he has a great sense of humor and he is not judgmental, nor selective on doling out favors to just those that talk to him.
I go with Ann Lamott who says there are only two kinds of prayer:
Help me, help me, help me
and
please, please, please
I like what Amy Wallen says: believing in yourself. I shall add a step which is self-discipline. I believe working out for 26 years, has given me the gift to feel good about my mind, my body and my health. It feeds my mind. So exercise and liking myself the way I am, has helped me with getting things done in my life.
Re-posting the same under my blog name. Sorry for repetition.
I like what Amy Wallen says: believing in yourself. I shall add a step which is self-discipline. I believe working out for 26 years, has given me the gift to feel good about my mind, my body and my health. It feeds my mind. So exercise and liking myself the way I am, has helped me with getting things done in my life.
I've found prayer extremely helpful in my fiction writing. I'm a big believer in God, even though I'm not so sure about religion. I ask God (i.e., higher power) to be my partner every morning before I light a candle and sit down to write. For me, this short prayer is an act of faith that helps me access the spirituality I need to create effective fiction. It's a totally different part of the brain and soul than nonfiction!