I see writing as an opportunity, a possibility to open, to reflect, to find clarity and even comfort. Sometimes I frame a writing practice as a means to record the journey of our days. Perhaps it seems odd at first glance to talk about “journey” when our lives are still somewhat circumscribed by quarantine, sheltering in place – many of us are not ready to take off our shoes at the airport for faraway adventures, or travel to nearby or distant cities for dinner galas or concerts or conferences or simchas. Many are excited to once again just walk or drive to shul. But in fact, these greatly circumscribed days themselves, this eerie limbo, challenge us more profoundly than forays to distant lands. The movements of thought, of feeling, have not abated. And so we still crave a way to better see and explore inner worlds.
Through these prompts for writing I encourage you, as often as you can, daily even, to make use of this imposed quiet time, to mine the gift of being solitary, to listen carefully, to find words, and then to find insight, understanding, comfort, peace. Frequently when I finish writing, I end with new questions, deeper questions, questions with the power to bring me closer to some modest hard-won truth or at least a greater understanding.
Listen to yourself as you listen to the people you most dearly love: with rapt attention and tenderness, curiosity, compassion. And then let the stories, your thoughts and feelings, tumble onto the page. Relax, and let the details of special moments return to you as you write. Above all, a writing practice is about process, the process of making a connection to yourself. As the process unfolds, you discover that developing a writing practice can offer the rich reward of feeling accompanied in precisely the ways we may otherwise feel painfully alone. Blessings to you as we journey into the unknown.
Note please - This program is intended to support you in a regular writing practice in the mode of traditional daily prayer - beginning the day, mid-day, end of day. Choose how often you want to write and when - some mornings, perhaps during an afternoon break, before bedtime. There is no “right way” to do this, with one caveat - choose just one prompt each time you write. The idea is to focus and then go deep. Also, a clarification - you will be writing for yourself, though you might partner with a friend or family member to share what you’ve written on a particular day. I welcome all comments in the space below.
Shacharit/Morning - Mindfully entering the day, setting your intention, your kavannah, for the day (remember to focus on just one of the following, give yourself about 10 minutes)
Perhaps begin by trying to catch the fragment of a dream from last night: are there images from the night that linger? images from yesterday? What might be their message?
What is your prayer for the journey of this day? Write it now, reread it later…
Perhaps focus on your dearest hopes for the day; how might you realize them?
What are you worried about? afraid of, today? Be curious about these strong emotions, allow yourself to explore them.
Ask yourself: how can I find strength for the day? Who might be of help, support?
Reflect on what you'll be doing, who you'll interact with (choose just one person to focus on): how can you soulfully prepare for this encounter?
What do you especially want to pay attention to today? Focus on just one this morning: how to increase your patience? be courageous? don't stereotype people, don't be dismissive? how to work on dealing with frustration? anticipating and striving to manage your anger? remember to be open to joy? be in the moment? remember to be grateful? be gentle with yourself and your imperfections?
Mincha/Afternoon - Finding yourself again, re-centering in the present (remember to focus on just one of the following, give yourself about 10 minutes)
Begin by taking a few deep breaths, let go of the busyness of the day, the routine, the pressing demands. Claim the luxury and integrity of this time, allow it to nourish you.
Re-center: what am I grateful for this afternoon, right now? Remember, describe, one small moment this morning that was a pleasure, that brought a smile, that was meaningful, rich.
Slow down, stop, freeze frame: what do I want to change about how this day is going, how I am going in this day? Let the writing help you to reorient, shift, make a change.
How am I living in my body today? Listen, with love – what do I need?
Who am I, what do I cherish about myself? How can I make that manifest in my world today?
Ma'ariv/Evening - Reflecting on the day that is coming to an end (remember to focus on just one of the following, give yourself about 15 minutes)
Remember something unique about the day, something wonderful, or troubling. Or, notice a vivid image from the day. Or, attend to the first memory that springs to mind, perhaps an overlooked, seemingly inconsequential moment:
What happened? Explore in detail. And how is it significant for you?
(Remember, this is not a catalog of the day's events, it's an opportunity to interpret, to make meaning, to integrate experiences that normally just rush by.)
What did you learn today – about the world? another person? yourself?
What delighted you? moved you? disturbed you? confused you? Tell the story.
Did you challenge yourself today? take a risk? how? What happened?
Were you afraid of something today? what? why? How did it turn out?
How did you live in your body today? Are you pleased or dissatisfied with that? Why?
With whom did you make a connection today? what happened?
What surprised you today – and what is significant about that?
What questions are you left with today?