Morning Pages: A Daily Ritual to Work Through Creative Blocks and Connect with your Inner Artist
Whether you're trying to boost creativity, break through creative blocks, or tap into your inner artist, the practice of morning pages can be very helpful in finding inspiration and deepening self-awareness. This is often the first piece of “homework” I suggest to my clients who want to improve their creativity. This daily ritual, created by Julia Cameron, can help you transform your life by helping you explore your unconscious mind and connect with your creative spirit.
What are Morning Pages?
Morning pages are a daily writing practice where you handwrite three pages of unfiltered thoughts, feelings, and ideas. The goal of this ritual is to give your inner artist a space to express themselves, free from judgment or expectations. Morning pages are not meant to be read by anyone, not even yourself; they're a tool for self-exploration and to clear your mind.
How Do I Write Morning Pages?
To begin your morning pages journey you need a notebook and a pen or pencil. Because you want this practice to feel sacred, I suggest buying a dedicated journal and a pen you really love the feeling of writing with.
As the name suggests, morning pages should be done first thing in the morning, before other activities. This helps you connect with your thoughts and feelings before the external influences of the day. If you can’t do it first thing, that’s okay. I have a client who writes the pages on the train to work. At times, I have done it in the evening. What’s more important than doing it in the morning, is doing it consistently. Consistency is crucial for morning pages to work their magic, so try to do them daily.
Write three pages, letting your thoughts flow freely without censoring or editing. Your writing doesn't have to make sense or structured; just let the words come as they will. Don’t choose in advance what you are writing about. Don’t go back and cross anything out. Don’t fix any grammar or spelling mistakes. Don’t try to write eloquently. If all you are writing is “I hate this, this sucks, I want to be done” again and again, that’s okay. The most important thing is that your pen is constantly moving across the page, letting the stream of your consciousness flow.
Finally, remember that morning pages are not meant to be read. This can help you express yourself without fear of judgment, letting your inner artist emerge.
“In the journal, I do not just express myself more openly than I could to any person; I create myself.”
Why do Morning Pages?
The practice of morning pages is rooted in the belief that our unconscious mind contains rich, untapped sources of creativity, which cannot be accessed by logic or rationality. Morning pages can act as a bridge to the unconscious, helping us channel our innermost thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
Exploring the wild, untamed aspects of our psyche can unleash creativity and intuition. Morning pages give us a unique opportunity to travel to our inner wilderness, where ideas run free without constraints or expectations.
It’s important to not pressure yourself to go ‘deep’ with your pages, or feel like you are doing it wrong if the pages feel ‘superficial’. Pages on your everyday activities and anxieties still help you see what is on your mind and let go of mental clutter. This letting go can help new ideas and perspectives to emerge on the page or even afterwards as you go about your day.
The pages also work to bring you self-awareness. Themes, desires and fears that come up again and again can give you insights into your personal and creative life. As you continue in this practice, you may develop a deeper understanding, appreciation and compassion for the ways you get stuck and your creative process.
Working through Creative Blocks
Creative blocks are a common and natural part of the creative process. The question is not if you will get stuck, but how you will work through the block. Morning pages can give you a powerful tool for working through these blocks. By letting yourself write without judgment or expectations, you can bypass the inner critic that often stifles creativity. As you dig into your unconscious mind, you may find new ideas and perspectives that were buried under the mental clutter.
The consistent practice of morning pages also helps to establish a creative routine and flow, fostering momentum, and making it easier to engage in other artistic pursuits. Over time, you may notice patterns or recurring themes that can offer insights into the root causes of your creative blocks, helping you address and overcome them. Regularly working through creative blocks in your morning pages can build resilience and making it easier to face future challenges in your artistic journey.
The Ripple Effect of Morning Pages
Morning pages are not just a daily writing exercise; they are an invitation to go on a journey of self-discovery, creativity, and personal growth. Dedicating time each day to connect with your inner artist gives you the gift of unfiltered self-expression and a chance to explore the hidden treasures of your unconscious mind. As you nurture this sacred practice, you may find that your creative potential begins to flourish, on the page and in other areas of your life.
Whether you are an actor, dancer, sculptor, or simply someone looking for a deeper connection with your creative spirit, morning pages can transform and inspire you. Every page you fill will take you one step closer to connecting with the limitless creative power that lies within.