I’ve finished the thirteen weeks of morning pages I set out to do on January 1. A lot has changed since; I live in a different room, friends came and went, I finished three books, my goals have changed, it is now Spring.
This practice has brought a lot to my attention, all of which I realized only recently. The first being that the practice makes my writing more intentional, and, in my opinion, has improved the way I write. I find this ironic, as the practice is really just permission to mind dump (regurgitating everything onto Substack probably helps). Along with my morning pages, a lot of my recent posts were first transcribed into my sketchbook, just as the pages are onto one of my various legal pads every morning. Though I no longer will be posting my the pages every week, I think I’ll hold to writing all my first drafts out, only typing them up to begin the editing process.
Over the course of the last thirteen weeks I’ve also developed awareness of how easily my attention span wanes, especially if I wake up particularly hung up on some idea. Giving myself the time and space to unravel thoughts is very helpful, but sometimes my concentration hits a wall. I don’t like it, and because of this I’m committing to work on other habits that effect my attention span (technology use, meditation, comfort in silence). Ironically, I am craving this type of discipline.
I also feel I am a better listener since adopting the Morning Pages. practice. I don’t know if it can be completely attributed to writing nearly every morning, but the way I inquire about my own thoughts mirrors how I inquire about others. I ask more questions and take more time to think about responses. Again, this could be for a number of reasons; fasting, being more vulnerable, etc, but the trajectories align.
Finally, the practice has allowed me to grow more confident in my writing and re-recognize how important it is to my life process. I slipped away from writing for a period, feeling a hair nihilistic about its role in my life (and my role as a writer, ultimately). Writing really is a pillar in my life, and that I am grateful for.
As I said, I will not continue posting the pages, but I want to maintain this practice to the best of my ability. There’s a chance it will get better, because, though I am very honest in all of my entries, knowing they will only be for my eyes only from here on out will certainly elevate the way I explore my own thoughts.
For my paying subscribers who keep up with these entries, first of all, thank you. Second, have no fear— I will continue paid podcast episodes and posts (not sure what it will look like, open to suggestions as always). All this to say, here is the last week of entries. Thank you again for keeping up. Also, HUGE shout out and THANK YOU to G, who not only inspired this practice but posts the most enchanting morning pages on Substack. Please go check out their work, it’s worth your time.
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