11 Nervous System Tips for Writing
Write what you want, when you want!
This is for people scared to start writing online but want to share their work (without throwing up on the keyboard or being uninvited to Thanksgiving dinner.)
Writing online isn't supposed to feel like being faced with a firing squad, but it can, so let's stop it already by following these steps:
#1
Take several deep breaths while at the computer preparing to write.
Since you can't take deep breaths if you're truly in danger, deep breathing sends the memo to your nervous system that all is well.
Now write.
#2
Say these to yourself and make your own list…
Cancer can kill me; writing cannot kill me.
Getting hit by a bus can kill me; people judging my writing cannot kill me.
Drinking a gallon of spiked egg nog at the Xmas party can kill me; upsetting Grandma Edna with my writing cannot kill me (or her!)
Now write.
#3
Write a list of the people you're afraid to let read how you really feel because they might abandon you.
Feel and breathe into the tension until it lessens.
Are those relationships authentic if you can't be, do, or say how you really feel?
Honey, listen; you deserve people who love all your parts!
Now write.
#4
Visualize posting your real opinions.
Where do you feel tension in your body?
What thoughts arise?
Simply notice and name the sensations without judgment or trying to change them.
Notice how the sensations travel around from place to place.
Notice how they fade away.
Now write.
#5
Visualize an internet troll talking smack in the comments of your post.
Imagine the meanest things you might read.
Notice the tension in your body.
As in #4, track the sensations from place to place until they subside.
Remind yourself that trolls are pathetic, if they are even real people and not bots.
Stand up and shake your whole body until it relaxes.
Now write.
#6
Twist your ears - gently!
When you get ready to write, you notice your breathing has become shallow.
You're curving in on yourself and suddenly find yourself shopping on Amazon for an ugly Christmas sweater to wear to your cousin's holiday party. Snap out of it!
Take your attention back to the post. Before writing, gently twist your ears. Pull them up, down, away from your head, side to side, etc.
Keep it up until you yawn a time or two. Yawning tells your nervous system is letting go.
Now write.
#7
Pick a time to write and show up to write a little something every day for 40 days.
Prove to yourself you can keep a standing appointment to write (even if you sit there and write nothing.)
This teaches your body that writing is no biggie. It's just another appointment you keep. It's simply one task for the day, like all your other daily tasks.
Now write.
#8
Show up to write.
Feel the tension, dread, anxiety.
Track the sensations.
Twist and look over your right shoulder and hold for a breath.
Turn back to center.
Repeat, looking over your left shoulder this time.
Back to center.
Keep it up until you yawn.
Now write.
#9 Your stories about why you're not writing are ridiculous when you say them out loud.
Look in the mirror and say out loud all the excuses.
Breathe in for a count of 4.
Breathe out double the count.
Repeat your reasons.
Repeat the breathing.
Within 1 or 2 rounds, you'll laugh or become so annoyed by your own excuses that writing will be a breeze.
Now write.
#10
Walk before writing.
Rhythmic walking settles the nervous system and transforms fearful thoughts.
Think about your fears while you walk.
Really imagine your worst fears about writing online come true.
Then, imagine 5 good things that could come from those fears manifesting.
See how powerful you are?
Now write.
#11
Feel the fears, dread, and worries in your body when you think about writing.
Do they have a color?
Do they have a shape?
Do they have a smell?
What temperature are they?
If you could pull them out and hold them in your hand, what do they look like?
What happens in your body when you hold them in your hand?
Hold your hand up and blow them away like a feather into the wind.
Now write.
The world needs your voice, your wisdom, your lived experiences now, today, not next year, not next week - now.
XO,
LMW
P.S.
You’re invited to a free event to try out somatic writing - you can get in on it here.
If you know you need group support - we start again Nov 11, 2024.
Want to write online but can't think of what to say, worried about offending friends and family, or just keep putting it off?
Nervous System Secrets for Writers teaches you how to write comfortably and consistently, plus keep getting invited to family events!
Last day to enroll is November 5th.
https://bit.ly/Nervous-System-Secrets-For-Writers
“This is a brilliant course - I loved it. If you want to write and share what you write - this is for you.
I love writing but I’d never share. I was afraid of getting blow back. I got as though I stopped writing - even for myself.
I’m now writing for me every day - whoo hoo. I’m preparing to write more to share- so watch this space.
Laura Michelle Wolff’s course has got me here. It actually fun 🤩. She’s a great teacher 💕💕xx”
Mags O'Brien
Shropshire, UK
October 2024
thank you for sharing @Bingz Huang !