| Writing can be an amazing therapeutic tool. One | | | | subconscious. Set a timer, decide on a prompt |
| of the most useful ways this can happen is by | | | | and write without letting the pen stop moving |
| allowing you to become aware of previously | | | | across the page. When you are done, go through |
| hidden problems. Because you aren't aware of | | | | and underline the best bits, and use one of them |
| them, these problems may be controlling your | | | | as a prompt for the next session. |
| actions and behaviors, and preventing you from | | | | Writing Exercises- Writing exercises can get you |
| accomplishing your goals. | | | | far. From the humble exercise can come a story, |
| Here are some of the ways writing helps us to | | | | an article, an essay, a novel, or even simply an |
| become more conscious: | | | | illuminating journal entry. Exercises can be found all |
| * It helps you figure out what you're thinking | | | | over the internet, in books, on blogs and |
| * It helps bring you present (which is no doubt a | | | | websites, anywhere. |
| precursor to the above) | | | | Morning Pages- Julia Cameron's advocates writing |
| * It illuminates aspects of your subconscious you | | | | three pages a day every morning. This is a very |
| couldn't see | | | | useful practice for bringing things to light. |
| But sometimes we have the best of intentions of | | | | Sometimes illumination will happen in a single day, |
| processing on the page, but nothing happens. So, | | | | sometimes it may take a week or a month for |
| herewith are the most common tools I use to | | | | you to see the patterns. |
| process. | | | | The next time you have a problem, experiment |
| Tools | | | | with some of these tools. You'll be amazed at |
| Free Writing- Yes, the old standby is still one of | | | | what great therapeutic tools they can be. |
| the best ways to drop a line directly to your | | | | |
