Setting Up a Sacred Space for Your Writing
by Tabby Biddle
Writing is such a personal experience. We all have our different ways of getting into the groove and dropping into the creative space of writing. For some, it’s easier than others. But even for those of you who may find it easy, some days can feel more challenging.
If you have not yet found a consistent way to drop into your writing, or you need a recharge or reset on how you approach your writing, I’m sharing below my writing practice in hopes that it may serve you, too. Your voice is too important to be held up in confusion, overwhelm or a lack of momentum.
5 Steps to Create Sacred Space for Your Writing
STEP 1: Set Up a Sacred Space
In order to drop into a creative space, it can help to have a few sacred objects around you—on your desk or wherever you write—that remind you that you are connected to a larger creative force. These objects need to hold meaning for you. For example, I have a deep spiritual connection with the Divine Feminine. I source my creative voice from the Feminine side of the Divine. For this reason, on my desk, you will find a statue of Kuan Yin, the Buddhist Goddess of Compassion; a large blue apatite gemstone—a crystal commonly used to restore the flow of energy at the throat chakra; and a desk placard with my name and professional title “Goddess” underneath. All of these things help remind me that the Divine Feminine is within me and all around me and makes it easy for me to drop in to my writing. What sacred objects hold meaning for you?
STEP 2: TUNE INTO YOUR SACRED CENTER
As a woman, your belly and womb space is a sacred center. This is where all life begins. It is your creative center. Therefore, it can serve you greatly to tune into this part of your body before you begin your writing session. It only takes a minute or so. All you need to do is sit comfortably in your chair and take a few long, deep breaths, inviting yourself to arrive fully in the chair and settle into your body. Then place both of your hands lovingly on your belly and womb space, and breathe some more. Focus your attention down at your belly and feel your hands rise and fall with each breath. Enjoy your breath as it moves through you. After a few breaths, move one of your hands up to your heart. Spend some moments tuning into both your womb and heart, where your wisdom and inner voice reside. Then move onto the next step.
STEP 3: InVITE IN YOUR SACRED GUIDES
You are not alone on this journey. Whether you are aware of them or not, you are supported by your own spirit guides, angels, ancestors and other benevolent forces. They are cheering you on and rooting for you to fulfill your destiny. You can call on them to support you in your writing sessions, and ask for what you need. For example, if you need support releasing blocks or obstacles in the way of your writing, ask for this support. Or, if you need support to feel more free to express yourself, ask for this support. Give yourself permission to be supported in your writing. You can finish off by saying, “Please allow me to be a channel today for the words that want to be written.”
STEP 4: INITIATE Your WRiting WITH A Sacred Prompt
Sometimes, to get our writing going, we need to first drop into the bigger “WHY.” Why am I writing this book? Why am I writing this chapter? Why am I writing this essay? (Fill this in whatever project you are working on.) I suggest you tune into what you want to write during that session, and then set your timer for 2 minutes and start off your writing session with this prompt: I want to write this because …. (your big WHY!) Your answer to the “why” question will be the engine that drives your writing for that session.
STEP 5: Follow The SACRED FLOW
After you have written for 2 minutes about your “why,” you have now entered the sacred flow. Re-set your timer for the period of time you want to write, and allow the timer to hold sacred space for you. Write without editing yourself. Allow your writing to be as raw and messy as it needs to be. Do not censor yourself. No one is judging you. This is time and space for you to write freely. Your voice is too important to get boxed in. Give yourself permission to be a channel for your message and intention and allow your words to flow onto the paper (or screen). You’ve got this!
Bonus Tip: If ever you feel stuck in your writing, set your timer for 2 minutes and use this prompt to clear the space to move forward (write about this in a stream-of-consciousness): I am scared to write about …
COMPLETE with Gratitude
After your writing session, express your gratitude for whatever/whomever supported you. And also, thank yourself for showing up. Closing the writing session in a sacred manner is honoring it as a ritual. This can get you excited to show up again for your next writing experience.
Tabby Biddle, M.S. Ed. is a women’s leadership coach, writer and consultant dedicated to uplifting and championing women’s voices. She is the creator of the Divine Feminine Writer’s Group and Women on Stage. To learn more about using your voice, growing your impact, and being a leader of change, visit tabbybiddle.com.