(Proprioceptive Writing)
This is a continuation of the course in "Proprioceptive Writing", a form of progressive writing that allows writers to relax, become less inhibited; more able to recognize and hear the inner voice; eliminate "Writer's Block; tap into the spiritual self, and essentially, become truly alive and more aware in ways we'd never dreamed.
Many members of our group have followed the process detailed in previous columns with the same title but numbered 1,2,3 and so on. Some are what I call "Lifers," while others are just now realizing the incredible benefits as they strive to devote themselves to this daily practice. Other members have managed every other day, while others have been able to devote two or three times a week to the practice of Proprioceptive Writing.
Regardless of how much time we've managed to put in, we must remember to be gentle with ourselves. Frustration can inhibit the process of making this, almost meditative, form of spontaneous writing into habit. This is what we each should be striving for: Becoming "Lifers" of Proprioceptive Writing.
If you are a poet or other genre-writer, but are interested in gleaning from this course, please read the previous columns and follow the process instructions from the beginning. As stated above, each column carries the same title as this write, and are numbered consecutively.
Anybody and everybody may still join and experience this unique process of writing. There is no good or bad time. The only real requirement is that we make time to commit to the practice. This won't be a real problem if we're serious about becoming better writers, along with experiencing a host of other benefits that are a natural part of the journey.
For those members of our group who have managed to make the time necessary, even for a few times a week, it should now seem as necessary to our writing and overall well-being as proper nutrition and exercise is to the well-being and health of our physical selves.
The desire to claim and maintain our twenty-five minutes, or more, of uninterrupted time, daily, will become an overwhelming need, a yearning. What I just stated won't be understood unless we've practiced, in earnest. As the benefits accrue, we will each recognize the need for these precious time increments devoted to the practice of Proprioceptive Writing.
Again, no two experiences will be the same, so there is much to share. I thank those who have shared enlightening moments with me, and I hope to read more as each writer continues. Now, let me share how I was before becoming a “Lifer” to the process of this informal writing journey. I choose to call this form of writing my “Daily Connective Writing Experience.”
My thoughts were absolutely chaotic! They seemed to have a life of their own. At night, though physically exhausted, my mind wouldn't shut down right away so I could sleep. Often, it took me approximately three hours each night just to finally doze off. This was my existence since I recognized the fact I existed!
For the first two weeks of practicing daily, I found most of my writes to be more in the line of what we would call "vents," or "rants," here at AP. Through the questioning process, that's explained in previous columns, I began to answer my own questions, with clarity! Soon, I became more focused on hearing my internal voice speak, and that voice began to share insight into myself, my feelings, and restlessness, even anger. I was able to understand why people are like they are, for the most part, and why I was like I was. Notice I said, "Was."
I was not a calm person, and I was an angry person. Now, I am a calm person, and I am very spiritual. And, many of the numerous things about life that confused me, causing me to constantly ponder and question, I've been able to provide those answers unto myself. I gleaned insight into life, understanding as to my purpose for existing, and yes, I found balance in my existence, but my writing took on a new life of its own.
Oddly enough, I've even been published before I discovered Proprioceptive Writing and applied it to my art and my life. To this day, I don't know how I managed to focus long enough to write a feature for a magazine, newspaper, or newsletter, or a short story, not to mention an entire novel! I even believed that was the only way I could write, if my thoughts were always in total chaos.
Book reviewers and readers described my later stories as richer, more picturesque, alive with detail. My characters actually, to me, live and breathe. The development of each story occurs on its own; I never work from an outline. Some people might state, "That's your muse." But, it's not. Personally, I believe this voice that speaks these answers, stories and tales to me, is my God, my Lord, my Creator. My writing is now a spiritual experience and an artesian well constantly flows with ideas, bringing them to the surface of my thoughts, allowing them to be, mainly through my art form which is writing.
I'm sharing my own unique experience, but must state again that every experience will differ. I challenge each of you reading this now to find a "Lifer" of the practice of Proprioceptive Writing, or even daily meditation, and I guarantee you will discover a human being who has tapped into his or her internal peace, a person who is calm; perhaps spiritual, enlightened, and they have a clearer sense of why they're here on this earth. As well, they seem to be the least judgmental people alive. And through the chaos of life, they've discovered contentment, whether rich or poor, sick or healthy--it doesn't matter--they are content and well adjusted. These people tend to be leaders, with compassion and empathy, and a deep desire to help others. They love unconditionally.
The next column will be an actual "write" that I was able to, later, form into an article for publication. Column #5 will be about plot, and how I perceive as well as teach plot for short stories and novels, mainly novels, which is what I write. I hope to have this ready for you very soon, following this column, so that you can, hopefully, see how my understanding expanded in defining plot, and how I was able to relate this understanding to others by way of writing and speaking. I was only able to glean more understanding after making Proprioceptive Writing a part of my daily existence.
For now, I hope, for those who are part of our group, as well as those just joining, that you will not only become more powerful and creative artisans, but that you are now living life more abundantly. Perhaps your outlook has changed for the better. Maybe, you've been able to walk out of that depression that has gripped you for so long, and you're finding your purpose for breathing and being, while, at the same time, discovering contentment no matter what obstacles lie ahead. As well, I'm praying that you're finding answers. This can be, and often is, a life changing experience. I've merely provided the direction. Now it's up to you! Keep sending me your experiences, as I'll provide some of them, with your permission, in the sixth and final column of this series.
Nobody has all the answers, but some seem to have a deeper "knowing" than others. Much of this comes through self-discovery and learning to listen to that voice that is alive and waiting inside each of us, waiting to be heard.
By Kelly Varner Johnson
a.k.a.
Kelly R. Stevens
E-mail: kvwriter@yahoo.com
"The artist does not see things as they are, but as he is."--Alfred Tonnelle
Adding your comment:
This "state more than angels" is within reach of every single soul - but it needs to be recognize and address in the way you do: with endurance, determination and discipline. Resocialization takes some time, but it is 100% possible to remould the soul to become content and whole.
