1. Using Self-Compassion & Prompts To Start Writing

Writing can be overwhelming. Are you thinking about where and how to start? Is your inner critic holding you back? Write with me in this session by using self-compassion exercises and writing prompts. Feel free to pause this session for longer writing intervals.

Circle: Academic & Student Well-being

Transcript

Hello unique learners!

Welcome to this talk using self-compassion and prompts to start writing.

Because writing can be overwhelming.

Are you thinking about where and how to start?

Is your inner critic holding you back?

Write with me in this session by using self-compassion exercises and writing prompts.

My name is Ivete Vermeer and I welcome you all.

You might know me from my work with your inner critic sessions or the reduce procrastination sessions.

If not,

Please check out my insight timer profile because more can be found there.

In this session I'm going to talk about self-compassion to start writing,

Explain what writing prompts are,

Do a grounding exercise and we will do a writing exercise with these writing prompts.

And in my daily life I help students with mindful academic learning and writing.

Because my inner critic and procrastinating behaviour almost ruined my life.

And that is why I started to combine my scientific background with my love for mindfulness to find that balance for life.

I want other people to learn from my mistakes and write or work with less stress and anxiety.

So you've probably listened to this talk because you have troubles with writing.

Whether it's writer's block,

Procrastination or self-criticism,

You might have your own reasons but nothing good is getting on paper.

And it's not always easy to seek out inspiration when it's lacking.

Sometimes when imagining the creation process we can put too much emphasis on all the right elements coming together in order for us to finish writing that amazing thing or thesis.

However writing is a muscle and like other muscles it must be exercised every day.

So let's say you block out time to write every day.

But ideas aren't coming to you as quickly as you like them to.

And one way to get your creative juices flowing is to start with writing prompts in combination with grounding and self-compassion.

Writing prompts can get you in the mindset to think in a way you wouldn't usually think or write about something you wouldn't usually write about.

Writing every day can boost self-awareness and mental health and writing prompts can ease the pressure that comes with sitting down to start the creative process.

So if you're committed to a daily writing habit this year but you need some accountability partners,

Well there are plenty.

However it may seem daunting to notice that other people struggle with this as well from time to time and that's exactly how self-compassion can help and love and kindness to others and to yourself.

The trick is often just to get started.

Start with two minute intervals but before you do the actual writing prompt slow everything down with a grounding exercise.

Slow everything down and get comfortable preferably sitting straight and if you haven't done so already close your eyes if you like or have a soft gaze in front of you.

Feel your feet touching the ground.

Give them a rub on the ground and notice your body and let's try to take deep breaths in through the nose holding it on the top and breathing out slowly through the mouth emptying your lungs completely and the focus is important to keep those between the moments between your in and out breath the silence there.

So slow down experience your presence.

Now breathe in through the nose.

Hold it and breathe out slowly through your mouth.

One more big breath in through the nose.

Hold it on the top and you can make a dramatic outside.

One more but bigger breathe in.

Hold it hold it hold it and a dramatic outside through the mouth.

How does that feel?

What emotions are you feeling sadness anger fear happiness?

Enable your emotions but don't dwell in them.

Now place your right arm if you like on your left arm and your left on your right and give yourself cuddle.

Thank yourself for taking part in this practice and taking care of yourself.

And what would a loving friend say to you when you struggle with writing?

Would they get angry and frustrated with you like you are with yourself right now or would they say something else?

What would his friend say to remind you that you are only human that all people have both weaknesses and strengths?

And if you think this friend would suggest possible changes you should make how would these suggestions embody feelings of unconditional understanding and compassion?

And don't forget to breathe.

And can you see that everybody who has ever listened to this session might be struggling with writing as well?

We're all in this together.

And if you're wondering how a friend can help or accountability partner I've created this circle student and academic well-being and you can join the circle and connect with more people like you.

And we are sharing other practices from insight timer that might help with improving student and academic well-being.

But first let's get started with the writing prompts.

We are having brief intervals for you to write.

But feel free to pause this practice so that you can write even more.

See yourself that you are about to start with writing or work or something similar.

And perhaps you are writing a particular chapter say for example you are writing a dissertation and this is the introduction or you are writing your fantasy novel and this is the first chapter.

And can you now write for two minutes about the story your inner critic is saying about you and your work.

And if you are having troubles with even writing this out maybe ask yourself do you want to believe the story from your inner critic?

Why or why not?

And how can you challenge your inner critic?

For example taking part in this talk and doing the writing prompts.

And can you name two things that you've learned today?

It could be from this talk but it could also be something else.

Two things you learned today.

Wow already more than two minutes.

I think back about you writing that chapter or that introduction and you're about to start.

Can you write for two minutes anything that doesn't belong in this introduction chapter?

So two minutes anything that really really doesn't belong in your introduction.

Or for example the ending or a plot twist so anything that doesn't belong in your introduction chapter.

Or something written so badly it should never be an introduction anyway.

And two final writing prompts and these are a bit shorter.

What would you say to those who are having troubles getting anything on paper now?

This is something you would say to yourself.

So my tip is look at what you've written down.

Usually our inner critic is trying to protect us from wanting it all to be perfect.

However if you read between the lines you have something on paper that might belong to other chapters.

Like that plot twist that belongs somewhere in the end of a chapter.

Know that you never write for nothing.

It might be recycle work.

And by adding self-compassion to the equation we are starting to work on the practice of writing by self-forgiveness.

The difficulty is just in getting started.

Stick to it.

Know that it is a practice and know that other people struggle and now that you can help yourself and others by having compassion.

So thank you unique learners.

Thank you for being here.

And I wish you a lovely day or night ahead.

Namaste.

May you be loved.

May you be safe.

And may you be well.

Reviews

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