“Typically, Morning Pages are quite fragmented, giving the impression of ADD. Paradoxically, the fragmented pages yield coherent thought to those who do suffer from ADD.” – Julia Cameron
Morning pages = fragmented pages! Yes, yes mine do look exactly like that haha!
Today is day 1400. I find myself reflecting on the impact that this simple practice has had on my family and my life. My anxiety is so much lower that my family willingly leaves me to my writing time each morning! Above all, my creativity and productivity have increased a hundred percent. Writing these pages each morning has become my daily ritual, my sacred space for self-discovery and self-dialogue.
What Are Morning Pages?
In 1992, Julia Cameron wrote a transformative book called ‘The Artist’s Way’. The book describes morning pages as a simple process of writing three pages of stream of consciousness upon waking. According to Cameron, ‘it takes longer to write by hand, and this slowness connects us to our emotional life.’
It’s okay if they look like chicken scratch; it’s even acceptable if they appear to be a fragmented mess. You just have to write them. After 1400 days, I can say with authority that your process can change repeatedly. Some days, the process is like regular journaling. On other days, it is a scattered mess of sentences, fragments of sentences, and lists of things to do. Essentially, these pages are brain dumps. The condition of your brain at the time of writing is what is reflected on the page. That, my friends, is exactly why they are called morning pages and not morning journaling.
My Morning Page Tools
The journal. I use an A5 Stalogy 365 with a grid design. I chose this notebook after trying out a few others. The paper works well with my fountain pens, and the ink dries quickly. The pages are thin, so 365 pages is a nice, neat little 1/2” book. I write one-page front and back each morning. Because the line spacing is small, it is the equivalent of two pages front and back in a regular-sized notebook. The Stalogy means that one notebook covers half a year, efficient, huh?
The pen. It’s not technically one pen. I have 10 Pilot Metropolitan fountain pens, all with their own ink color. My pens are on my desk in a waterfall rack, and I cycle through them one day at a time. This is my secret joy in life. Using a different one each day means I get to use all of them often. The variance in ink keeps it all fresh and fun.
How Morning Pages Benefit Me
Morning pages have helped me to reorganize my chaotic thoughts. They have caused a tangible shift in my anxiety levels and overall mood. The shift has been so noticeable, in fact, that my family willingly leaves me to my writing time.
I prioritize my morning pages time by setting them as a requirement of the day. Because of this, I am starting each day with time for myself. This sets a tone of accomplishment for the day that offers me a reservoir of strength to pull from as I navigate the rest of my day. Taking time for myself nourishes my soul in a way that nothing else can.
Another benefit to morning pages is self-discovery. I have learned so much about myself and my thought patterns. I have learned that by complaining about something in my writing, it’s gone, or its intensity and effect on my mind is lessened. It’s like talking to a trusted friend each morning who in no way will ever think I’ve lost my mind.
My Morning Routine
Crafting a morning routine is an art in and of itself. My routine revolves around the ever-changing daily schedule that our traveling life thrusts our way. For instance, sometimes, we are at home in Oklahoma, sometimes on the road, and sometimes in the most wonderful places in our 5th-wheel camper. This means that sometimes, my morning routine is affected by the presence of my family. After the changes in me began affecting our family in a positive way, everyone works to make sure Mama gets her writing time now, haha!
Even though step two can have variations or not exist at all, here’s a simple list of how my morning goes. First, I complete my morning toiletry (go potty, wash up, comb hair, etc.) Second, I make my morning coffee (sometimes quietly, sometimes while helping Mark get ready for work. Finally, I take my coffee to my desk, open my journal, and begin.
Morning Pages Are Worth The Effort
At the end of the day (or article, as it were), every single morning, the effort is worth it. Some days, writing that full-page feels like a huge effort, while some days, it is the balm to my creative soul. Each page, each entry, is a snapshot of my mind at that particular moment. I never know when it’s going to flow like a journal entry or look like I am suffering from the worst case of dementia known to man. To read or not to read, I choose to never revisit them. I let each page be a testament to the authenticity of that moment, of my heart and mind on that particular day.
Subsequently, if you haven’t tried Morning Pages, I wholeheartedly encourage you to embark on this journey of self-discovery. For my own journey, I eagerly await day 1500, knowing that each page is another brick in the wall that keeps my sanity in order!
Do you write morning pages? If so, feel free to share your experiences below or ask questions about the whole process!
Happy Journaling!
Sarah G
