What are Morning Pages?
Morning pages are the brainchild of Julia Cameron, the author of The Writers Way, initially intended as a daily writing exercise to help writers and artists unblock from any mental resistance they may be facing.
The idea is to grab a pen and paper upon first waking in the morning and write down every thought that comes into your brain completely uncensored. Whereas journaling requires a desire to write and coherent summarization, Morning Pages differ in that these are entirely unedited streams of conscious thought, unscripted, unedited, with no censoring or judgment allowed.
Think of them as a morning brain dump of thoughts that may creep up on you and sabotage you throughout the day.
Supplies and How to Get Started
Getting started couldn’t be easier since you won’t need a fancy journal, stationary, or writing supplies. All you need to get started are three to five pieces of standard-size paper, a pen or pencil that fits comfortably in your hand and is easy to write with, and a quiet, comfortable place where you’ll be undisturbed. That’s it!
The Benefits of Morning Pages
Let’s face it; life can be overwhelming sometimes. With the endless tasks on our daily to-do list and stress from the seemingly never-ending grind, we could all use a little extra positive mental health boost. Those who have committed to incorporating morning pages into their daily routine say they feel more clear-headed and have silenced their negative inner monologue. Morning pages have also helped them to process their thoughts and feelings more effectively, and they report better focus and less anxious thoughts. Who wouldn’t benefit from that!?
Guidelines and Rules of Morning Pages
Morning Page Rules:
- You do not talk about Morning Pages
- Don’t get fancy; make it fun
- Limit distractions
- Don’t hold back
- No editing or correcting
- Play some relaxing music in the background
- Make it a part of your daily routine - you may need to set your alarm a few minutes earlier
Morning pages incorporated into your daily routine should be non-negotiable and done first thing in the morning before you do anything else, including work, chores, or interacting with others.
Write anything and everything until you have filled in at least three pages.
Do not allow anyone to read your morning pages. Please don’t leave them lying around where someone may be enticed to pick them up and take a peek. It’s recommended not even you should read your morning pages for the first eight weeks of practicing, according to Julia Cameron!
Morning pages are for everyone - not just artists. That includes moms, students, doctors, lawyers, customer service reps, and fast food workers; you get the idea!
Remember, there is no wrong way to do morning pages, so write like no one is reading (because they shouldn’t be, remember!?). It is said that forming a habit takes at least 21 days.
Why not give morning pages a try for at least a month? What do you have to lose?
