Writing With Soul (An Introduction)
Before you read this, I invite you to pause.
For the next 30 seconds, reflect on the power of writing and all of its uses.
Done?
Now let’s dive in.
Writing is so special because it’s a bridge between the physical and metaphysical.
Think about it. When you write, you take ideas (which are metaphysical) and translate them into words you can see.
It’s literally a process of manifestation, in and of itself.
That’s why writing is often used as a tool for manifestation. It acts as a portal to bring intentions into physical form.
On the more “practical” side of things, writing is how we humans organize and cooperate at scale.
Groups of people use holy books and constitutions as the basis for their group ethos.
We write laws, which then influences the behavior of millions of people.
That’s just a hint at the immense power of writing.
Now, let me introduce you to a mode of writing that changes everything when you learn how to harness it.
Writing With Soul
What is writing with soul?
It’s tuning into your soul’s wisdom and channeling it via words, which is different than just repeating things you’ve heard from other people.
Note: Most writing is the repetition and summarizing of other content, similar to what AI does. There’s nothing wrong with this, as it has its place. But if this is the only mode you have, it’s limiting.
Writing with soul is communication, art, mindfulness and intuitive practice all at once.
That’s quite the combination, right? What else merges all of those together in one practice?
Writing with soul comes through practice, not by memorizing tips and tricks.
It’s like a muscle. The more you practice, the stronger it becomes.
When you practice writing from the soul, you strengthen your connection with your soul, especially when it comes to the written word.
Don’t Get Hung Up On “Good Writing”
It’s important to let yourself flow and express from the heart.
The harder you try to mimic “good writing,” the more you’ll inhibit your soul writing.
We’ve all seen this, or even done it ourselves. We try to write in a formal, fancy, academic tone and it just comes across as boring. Plus, in that mode, you become a perfectionist and sabotage yourself from writing consistently.
Don’t get hung up on memorizing all of the tips and tactics of what good writing should be. Be open to being a pioneer who redefines what good writing is!
Ultimately, good writing comes down to two things:
Engagement (keeping the reader engaged)
Communicating a message or feeling
That’s it. And you can do those things in an infinite variety of creative ways.
Now let’s get into how to write with soul.
Long-Term Practices for Writing With Soul
These are some practices that organically help you write with soul.
Create mindful space in your life to start hearing the whispers of your soul more (meditation, being in nature, etc)
Journal every day to practice raw expression via words
Practice writing every day
Write down all ideas that come to you throughout the day*
*Note: When you build a habit of writing down ideas, two things happen. First, you develop the ability of translating ideas into writing. Second, you open up to more (and higher quality) ideas. This is how you become what I call an Idea Whisperer.
In-the-Moment Practices for Writing With Soul
Now here are some practices to help you get into the mode of writing with soul.
Create a focused block of time to write in (ex/ set a timer for 30 minutes)
Do a short mindfulness practice before writing to get out of your head and center yourself
Write without inhibition (tell your inner critic it can edit after)
These will help you drop into your heart space, connect with your soul, and channel its wisdom.
Want to Write a Book? (From the Soul)
A few months ago, I ran a three-day workshop to help people jumpstart their book.
Since I got great feedback around it, I decided to turn it into a mini-course (with a secret bonus).
In this three-day workshop mini-course, you will:
Refine your book idea (or choose between several ideas)
Outline your book
Develop a writing plan
Learn the four steps to write a book
If you’ve ever thought about writing a book, check it out here: Book Writing Workshop
With gratitude,
Stephen Parato
PS - Here are some more offerings you might vibe with:
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