SOULFUL WRITING AS A FORM OF MEDITATION

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Meditation—a practice in which an individual uses a technique to train attention and awareness and detach from reflexive, "discursive thinking," achieving a mentally clear, emotionally calm, and stable state, while not judging the meditation process itself.

After watching Shōgun the other day, a concept called “The Eightfold Fence” struck me. Here’s a quote from one of the characters:

“Do you know ‘The Eightfold Fence’? From the time we are small, it is something we are taught to build within ourselves. An impenetrable wall, behind which we can retreat whenever we need. You must train yourself to listen without hearing. For instance, you can listen to the sound of a blossom falling or the rocks growing. If you really listen, your present circumstance vanishes.” — Mariko, Shōgun, 2024

Highlight: ‘An impenetrable wall, behind which we can retreat whenever we need’—that, for me, is writing.

Just like meditation, writing creates a mental retreat, a sanctuary behind which we can let the world fade and immerse ourselves fully in the present moment.

Although Zen Buddhism and meditation are familiar philosophies, many (including me) still struggle to cultivate a consistent routine to practice mindfulness and meditation. Many have, however, cultivated a consistent writing habit over time (including me).

The quote offered clarity: writing is a form of meditation. A writer retreats behind The Eightfold Fence, and their present circumstance vanishes.

Soulful Writing is a form of meditation. Experiencing ‘the flow’ transports soulful writers to that meditative sphere where only our souls and words exist, leading to a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.

This realization is interesting given that most writers encounter resistance and mental blocks while in the process. It’s not hard to spot a piece that has been forced—with words crawling their way from one idea to the next.

Soulful Writing, on the other hand, is seamless and transitions smoothly from confusion to enlightenment. I believe this is because the writer is in a deep state of meditative writing.

To guide yourself into this meditative space, follow these steps that help eliminate distractions and allow your soul to lead the way:

10 Steps to Meditative Soulful Writing

Ensure your phone is out of reach
Go to your Soulful Solitude
Settle in your chair
Deep breathing for 1-2 minutes
Block out the rest of the world (I prefer Lofi)
Block distractions from your computer
Make your writing software minimal (I use Ulysses)
Start with 1 word
Lead with your soul
Keep going until you’re done

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Soulful Tip: Resistance is a cue that I don’t particularly like what I’m writing. Once I feel it, I don’t abandon ship. I treat it like a moment of tension in meditation—acknowledging it without judgment. I attack the main thought of my piece from a different angle or try another lens.

The Art of Soulful Writing is a craft mastered through the simple act of writing. Much like meditation, it isn’t about forcing ourselves to do it. It’s about embracing the beauty of the process.

Approaching Soulful Writing as a form of meditation allows us to silence self-doubt and external pressures. The more we hone the craft, the more we can retreat behind our own Eightfold Fence where we disconnect and let our souls flow freely.

The next time you sit down to write, take a deep breath, settle into your soul’s rhythm, and let your words naturally unfold.

Stay Soulful,

Jopaz