By Kimine Mayuzumi

Do you have difficulty in writing lately? What gets in the way? Procrastination, distraction, lack of motivation or imposter feelings? A productive and sustainable writing experience often requires a good state of mind and physical wellness.

As my partner Riyad A. Shahjahan, a professor at Michigan State University and former certified coach for National Center for Faculty and Diversity Development (NCFDD), suggests, we as writers need “a mind that is decluttered so that we can give our full attention to the task at hand.” For that, we need a ritual. Why? Because (as Riyad says) rituals help us:

diffuse pre-writing distractions;
imbue inner meaning and purpose in our writing time;
focus on the process of writing rather than the outcome;
bring closure to writing; and
maintain sustainable writing habits.

So I had been meaning to record a guided meditation for writing for such a long time. And I just made an audio version, where my dear friend, Dr. Koji Matsunobu, plays Shakuhachi (bamboo flute) in the background. Hope you enjoy it.

View transcript below

Audio narrated by Kimine Mayuzumi. Shakuhachi played by Koji Matsunobu.

---

Originally posted on the “Being Lazy and Slowing Down” blog on September 26, 2017. Reposted with permission.

---

Dr. Kimine Mayuzumi is the editor and co-founder of Being Lazy and Slowing Down, a platform dedicated to promoting the power of slowing down and adopting holistic lifestyles for busy higher-ed professionals. She has led numerous workshops and webinars on topics like life transitions, summer reset, imposter syndrome, and the benefits of embracing pauses. She also facilitates group programs, including the Writing Circle, Weekly Reflection & Planning, and the Slowing Down Circle, where members support each other in cultivating balanced, fulfilling lives.

Transcript

Hi. My name is Kimine. This is a short meditation to gently inspire your inner writing spirit before you start writing. So, whenever you feel like procrastinating, or scared about uncertainty in writing, this is a great way to remind yourself of the now moment of writing rather than the future with unknown outcomes.

Let’s bring ourselves to the present moment. Make sure that you are sitting in a comfortable position, and keep your back straight. And close your eyes. Take a deep breath through your nose …. And breathe out slowly through your mouth.

Repeat quietly in your mind, “I am here at right this moment.”

Keep breathing slowly and deeply.

Imagine the powerful line of air all around you is reaching every cell in your body while you inhale and exhale.
Every breath you take, this powerful light as a pure energy source flows through your body …. from the top of your head to your fingertips and toes.

Allow this gift of breath to stream down your body.

Open your mind to receive the positive energy through your breath.

Feel the flow so that it gives you a focus, and relaxation in your mind. Just let it flow without thinking.
The positive energy grows bigger, filling every part of you with natural, easy curiosity.

Now I want you to repeat after me in your mind.

I am healthy.

I feel great.

I am curious about the topic I am writing about.

I am grateful for the privilege to write.

I am not an imposter.

I have an important perspective to share with the world.

I am respected.

I belong.

I am an artist.

I can be creative.

I look forward to encountering a mystery rather than mastery.

I enjoy the process of writing. I receive positive energy from the universe.

The universe is friendly.

As you are ending the meditation, gently stretch your back, and rotate your shoulders, and start listening to the sounds around you.
Now open your eyes. You may notice you’re wide awake. You may feel energized and confident, and ready for writing.
I wish you a wonderful writing journey.