by Lisa Tener
Some of my most potent writing comes from my dreams and other experiences related to the subconscious. Is this true for your writing?
So, how do we tap our subconscious for creativity—innovative ideas, fresh metaphors, new ways to put words together on the page, an adventure for the writer and the reader? Here are nine strategies that work for me, my private clients, and participants in Get Your Writing Done.
Tap Your Subconscious for Inspiration and Potent Writing
- Journal: Journaling is one of my favorite creative activities. Writing in a journal helps us access what’s going on below the surface. If you’re writing fiction, perhaps ask questions of one of your characters and answer as them. If you’re writing nonfiction, journal about what might make the writing more playful or adventurous or whatever qualities you are looking for. If you feel challenged about the structure of your project, play around with that in your journal.
- Doodle: Sometimes I doodle before or during writing. Doodling can take you out of linear thinking and open up an inner space to connect with your creative potential and subconscious.
- Dream Journal: Record your dreams in your journal; then play with them. Ask questions about the characters and symbols. Continue the dream. Apply the dream to a writing project in the works. Or start something new.
- Daydream: Allow your mind to wander. Imagine a scene. Or close your eyes and ….
- Music: Play something that takes you out of a linear thinking state and into a dreamier state. Jump right into writing or pause first: close your eyes and listen before you start creating.
- Wander Outdoors: Walking slowly connects us to nature’s rhythm and her infinite ways of inspiring us. Allow your mind to wander as you walk. Observe with all your s
enses—hear the birds and the airplanes. Smell the flowers, the car exhaust, and whatever else wafts on the breeze. Sensory experiences, and smell especially, can bring back memories stored in the unconscious and seemingly forgotten. - Read Poetry: Poetry speaks the language of the subconscious—symbols, rhythm, wordplay, rhyme. It liberates you from the rules of the conscious and often more controlling aspects of the mind. So, read poetry to free your mind and touch your heart, and then write your own poems.
- Move Slowly: Slow, mindful movement can put you in an altered state, where the mind slows down, and you are open to creative inspiration and the infinite possibilities offered by the subconscious.
- Qigong Bouncing: Qigong bouncing is simple, relaxing, and easy, and can immediately put you in a flow state, with access to your subconscious creative genius! Qigong bouncing (and shaking) also helps clear energy blocks, freeing you up for creative flow!
Watch this video to practice Qigong Bouncing with me and free your creativity!
You’ll find this practice and over 20 more in Breathe. Write. Breathe.: 18 Energizing Practices to Spark Your Writing and Free Your Voice, a unique book for writers filled with powerful mindful movement practices from yoga, qigong, Sufism, and other ancient wisdom paths. These practices can help you instantly tap into the deep wellspring of creative material your subconscious offers you. Learn More!
Lisa Tener is an award-winning book writing and publishing coach. Her clients have secured five- and six-figure book deals and won numerous book awards. She is the author of the new book Breathe. Write. Breathe.: 18 Energizing Practices to Spark Your Writing and Free Your Voice. Lisa’s previous book, The Joy of Writing Journal, won five book awards, including the Nautilus and Benjamin Franklin.
