Author, theologian, Henri Nouwen does it again with a timely remark about the subject of writing -
"Writing can be a true spiritual discipline. Writing can help us to concentrate, to get in touch with the deeper stirrings of our hearts, to clarify our minds, to process confusing emotions, to reflect on our experiences, to give artistic expression to what we are living, and to store significant events in our memories. Writing can also be good for others who might read what we write.
Quite often a difficult, painful, or frustrating day can be "redeemed" by writing about it. By writing we can claim what we have lived and thus integrate it more fully into our journeys. Then writing can become lifesaving for us and sometimes for others too."
So, as I stated in a post last week, I believe that writing is a gift from God. Do you have similar thoughts about writing or about what the gift of writing has brought into your life? I would love to hear those thoughts.
Photo - SS - Maui
For me it's a way of knowing what I think. I'm a very undisciplined writer and I'm sure that I would spend less time at blog posts if I planned them out first. But I like the experience of starting with a vague theme and seeing what comes out.
ReplyDeleteoh, henri is one of my all time favorites. he often speaks what i am thinking before i even know i am thinking it. this leads me to my thoughts on writing...my blog tag line is from flannery o'connor: "i write to discover what i know."
ReplyDeletethis is so true, because it is often not until i begin writing that i am able to catch and clarify the thoughts that may be rambling around in my head. sometimes i even find new thoughts that i did not even suspect were there. i'm with tess...i love starting to write and then "seeing what comes out." it is a great adventure indeed!
Tess and Lucy - so nice to hear from two of my favorite writers on the subject of writing:)
ReplyDeletexoxo