Introduction
Writing can be an intimidating process for many authors. Staring at a blank page and not knowing where to begin can lead to frustration and writer’s block. Natalie Goldberg, author of Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within, offers a simple yet profound approach to writing that helps liberate writers and get words on the page. In this seminal book, first published in 1986, Goldberg shares zen Buddhist writing techniques that focus on accessing pre-verbal intuition and internal wisdom through mindfulness and stream-of-consciousness dictation. By training the mind to be fully present and non-judgemental, great discoveries can be made through writing regardless of perceived skill level or experience.
Stream-of-Consciousness Dictation
Goldberg emphasizes continuously writing without stopping, even if it is complete gibberish, in order to access raw material and insight from the unconscious mind. In flowing freely without editing oneself, old barriers dissolve and new creativity emerges. By dictating spontaneously without stopping to ponder or polish words, inner wisdom can be tapped into that goes beyond intellect. The goal is quantity over quality in the initial phases. Through regular practice of dictation writing, inhibitions fall away and a sense of flowing arises. Old patterns of self-censorship are replaced by trusting that meaning will emerge in due time through rewriting and reflection later on.
Non-Attachment to Outcome
A key aspect of Goldberg’s process is being non-attached to the end result or product. Writing is viewed as a process of discovery rather than a perfected thing. With non-judgment, there is freedom to write from a place of openness rather than expectations. By taking the focus off the outcome and onto the experience of crafting sentences through mindfulness, the mind becomes supple, intuitive and inspiring. Flowing without inhibitions allows fresh insights to form that may have otherwise remained obscured due to mental rigidity or perfectionism. There is trust that usefulness will come to written work in its own way and time through continued refinement and rewriting in subsequent drafts.
Being Fully Present
Another core principle is maintaining present moment awareness while writing. Rather than thinking about the past, future or distraction, the mind is trained to see phenomena clearly as they are unfolding moment to moment through the senses. By fully experiencing the physical sensations of writing through the hand and focusing attention on each word, idea and image, insights arrive that would otherwise be veiled. The mind’s tendency to wander or judge is countered through continuously returning focus to the direct experience of writing itself. Being completely immersed in the flow of language allows new connections and understandings to come forth that were not initially sought or conceived. Maintaining attentive presence accesses deeper wisdom within.
Regular Daily Practice
For writing to become a transformative spiritual and creative practice, it needs to occur on a regular basis much like meditation. Goldberg suggests setting aside 20-30 minutes daily for unfettered dictation writing with a timer to prevent procrastination or distraction. Making it a stabilized routine allows the benefits of presence, non-attachment and fluency to accumulate over time through repetition. Old patterns dissolve through consistency while new patterns of liberation form in their place. Regular albeit brief practice is better than sporadic long sessions which can more easily dissolve under pressure or lack of momentum. The daily habit supports ongoing growth, discovery and integration into other areas of one’s life.
Mindfulness and Non-Judging
A cornerstone emphasis is cultivating an attitude of non-judging, mindfulness and compassion for whatever arises on the page. Rather than harshly criticizing content, form or grammar, observations are made gently and provisionally. Everything written is considered a necessary part of the process, even if later crossed out or revised. The practice focuses on becoming aware of thought patterns in a relaxed, investigative way by closely observing how the mind works during the act of writing. Greater self-understanding arises through watching tendencies to flatter, discourage or censure oneself without attachment to any particular mental event. Acceptance supports deeper expression unfettered by inner inhibitions.
Rewriting and Revision
While initial dictation aims to bypass the inner censor, revision is where higher order thinking manifests. Through reworking content and trying new organizational schemes, deeper connections and higher levels of comprehension emerge. Initial spontaneous material is reflected upon with fresh eyes and shaped into compelling form. Ideas are pruned for relevance and clarity improved. Having a stockpile of raw written material from regular practice supports insightful reworking over time as patterns are discerned. The process of rewriting something one has written before allows for greater mastery, creativity and new discoveries with each pass. Honing content and expression is where true craft arises from initial fumbling.
Benefits of the Practice
Through applying Goldberg’s mindfulness-based writing techniques, myriad benefits arise. Flowing freely on the page breaks apart rigid thought patterns and widens perspective. Self-expression is liberated from internal restriction, fostering insights. Presence of mind strengthens while wandering thoughts and distractions weaken. Non-attachment to outcome cultivates equanimity. Clarity improves through observing how the mind works. Self-compassion grows via gentle revision which accepts all material, no matter how awkward initially, as part of the creative unfolding. Regular writing becomes a stabilizing creative and meditative practice supporting overall life balance and actualized potential. Ultimately, it cultivates wisdom, well-being, flow and mastery of expression through simple yet profoundly transformative daily application.
Conclusion
In Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg presents a unique set of Buddhism-inspired techniques for accessing the richest wisdom hiding within through unfettered word articulation and revision over time. By bringing sustained present moment awareness, non-attachment, and compassionate mindfulness to daily writing practice, rigid mental patterns dissolve and a vibrant flow arises liberating deep insight, creativity and skillful expression. Regular, short practice sessions accumulate into a simple yet profoundly transformative spiritual and creative discipline. Whether aspiring to publication or simply greater self-understanding, applying Goldberg’s principles supports allowing one’s deepest understandings to emerge unobstructed on the page through trusting attentiveness to each unfolding moment of dictation and revision.
Andrew Stroud