Mindful Sparks for Creative Writing

Week 1:

The Pause Before the Pen

Before you begin to write, stop, close your eyes and take three deep breaths in through your nose, breathing out slowly through your mouth. If you feel uncomfortable closing your eyes, try softening your gaze or looking at a spot on the wall, desk, or floor. Feel your feet flat on the ground as the weight of your body sinks into the chair. Now listen for the slightest sound in the room. This is you tuning into the moment. Creativity doesn’t enjoy being forced. When you slow down, the words begin to arrive like guests that have been waiting patiently outside for you to invite them in.

This week’s exercise:

Sit quietly for one minute before putting pen to paper. Notice one thing you can hear, one thing you can see, and one thing you can feel.  

Story Prompt:

Write a 250-word story that starts,
“The silence was the first clue…”