Inner | Voice | Ink is a 6+3 step writing practice that combines meditation + writing therapy + NLP + creative writing techniques. It connects you with your inner voice,
re-writes your past, creates your future and improves your writing technique.
The purpose of the first step is to set up a sacred space and a devoted time to your practice. In the same way that you have a space for meditation you should have a space to connect to your inner voice. There are two places that I work in my flat — at the kitchen table or at my desk (or more correctly Duckfish’s desk) in the lounge room. I find that I need to be in the lounge room for any serious work to get done. It is my place where words come.
To sanctify your space, and to enclose the beginning and the end of the practice a candle is a good choice. You can light it at the start and blow it out at the end. You could also light some incense or play some music as your sacred ritual.
You will need something to keep track of the amount of time you write. A kitchen timer, a stop watch or your iPod/iPhone on countdown will do the trick. Try to find something with a pleasant alarm so that you aren’t startled when the time is up. You could also find a specific piece of music that runs for fifteen music and write until it ends.
You will need something to write on, or write with. You can choose pen and paper or a computer program. Studies have shown there isn’t any difference between the two. If you choose a notepad or notebook, make sure it is beautiful and used only for this practice. Or not. My notebook is scribbled with all sorts of things (did you know that the red I use on this site is called #CD0000?) so I guess it doesn’t matter.
When choosing a computer program, there are three types: PC/Mac based, online or mobile apps. Here are a few that are available.
Computer Based Programs
The Journal ~ Whatever your journaling or writing needs, The Journal gives you unmatched convenience,flexibility, and security. The Journal is always available when you need it, and lets you make entries with text, images, and just about anything else. Plus, with The Journal’s password-protection and encryption you can rest assured that your secrets remain secret.
Life Journal ~ Award winning personal journal software for you to write, reflect, and review securely and privately. Add depth and privacy to your journaling. LifeJournal is simple, yet sophisticated journal software, created by long-time journal writers.
Mac Journal ~ There really is no substitute for paper and pen. But, this is the 21st century and now your life is spent behind a keyboard. So we’ve created MacJournal, the complete journaling application designed so that you never have to miss an opportunity to chronicle any life event, any special memory, even your own thoughts.
Online Journals and Diaries
Penzu ~ Write in private. Your own personal journal and online diary.
The Online Diary ~ Everyone can have their own personal diary or journal on the Internet – it’s free at my-diary.org! We will host your journal online at no cost. Go ahead and create your own diary today.
LDS Journal ~ Before LDSJournal, keeping a personal journal seemed difficult and often very time-consuming. Now, with an easy-to-use online journal, you can quickly record your personal history and capture the moments that are worth recording.
My Life Here On Earth ~ Create a personal online diary or journal with your day-to-day experiences, goals, challenges, and accomplishments. You can even add photos, videos, or any other document you feel is important. Go ahead and create your own online diary today.
Mobile Apps
Chronicle ~ Ideas, stories, and life’s events. Capture them in a single journal that’s easy to carry and offers more than bound sheets.
Momento ~ With Momento in your pocket you can write your diary ‘on the go’, capturing moments whenever you find the time. A beautiful interface coupled with powerful tagging, makes it quick and easy to write about your day and browse moments from your past.
Day One ~ The easiest to use journal / diary / text logging application for the Mac is also the best looking. Day One is designed and focused to encourage you to write more. Using the Menu Bar quick entry, Reminder system, Calendar view and inspirational messages your memories and thoughts will be preserved. Dropbox sync allows easy backup and syncing with the Day One iPhone and iPad applications.
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What I do is write in Word and save it both on my computer and in Dropbox so that a copy remains in the cloud that I can access from any computer (and is there if my laptop gets stolen or broken). You could also use Google Docs.
Make sure you’re not going to be interrupted. Close your other browser windows (or use full screen), turn off your twitter and facebook notifications and mute the text and call alert on your phone. This is your time, devoted to you — the rest of the world can wait for fifteen minutes.
So now you’re ready to go. Step #1 complete.
The slide above is from a real-time walk-through video I’m making that will be ready to view when we’ve been through all the steps. It gives you a checklist of all the things you need to do before and after you write. When you get to the writing part, you just pause the video until you’re finished. Make sure you’re on the insiders list so you get access to it as soon as it’s ready (it won’t be available to the public).
Coming Soon
Inner Voice Ink : Step #2 ~ Repose
Inner Voice Ink : Step #3 ~ Propose
Inner Voice Ink : Step #4 ~ Compose
Inner Voice Ink : Step #5 ~ Expose
Inner Voice Ink : Step #6 ~ Close
Your Turn
→ What is your favourite way to write — computer or by hand? What kinds of items do you use to make your space sacred? Where do you write?
the Insiders' List
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