Writing as Refuge
When I sat down to begin drafting this blog post, I found that my mind kept wandering. This isn’t unusual for me. As a creative person, my mind is often flitting from one thought to the next, much like a butterfly floats from flower to flower. During this particular writing session however, images and descriptions from heart-wrenching stories I had read in the news or on social media flooded my mind.
Throughout my life, whenever I’ve faced overwhelming situations or periods of time, I often turn to writing. For me, writing isn’t solely a fun, creative form of expression. It’s also a refuge as well as a space for processing deep, complex emotions. I’d like to use this blog post to share some of the ways I’ve relied upon writing during times of crisis and some of the broader ways it can help us all. Near the end of this post, I’ve crafted some writing prompts. Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, I encourage you to try your hand at it, just as a personal experiment.
Writing for self-reflection, expression, and hope
As I mentioned in a recent blog post, I’ve been an avid journaler for many years. Quite often during times of difficulty or distress, I turn to journaling or stream of consciousness to cope. My journal is a safe and sacred space where I can reflect on events, process my thoughts, and express my emotions. It’s also one of the ways that I try to self-soothe when life feels unjust and nonsensical. In one of my recent journal entries, I began questioning whether or not the content I create online is adding value to the world. I’d like to share an excerpt from that entry, to give you better insight into some of the thoughts and feelings I was processing through my writing:
How can I encourage the pursuit of creativity—when trans people are being targeted with hatred; when women in the United States are being denied access to reproductive healthcare; when people trapped in Gaza are being starved to death; when animals are harmed and slaughtered every single day through factory farming; and when natural disasters are happening more and more often? How can I reconcile the reality of so much suffering with my desire to make cozy, whimsical content? As I sit with these questions, I realize that one of the reasons I feel drawn to share uplifting stories is because they bring me immense comfort in a world that sometimes feels very cruel. At the core of everything I create for Erin Janda Creative, I have a desire to help, even if it’s in the smallest of ways. (Janda)
This journaling session really helped me uncover the conflict that I felt inside of myself. As someone with perfectionist tendencies, I will often question whether or not I’m doing enough or doing the “right” thing. Am I doing my part? Am I creating something of value or just adding to the noise? Am I enough? And there it was, written in black and white—a deeply rooted wound manifesting as fear and self-doubt. Interestingly, alongside that wound I also recognized a glimmer of hope in the final line I’d written.
I don’t have to fix everything. (Perhaps this is obvious; although it wasn’t for me at the time). I don’t have to shoulder the weight of the entire world all on my own. In fact that wouldn’t be feasible. What I can do is use my talents, interests, and passions to make small changes. We all have this potential to affect change. I’m reminded of a quote by Karen Davison, a canine behaviorist and author, “Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever” (qtd. in Goodreads). If I can help even just one person find comfort, purpose, encouragement, hope, inspiration, joy, or deeper connection through the content I create, then I’ve done well.
Writing for resistance, remembrance, and connection
As human beings, I believe that we need stories to thrive. Stories allow us to remember our histories, connect with others, and see ourselves through characters. Some of my favorite books portray courageous characters who overcome adversity and are guided by a strong sense of hope that things will get better. I find their bravery and resilience inspiring, even if they are fictional characters. Seeing ourselves—or versions of ourselves that we aspire toward—represented in characters is just one of the many reasons we’re drawn to stories.
Even before written languages, humans told stories through oral tradition, passing down knowledge, history, and culture from one generation to the next. I believe that preserving memory, both individually and collectively, is a deeply human instinct. One could argue that a benefit of writing is that it can be shared far and wide, especially considering our technological advances. I also find writing to be an especially beautiful way to remember the past, capture the present, and imagine the future. Through writing we’re able to connect across time and geography. It’s also worth noting that stories are a source of entertainment and inspiration for us. Words—whether written as a personal letter, a fantastical story, or a passionate appeal—fill our hearts, minds, and souls in powerful and meaningful ways.
During times of crisis, writing can be used as a powerful tool. Consider how much we use writing to get important information out to the public. We literally use writing to “spread the word.” I like to think about how writing can be used as a tool of resistance against inequality as well as a call to action. Some of the most impactful pieces of writing throughout history were drafted in an effort for social change. I remember reading “A Modest Proposal” for the first time in high school and feeling both astonished and impressed at Jonathan Swift’s wielding of the written word in his famous essay. I was blown away by his use of satire and skill as a writer to convey his message. During a time of British exploitation over the poor people of Ireland, Swift took up his pen to speak out against the injustices and hostile attitudes to which he bore witness. A bold and, in my humble opinion, badass move!
Three writing prompts for practicing with the pen
You may be familiar with the often quoted words of “the pen is mightier than the sword” (Bulwer-Lytton qtd. in BBC). I challenge you to take up your own pen (or keyboard) and try at least one of the writing prompts I’ve offered below. There is absolutely no pressure to write a particular number of words or create a literary “masterpiece.” These prompts are meant to help you connect with your own writing. So let it be easy and maybe even a little fun:
Begin by completing the following sentence: “At this very moment I’m feeling…” Elaborate on your feelings and allow your writing to flow freely, not worrying about grammar, punctuation, or structure.
Use this sentence as a jumping off point: “In spite of everything, one hope that I carry is…”
Continue the following narrative: “As I walked through the old forest, my eyes fell upon a small door at the base of a pine tree. It was hardly taller than a glass bottle and nearly as narrow. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the door appeared to be made of…”
If you’ve gotten this far, thank you so much for reading! It truly warms my heart to share my writing with you. I hope that wherever you are in the world that you are able to find refuge, either through your own writing or that of others. Until next time…
