Writing Rituals & the Greatest Enemy of Human Ingenuity: Distraction!

Tips from Part-Time Writer Carl Jung

Writing full-time is a goal for many writers. But, honestly, it's not the best set up for many writers.  

Many writers find that actually they can't write much more, even when they have all day to write. Or they find it too draining and then it hampers creativity the next day. 

It may be preferable in any case to hold down a job to gain additional experiences to draw upon for one's writing.

Psychologist Carl Jung (who is far outshining his more widely advertised contemporary, Freud) worked full-time as a doctor, and did all of his writing in the morning and on holidays. 

After a breakfast of coffee, salami, fruit and bread and butter he would sit down to write for 2 hours before starting work. The schedule suited him fine, especially since he learned a great deal from working with his patients.

To relax he would take breaks to do headstands or handstands against a wall. Yoga handstands are designed to open the heart chakra and clear the mind.

Jung may not have been as productive as Dickens, who could write up to 4,000 words per day when inspired (he was paid by the word), but never less than 2,000, but for Carl Jung, slow and steady got it done. Kafka was also a part-time writer who worked for an insurance company, and rarely hit 1000 words per day.

There are whole books on the writing rituals of famous writers. Here are a few rituals to facilitate your writing routine:
1. Disconnect your internet/phone. And a hot drink can help you to focus, although maybe not this week.
2. Set Intentions: before you begin, think about your ideal writing day. Set your goals.
3. Assess the day, as Marcus Aurelius advised in his "Meditations." Record your greatest accomplishments of the day. Consider how you could improve. Reward yourself.
4. If you are so inclined, meditate to get in touch with your deepest self. Still your mind and allow space for ideas to surface.

Happy writing!