A Writing Exercise to Help You Meet Yourself

In order to accurately reflect what we truly think we may have to not to agonise about every word, not to go back and correct anything - and instead, just to write down everything that comes into our minds the very moment it does so.
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FURTHER READING
You can read more on this and other subjects in our articles, here: t.ly/3LbVT
“Usually, when we set out to write, sounding coherent and polished are our central priorities. We may think hard before setting anything down, we keep an eye on spelling, we may go back and correct words that feel not entirely right, we may delete a paragraph or two - all in the hope of eventually reaching a point where what we have articulated seems accurately to reflect what we truly think…”
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CREDITS
Produced in collaboration with:
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[@VersusArdua]

as a fiction writer, using the discovery method of simply sitting down and writing has done so much for me in terms of figuring out exactly who I am and what I want to write about. I just take a basic idea or outline and build from there. Without fail in reading it back I almost always pick up on something I've put down subconsciously which ultimately goes on to become deeper than anything I may have agonized over in detail. The mind works in incredible ways, you just have to relax and let it do its thing without an overabundance of interference. You'll be genuinely surprised at what come out of you.

[@MNZMeridian]

I consider it a window into another realm that allows me to gaze in.

[@Time_space_Reality]

Relatable

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

This is how I learned to write truly honest poetry 24 years ago. I would close my eyes and just type until I felt like I was done. Then edit for spelling, syntax, etc. I call it *"letting my soul speak."*

[@loftonrudolph7586]

This does seem like poetry is the perfect example of the value of letting words flow unencumbered

[@zinebmerabta6673]

Being a perfectionist has deprived me from expressing what really goes on in my mind for a long time now. I'll definitely give this excersise a try and see if it would work and help me declutter my thoughts out of my mind.

[@kindlycarpet]

I'm the same, how did it go?

[@yumilumi1436]

@@kindlycarpetmaybe give them more than 24 hours

[@cyborgninja5489]

Humble brag

[@ivonei666]

Watching this at 4 am after a breakup. I’ve always had the habit of writing when feeling excited, sad, anxious or whatever. The amount of things I’ve realized when writing is truly amazing, and I don’t mean just at the time that I am with the pen and paper in hands. At the moment of the breakup, it seemed terrible, but after reading everything I wrote about our relationship, I could see how it went from when everything was wonderful to when she started mistreating me, asking things of me that she didn’t do herself, and even blaming me when I was feeling depressed. In the way I wrote, I could see how I was suppressed, always feeling like I was the wrong one, the one causing bad feelings for the other. Reading it afterwards, it’s easy to see how bad it was and how the breakup was the best thing for me too, even though I didn’t have the courage to do it myself. It really made me feel better and not guilty about anything, especially about myself.

[@razorwriting]

This aligns perfectly with writing to heal (and strong personal writing) which can be built out from this 2-minute exercise; as a writing instructor, I love guiding adult students away from their misguided expectations of “good” writing to improve and heal through their own process of creating and revising lived and imagined stories about themselves.

[@cherryblossom6652]

This is true. Years ago I wrote my first story and now after many years I've realised how it reflected my relationship with my parents, I've always felt disconnected from my dad and in the story the main character experiences childhood abandonment and didn't know who her dad was...😅 Never to late to learn more about yourself

[@vijayvitthal]

Very nice and true - “Never too late to learn more about yourself”. 👍

[@AriaHarmony]

I relate to this. I wrote a small sci-fi story a long time ago about a non-human character struggling with isolation and confusion about their existence. Until I started trauma therapy I didn't realize I was expressing the feeling of being dehumanized. Had you asked me if I felt that way prior to therapy I'd probably have said I don't even understand what you're talking about. Sometimes we don't understand our own feelings, but that doesn't make those feelings go away, sometimes they sit there waiting to be heard.

[@marka3702]

It's called freewriting. And the one should practice 10+ minutes, I mean it should be chained to time. Write whatever comes in mind (or about certain topic). Practice every day and you will see that it works like meditation to you. Good luck.

[@haneena4560]

It can be about anything and everything? And not connected thoughts?

[@harveers820]

@@haneena4560 It would probably be more useful to have a single session dedicated to connected thoughts. With this I do not mean that you constrict yourself, at the detriment of whatever you are writing, but simply allow for a coherent train of thought to be visible. Otherwise you will end up confusing yourself when reading it back. Though if your goal is to really see what your mind holds in general, write everything, make sense of it later.

[@SjorsHoukes]

Freewriting and automatic writing are different things. Freewriting is more conscious, putting ideas on the page without censoring yourself, while automatic writing aims to switch off the thinking part as much as possible, accessing the subconscious. Automatic writing can look more rambling and incoherent.

[@exzith]

This is what I have always done spontaneously since childhood

[@WeAreAllThings]

Confirmation that the letter I wrote was the right thing. I did not know how to start it. I was worried about Mu handwriting, etc. But eventually I just wrote from the soul. Even found unhealed parts of My life that I had forgotten about. It helped tremendously.

[@amtsad]

when depressed, Journaling helps alot!

[@terrortalks3037]

It really does!

[@nand3kudasai]

Ive been doing intuitively (as a play) for more than a year. Specially when im under stress. And it has been helpful. Helpful also for its ability to help calm down.

[@thermon6945]

Thank you, I discovered this is what I do already, when I write in my “for whining” diary after I have an emotionally charged (positive or negative) experience. This video just helps drive the point home and emphasizes the importance of re-reading the entries

[@Zar2244]

I do the same, but rip it up after. Would hate anyone to read my venting and things that I keep to myself

[@statsN]

Loved that you talked about the 2 minute essay in 3 minutes.

[@DKing-pb7hw]

Been writings my thoughts down for almost ten years. It's therapeutic.

[@shallnoTfear]

Write like no is going to read it.

[@gagandeepgoyal7288]

Totally agree 💯👍

[@jayrathod2995]

Exactly, that's a healthy mindset for any writer, artist to have

[@peg_e]

I always do intuitive or automatic writing and then spend the majority of time shortening and polishing … but it is my mode of expression and has always been due to ADHD and autism

[@BaritoneMonkey]

ADHD here. Same. Sometimes it feels like half my life is spent editing/cutting text. 😅

[@OneiLean]

Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages…look up The Artists Way

[@kaiwindingwest]

i learned this in the early 1990s, back then they called it: Mind Emptying. It's pretty effective.

[@cptpowerpuff]

I’ve done exactly this since I was 14 years old, thanks for the reminder to do another one Though I’ve always done it for way longer sessions, the principle’s the same

[@xiaolung2314]

It is useful, I agree. But also, someone whose "automatic" mode is governed by normal assumptions, might first write a word which aligns with expectations rather than true feelings. Therefore, going back to correct in that case, might be a way to realign with what word actually resounds with them.

[@normis112]

Correct it with words, let them be written. Use ad hoc.

[@closerrl9851]

I very much do not agree with this. You should go back but can ADD words, claifying that you are actually adding it in later. As ive been writing a diary all my life, the best way is to be honest of when you want to modify said text in automatic writing. It is not good to censor the old self, even if the words came out wrong. Clarify or adjust but make clear you did so leaving the original stand. However I am talking about adjusting automatic writing later on after getting a new perspective. If you are talking about writen 2 minutes ago ofc... if what you said does not make sense even to your current self, go ahead.

[@xiaolung2314]

@@closerrl9851 okay, to specify I don't necessarily mean erase the old words. Just that I disagree with the idea that whatever you spit out first is always what you feel most deeply. For myself at least, I might reflexively write something, then feel like I was writing out what I "should" feel. Then, a different word might feel more spot on

[@closerrl9851]

@@xiaolung2314 fair

[@Lucyelle]

I like this. Seeing both sides well.

[@RaimulxIslam]

I often write my diary entries in hope that my future son or grandchildren will perhaps read it someday and find a friend in the pages of the book. As such, I am often hesitant to write feelings that seem a bit vulgar or dont really align with the person I wish to be. I might write a vague paragraph or something about the issue as to get things off my chest at the time but I like keeping my diary strictly PG

[@GloriaJWimberley]

✨☺✨Wonderful exercise of introspection✨

[@danielzt11]

This active evolution of animation going in the background was incredibly stimulating for words to settle down on me. This very message is made by automatic writing in hope I can understand it more or even don´t understanding it at all but ride into it. Thank you for all

[@johnnyc8775]

The shortest route to your own wisdom helps us understand, know ourselves and heal. Beautiful, clear and helpful. Thank you.

[@almasoul6432]

i write poems like this every night. whatever feels right at the time i write down. if it's garbage, then who cares. but sometimes i write something so powerful that it makes me cry as i write it

[@NatashaVincent]

Will try this, not with people, but with emotions first (Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions should suffice)

[@NxghtMar1sH]

Healed with this method and published my first book. This is very therapeutic

[@WorkHorse3002]

Maybe it's too difficult or perhaps I'm doing it wrong. But I can never just write my thoughts as they appear. Sometimes, my thoughts are faster than my writing, so I have time to second guess. Other times, my thoughts are so chaotic that it takes time for me to analyze my own thoughts and put it into words.

[@xzonia1]

I've been like that at times and what I did in those moments was pull out a tape recorder and talk into it. Then you can go back later and listen to what you said and write down what of it you wish to keep. Talking might be the preferred approach for you every time if your mind races all the time.

[@HiSofia__]

Same. I cannot freewrite my thought, but for me it might be because my mind just goes blank. But I can freewrite poetry, if I feel strongly about something.

[@PBlague]

I do this in typing, often times when I want to put a comment on a video or talk to some random person, often times I either don't send it or trim it down but I absolutely re read, sometimes even save my writing because it makes me realise what is happening and the confusion I'm feeling.

[@kqa2893]

This is stream of consciousness writing

[@1chaplain]

Tried it. I think its a combination of adhd and ramblings of a madman.

[@earthgrazer5511]

EXACTLY. Automatic writing is so important in capturing the actual emotions in real time. One can polish later.

[@lamecasuelas2]

I haven't tired atomatic writing, but if it's anything like atomatic drawing, then i highly recommend it

[@user-cj1hv2fu2j]

Thank you for video and guide. This is what I need sorely. 💜

[@gastonphoenix7084]

Something interesting I realised from automatic writing was just how bad and unkind my internal voice was to me.

[@0Black0Moon0]

Exactly !

[@mckennalynn1916]

I like how simple this technique really is!

[@Gladgk243]

It’s called as morning pages ? Extremely helpful to find yourself 👍🏻

[@mattd.3418]

Another way to look at it is in terms of "babble" and "pruning". The Babble mechanism is generation while our pruning filters turn it into something useful. Babies start off all babble and 'prune' as they learn and live. Too much babble without pruning is nonsense. But too much pruning and no babble is nothingness. We have to exercise both internal mechanisms.

[@anthonyphan702]

[writes automatically] Federal agents break down my door

[@professionalprocrastinator8103]

Actually I used this to train fluency, but without the writing part. I call it automatic speech, and it's just having long meaningless monologues in my mind late at night without putting any thought into the logic of what I was saying.

[@LughTheSavior]

I should practice this. So many wasted thoughts

[@JLakis]

Lovely use of rotoscoping!

[@rajaspoorna6405]

Gosh this is so powerful I just did 2 sprints I feel better already

[@DaRkPlUm]

Always wanted to, but honestly wouldn't want to commit something so weird and depraved to paper. Any shred of possibility of someone else knowing what's in there is the biggest risk I could ever take.

[@Niyto]

Word doc on a laptop, computer or message to yourself on a smartphone. Just get the words out is really all it is. Write. Type. However. Words out.

[@Niyto]

Also, if you're worried about others finding out... don't use names. Everyone has grief. Everyone has problems. To some extent. Some more than others. Some that torment themselves far more than they need to... maybe these people actually need someone to read and perhaps, be advised. It's basically just self therapy. But when you read it back, then you can begin breaking it down. Then rebuilding.

[@KadinebariGberesuu]

Reminds me of morning pages

[@Liliarthan]

My writing is probably a quarter to a fifth of my thinking speech, at most. These exercises end up being so frustrating for me. Perhaps I should learn to type shorthand 😆

[@TheExistenceClass0]

Wait !! Before You Indulge in this Beautiful habit of writing You must Know You whatever you are writing you will be Writing it on your mind not paper It will be with you where ever you Go ! So Write Accordingly

[@MichaelC-to7uz]

I think that's why they say find a place and time to write.

[@Leo-mr1qz]

This spunds like a daunting task. But, I think I'll give it a go. 😢

[@medicogirl_25]

as an introvert i can say that it is better,

[@namecannnotbeblank]

Extremely challenging task, this. For about 12 years strong now since 9th grade, I've been deliberately working on building an autocorrect system in my brain that cringes every time I don't apply myself when writing. I genuinely want to try this but it's really funny how something so simple feels like my computer crashing.

[@shaggybg]

2 minutes automatic writing... I've tried it once or twice. :) It was longer, and once it was typing on a computer, but I think it served its purpose. :)

[@ggpelo8860]

Somedays when im excited i cant sleep so i turn on the lamp and write my thought and then i will be able to sleep now that i have organized my thoughts

[@mammadoo7249]

It works & will blow your mind! DOI IT!

[@Naughty-jq2gg]

Thank you🙏💕

[@LadyDenjos-y4p]

This is so interesting. It makes a lot of sense. Therapeutic writing.

[@krishnayedage4209]

Thank you

[@Newthinkin]

This is enlightening. This will clear up many confusing thoughts and help document useful ones

[@eliottrodriguez7425]

@versusardua I'm not a writer of anything, but when I start writing letters or emails or replying on texts it can go for a long long time words just keep coming out. That's one point I wanted to share. The other point is how exasperatingly triggered I get when in this forums which in essence all deal with the mind and how it fucks with us, when someone writes " you just have to relax......." It makes me want to scream and I do. If I could just relax I wouldnt surf these channels , attempt the suggestions ,see a freaking therapist and have to do figuratively summer saults to get thru a so called ordinary day. I'm not upset at you, I just wanted to thank you for writing something that offered me the chance to vent. I realize that we are all are on different levels in the scale of crazy. Thank you for letting me share. It has been a shitshow over the past few days,on top of the shitshow that my internal emotional world already was, on the other hand, I have a gut level knowing, sensation or perhaps delusion, that in hindsight the series of events that have taken place are loaded in lessons I needed for the evolution of my consciousness and the healing of whatever needs to heal in me.

[@fridayschild1566]

AKA stream of consciousness writing. Very popular in the 60´s!

[@JSFGuy]

Let's have a look.

[@guyolive1071]

This isn't new. Flow of consciousness writing has been around for some time, check Kerouac's The Subterraneans for instance. Numerous songs are based on the same concept as well, I'd cite Tori Amos as a classic example.

[@SunnyMidnite221]

And James Joyce’s Ulysses.

[@kimlec3592]

God bless you, Alain The Button...❤

[@joanbennettnyc]

The animation used in previous pieces had a charm and accessibility that's missing in this, more expedient, less expensive method. Since your topics are heavy, the lightness of the previous method was a good counterbalance.

[@lovedaisy_0728]

Great video again.

[@annoar9776]

it's called journaling.

[@MichaelC-to7uz]

Yep!

[@RichterScale-oz5pp]

This reminds me of when people ask me to just speak without pausing to organize my thoughts. It would realistically come out as a long string of random incoherent gibberish

[@zaidhajju2804]

Hey man, thanks for sharing the details ❤.

[@wijithagorakanage4560]

This is very true.

[@raheemqaiser6246]

i liked the previous display image. This is about automatic writing

[@alex-ander-13]

Thank you for the redirection!

[@SRHisntSilent]

Thanks much for this About to journal now

[@wicked5280]

Great Advice.

[@WhiteBloggerBlackSpecs]

That's why Jack Kerouac's On the Road is so good mind you influenced by drugs but the words seemed to tumble out onto one long scroll without breaks

[@svmwasthesheet1971]

If I did this, I don't know why, but I'd feel really embarrassed about it. I'd probably hide it and then get rid of it... I don't know why.

[@hiteinsteinler2855]

i love the accent. how do i develop such? the accent , the politeness, the smoothness in voice. i know its a skill. but How do i develop it ?

[@brp5497]

A way to discover oneself. Progress towards samadhi and doing vispassina meditation. Yuttadhamo bikkinu how to meditate; ajahn sumedho, four Noble truths. KZbin.

[@KristinMauricio]

A Tiktok account is stealing your content. Their handle is @lifestorytt Life Story.

[@WillScarlet-zc2iw]

What troubles me is that so many of the “Comments” contain grammar, spelling and punctuation errors. I don’t think that the video is suggesting that we apply “Automatic Writing” to our - shall we call it - “Public Writing.” It takes but a minute or two to look over what we have written to be sure all is correct before sending it off. I hope this helps.

[@mixload]

I like Alain de Botton and this channel but it does tip into the realm of evidence free blather pretty regularly hehe

[@harrypearle9781]

"B E A U T 1 E" (NY license plate) Perhaps, our automatic writing will reveal some BEAUT1E that we can tap into (Thanks so much for this valuable idea. It might be a KEY to happiness and success) TNX

[@harrypearle9781]

TNX MCH

[@BaritoneMonkey]

This is the weirdest bot I've seen

[@gourmetchaplaintraveleat920]

Natalie Goldberg and Rick Ruben Zen approach!

[@cosmovoyager9]

excellent

[@nizasiamehenry]

Insightful ☀️

[@miguel_orama]

I do this every morning for at least 30 minutes

[@nhmooytis7058]

We’ve met, I’m strange😂

[@Saransh_Mehrana]

Nice editing

[@niconico4114]

this isnt "automatic" writing. its just honest writing free from self-criticism. automatic writing is for AI.

[@eduardor0605]

Awesome!

[@fillipe4700]

Not enough paper

[@PaperChunkTutorials]

Well, people took that advice on many platforms (particularly people on the right) and they got censored anyway.

[@CoconutWaterfalls]

school of life, renaming a writing process? it was taught in my college class as free writing. there is nothing automatic about it. at first, anyway. you must actively resist the urges to read what you wrote, correct, erase, and overthink the process. automatic writing is what A.I. does.

[@magw.3629]

I'm curious. Does it have to be pen and paper? Does this practice work well for bilingual people?

[@triplekoolaide]

what if your mind is blank all of the time?

[@tudorscutariu1012]

do you feel your mind as blank all the time?

[@hero-of-the-universe247]

I found a writing prompting book that asks questions to think about to help to get going or overcome a block.

[@francis_n]

then write about how your mind is blank all of the time for 2 minutes without pause. You're welcome 😏

[@xzonia1]

You're a Zen master, then. You should teach meditation to others. :)

[@triplekoolaide]

@@hero-of-the-universe247 where did you find it?

[@shahadab1521]

Can you guys please provide arabic subtitles, i want to share so many of your videos with so many friends who aren fluent in english 😢😢

[@deohenge1865]

"Write for two minutes straight, without pause..." Nope. I can't even do that for topics I have strong opinions about, much less randomly scrawling errant thoughts based on a topic. If someone forced me to do it at gunpoint, I'd pick the first two words that came to mind and just write them over and over for two minutes, like one of those punishments they dole out in elementary school.

[@Tryno02]

By writting this comment you already writting for 2 min without pause

[@RafaMuntean]

@@Tryno02 That surely didn't took more than 30 seconds to write... And I agree with him. I can't even speak without gathering my thoughts. I have to "start" it in my mind, or know where I'm going with my train of thought

[@marcusprince3999]

​@Tryno02 Yes, deohenge was asked to do a well explained task, they're commenting on why it's hard to meet. It's almost like like they were asked a question, and above is the answer; of course there's going to be some content. Different than when just given a word and saying "go." I completely agree with them too. My minds usually just blank. It would take couple minutes just to get my mind to spit out a few words and try to build some momentum out of them. Lol. Weez all different!🤙

[@xzonia1]

Try writing about this prompt for 2 minutes: What I like / love / enjoy about my favorite (book / TV show / movie / sport / hobby / etc). Pick the topic, write down the sentence, and go for it! If you can write 2 minutes on it, you can eventually write 2 minutes on any topic. You just need practice. :)

[@ekintoy1662]

Feedimden asla ayrılmıyodu üff tamam ya diyerek açtım thx youtube

[@nemanjat1096]

When something hits you while you are growing...

[@Lucyelle]

The comments are as much rich in info as any other content

[@Fr.O.G.]

So what you're telling me is Thelema.

[@MichaelC-to7uz]

If that's what you believe.

[@yurydmorales]

### A Writing Exercise to Help You Meet Yourself 00:04 - 🖋 La escritura automática sugiere no pensar demasiado ni corregir lo escrito, sino escribir todo lo que venga a la mente sin preocupación por la lógica o la elegancia. 00:28 - ✍ Esta técnica implica escribir durante dos minutos seguidos sobre un tema emocional importante, como “Mi Madre” o “Lo Que Realmente Quiero”. 01:37 - 🧠 Al leer lo escrito, es posible descubrir sentimientos inesperados sobre temas como nuestros padres, pareja o deseos, que pueden ser muy distintos a lo que habíamos supuesto. 02:07 - 🗝 La escritura automática puede revelar emociones reprimidas que mantenemos ocultas por miedo a parecer normales, lo cual a menudo causa ansiedad e insomnio. 02:48 - 🌟 Aunque no nos convertirá en grandes escritores, la escritura automática nos liberará de insinceridades y nos ayudará a conocer mejor nuestro verdadero yo.