Greatest Lesson From The Writing Down the Bones By Natalie Goldberg

Natalie Goldberg's book "Writing Down the Bones" offers aspiring writers practical advice and exercises. It explores the power of free writing and emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process of writing rather than the final product.

Don't censor yourself when you write.

People say that what we’re all seeking is a meaning for life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking. I think that what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonances with our own innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive.

Joseph Campbell in The Power of Myth

Campbell says that we are not seeking a meaning for life, but rather an experience of being alive. He believes that this experience can be found in the everyday moments of our lives, even the difficult ones. When we censor ourselves, we are not allowing ourselves to fully experience life. We are not allowing ourselves to feel the rapture of being alive.

Goldberg's advice to not censor ourselves when we write is in line with Campbell's thinking. When we write about our experiences, we are allowing ourselves to fully experience them. We are not trying to hide our pain or our joy. We are simply writing about what is.

Writing about our experiences can be difficult, but it can also be very healing. It can help us to process our emotions, make sense of our experiences, and find closure. It can also help us to connect with others who have had similar experiences.

If we want to experience the rapture of being alive, we need to be willing to fully experience life, both the good and the bad. We need to be willing to write about our experiences, even the ones that are difficult. When we do this, we are allowing ourselves to live a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Writing For At Least 30 Minutes A Day

The more you write, the better you will learn how to structure your thoughts, use language effectively, and express yourself clearly. Find a time when you are most likely to be able to focus and write for 30 minutes uninterrupted. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep writing and you will eventually see improvement.

Use fear as your guide

Goldberg believes that fear is a natural part of the writing process. It is the fear of being judged, of not being good enough, or of being rejected. But she also believes that fear can be a powerful tool for creativity. It can push us to take risks and try new things. It can help us to dig deeper into our own experiences and find the truth. Write about the things you are passionate about. When you are passionate about something, it can help you to overcome your fear.

Writing As A Form of Zen Practice

Goldberg believes that writing can help us to connect with our true selves and to live more fully in the present moment. She suggests that we approach writing with a beginner's mind, without judgment or expectation. She also encourages us to be playful and to experiment with different writing techniques.

When we write in this way, we are not trying to produce a perfect piece of writing. We are simply trying to connect with our thoughts and feelings and to express ourselves honestly. This can be a very challenging and rewarding process. It can help us to heal, to grow, and to find our true voice.

Natalie Goldberg's advice is valuable for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills and connect with their true selves through writing. I would encourage anyone who is interested in writing to read her book "Writing Down the Bones".