Morning Pages — A Useful Technique For Anyone Interested In Improving Their Lives

Photo by Jan Kahánek on Unsplash

I first heard about Morning Pages from Julia Cameron, an American teacher, author, artist, poet, playwright, novelist, filmmaker, pigeon fancier, composer, and journalist. Needless to say, she’s a BAD-ASS, a term I grew up with, used to describe someone that is amazing at what they do.

She was also married to Martin Scorsese, who happens to be the director of one of my all-time favorites movies, Goodfellas (RIP Ray Lolitta).

Julia Cameron describes morning pages as spiritual windshield wipers. She said morning pages should be spelled mourning pages. It’s a farewell to life as it was, and an introduction to life as it needs to be.

Morning pages is a writing exercise to conduct first thing in the morning.

It’s meant only for you.

It’s a time for you to write whatever you want. For many that have adopted this technique, it’s a time to complain, release petty thoughts, and generally bitch about everything that is causing the mind turbulence.

“The bedrock tool of a creative recovery is a daily practice called Morning Pages. Morning Pages are three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness writing done first thing in the morning. *There is no wrong way to do Morning Pages*–they are not high art. They are not even “writing.” They are about anything and everything that crosses your mind– and they are for your eyes only. Morning Pages provoke, clarify, comfort, cajole, prioritize and synchronize the day at hand. Do not over-think Morning Pages: just put three pages of anything on the page…and then do three more pages tomorrow.” — Julia Cameron

My practice, why I do it, and why you should as well

I usually meditate for about 15–20 minutes to start my day.

Meditation serves as a voluntary exercise to discipline the mind. Throughout the day I encounter many distractions, many of which, are self-imposed. This practice has helped me in becoming more intentional with my work, daily tasks, and being present in relationships.

Right after meditation, I start morning pages. It’s not about writing something noteworthy or…