I have “taught” meditative writing, though I didn’t actually “teach” anything. I was merely the facilitator. The results surprised everyone.
This exercise works best for teenagers and adults. Though I’ve not facilitated this with younger children, they may have a more difficult time.
Background music is important. The most helpful music I’ve found is marketed as “yoga music.” It is generally calm enough to help create a meditative state. I listen and make my selection beforehand to ensure a smooth transition for participants.
By way of introduction, I explain that the music will be playing for everyone to listen to. Participants may begin writing at any time and they are encouraged to write about whatever comes to mind. At the end of the writing time, people will have the opportunity to share what they’ve written, but only if they want to. I discourage commenting on the other writing, and any negative comments are strictly prohibited. No one wants their writing to be chewed up. Participants understand that and agree.
An hour per session is too short, two hours a bit long. An hour and a half seems just right for most people. So that participants have an idea of how much time has passed, I ring a chime or small bell at the hour mark. This leaves a half hour to write or finish writing.
After this time is up, if participants wish, they can share what they wrote. Often, people begin the session not wanting to share, and I say that is fine. You can’t meditate if you feel pressure to perform, especially in a group of strangers. What I’ve found is, after the first two or three have shared all or part of what they’ve written, nearly everyone else wants to share too. They gain courage from each other. They realize that they CAN write, and what they’ve written is as good as anyone else’s writing.
What the other participants and I (because I write also) find amazing is the depth and sincerity of everyone’s writing. And, even more amazing, often the majority of subjects that are written about are similar. They find they have more in common with each other than they had imagined. The writing shows our humanness to each other.
I don’t encourage commenting on each other’s work, but sometimes what we hear excites someone so much they can’t restrain themselves. Participants leave the session uplifted and encouraged. People are far more comfortable with each other afterwards, and new friendships are formed.
I am grateful to have a part in such an experience.
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Duane L. Herrmann, a reluctant carbon-based life-form, is an award winning, internationally published poet, historian, and author in print and online, despite an abusive childhood with dyslexia and ADHD compounded by cyclothymia, an anxiety disorder, and PTSD. Surprised to be on a Kansas farm, he’s fond of grass waving under wind, trees, and moonlight.