I discovered this concept of unforced writing while listening to the rhythms of raindrops outside during the “hagupit ng habagat.” That was the time that I stayed at home and learned this principle, and I will never forget that day. It’s more biblical, yet I also found its practicality and application in a secular context.
A friend visited me a few days before habagat, and I’m astonished with the outcome of our conversation. In the end, we both found out that I worry and think a lot. Then she asked me if I have felt this “unforced rhythms of grace” in my spiritual walk. Perplexed, I stopped talking and paused. I need to step out of my zone, get away from the world, and meditate.
Then hagupit ng habagat came. It was the right time to stay at home and rest.
Here’s what I discovered: Fight resistance.
It’s simple. I don’t believe in writer’s block. I think it’s a lame excuse not to write. They say writers need inspiration before they can zap the keys. I disagree. Point blank, I fought the spirit of resistance. There’s opposition between the time I sit down and before I type the first word. I just need to write. There’s a rhythm coming from the droplets pouring over the top of our roof. I was still and silent. Then I heard another sound while typing on the keyboard. There, my friend is the unforced rhythms of writing. Zap the keys. Don’t stop. Just write.
Steven Pressfield, the author of The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles and Turning Pro: Tap Your Inner Power and Create Your Life’s Work, mentioned this principle of resistance. It’s a swagger in the first few chapters of The War of Art. I never thought about it ever since I finished the book, and it dawned on me when I finished Turning Pro.
Here’s a nugget of wisdom I gleaned from his craft:
The amateur tweets. The pro works.
I believe this principle is applicable to all aspects of our lives, and honestly, I am in the process of applying this in my work, ministry, and other areas. It’s about setting priorities and acquiring discipline that will produce excellence.
It’s a process, and we’re all learning. What’s amazing is that you don’t have to force anything. There’s a time for everything. This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. Here’s my version of the next passage:
There’s a time to tweet and a time to write.
Start writing. There’s no such thing as forced writing. A writer writes every day. Your character and mastery of art are developed through repetitive tasks. (The work you’re passionate about.)
Share me your thoughts and struggles in your profession.
