Use Imaginative Storm writing therapeutically
Therapeutic writing doesn’t have to be all angst and drama. When you play with words using the Imaginative Storm method, they can lead you more lightly to insight, without the self-blame or guilt.
Sandi Dittmer didn’t set out to self-therapize the week we used a picture of succulents in shoes as a prompt. But the words on our group list sparked an inner journey. Not trying to write well, not trying to write what she knew, Sandi allowed iher imagination to take the lead and it gave her a new understanding of herself at this exact moment in life.
The road less traveled beckons the laces neatly tucked in my succulent soul. I didn’t ask to be here. Was I led? It felt like I was thrown. Tossed away and was told to “consider myself lucky” that I hadn’t slipped into the wilderness. But that’s exactly where I wanted to be. Where the twigs are crooked and fences are no more. Where streams are not dammed but where fairies whisper freedom to the rushing water of healing. New beginnings are so transformative. But no one talks about the battle with the Fear Beast within and without, taunting with its fang-ed, fiery hole blasting blazes of paralyzing profanity. I hear this. I can’t dance like I used to. My white washed wingtips tap gently on the rocks. I slip. I slide. I bleed. I bloat. What is this new wonder dance that bows to me and extends its hand inviting me to learn new steps? Full of grace, it says, “it’s okay” when I step on its toes or move the wrong way. It wants me to learn to be brave enough to keep showing up and listening to the music.
Here is the community list of words generated by our Saturday writing group. We all stormed our imaginations for two minutes while looking at the image, and then contributed one word or phrase to the community list. Working with words generated by the imaginations of other people often takes you places you could never get to on your own.
Click here to purchase Write What You Don’t Know: 10 Steps to Writing with Confidence, Energy, and Flow by Allegra Huston and James Navé, founders of the Imaginative Storm method, or order it from your favorite online retailer. It’s also available on Kindle and all other e-book platforms.
Our self-paced online video course “Write What You Don’t Know: Imaginative Storm Writer Training” is now available on Teachable. Take advantage of the introductory price!