If we long to articulate our deepest thoughts and feelings, then we need to step aside from what we want to think and feel—and don’t want to think and feel—and let the words rise to our consciousness as effortlessly as goldfish rise to the surface of water to feed. This is the gift of combining writing and meditation.

This blog offers reflections on the complementary practices of writing and meditation. Posts are by me and by others. It also offers short pieces by people who’ve attended my workshops; the pieces are in response to a variety of exercises and prompts presented in the workshops. Many of the results are extraordinary.

I will occasional offer some exercises and prompts here for you to practice on your own, and I’ll be delighted to post some of your responses if you send them to me through the contact link on this blog. And feel free to comment on anything in the comment thread below each post.

You will also find links to books and articles about writing and meditation, as well as to music I sometimes like to listen to before, during, or after I write or meditate. Although meditation is best done sitting still in silence, you can also meditate while you are doing other things, such as walking, running, cooking, doing the dishes, or even doing errands around town (but not driving, please).

Meditation is a way to develop an alert mind and open heart in response to the world and your own inner life, and these responses can then be articulated in your writing. As you become more alert and open, your writing will become more clear and deep.