Writer's Block: A Metaphor for Life

"Man cannot discover new oceans until he has the courage

to loose sight of the shore." Unknown

If you are a writer (or for that matter a creative person), you, along with other artists, contain a wellspring of magnificence within your soul. Your job is to tap into those gifts. There may be times when you encounter periods of blocked or depleted creative energy -- or so you think. Does this circumstance mean that you will never write again or produce the quality and quantity of previous work? Does it mean that you have lost your creative expression? Maybe, it means that it is time to change directions - to investigate and experience alternative ways for that expression to come to fruition. I decided to investigate "writer's block" from an "existential" view and then provide some steps to integrate your revitalized experiences into your creative gifts.

It is fairly obvious that when you are experiencing a "writer's block," it means that there is a "block in your writing." You go blank. Your creative juices may have dissipated. Your ideas may have stopped or your passion may have subsided. If you encountered an actual roadblock on a street, what would you do? Drive through the roadblock? Drive around it? Or take an alternative route to arrive at your destination? Hopefully, you would choose the latter option. So, let's transfer this information to your writer's block.

By making this block a friend and not your enemy or a monster lurking in the shadows, you also reduce the amount of negative energy paid to the block. In other words, the more that you focus on the block, the more that the flow of your words will be blocked. If you relax, you can learn to trust in the moment and use the time to hear the messages from your inner wisdom.

Interestingly, these same blocks can appear in your life. You may be at a crossroads, whether in a career, relationship, or personal issue. As a coach, I recognize that anyone who is experiencing a challenge, an obstacle or a block needs to reassess, reevaluate and CHANGE DIRECTIONS. While it may be difficult to investigate unchartered or unclear territory, the block is presenting itself for a reason. The block wants you to follow a different direction.

I am back to the changing of directions idea. The flow of energy has changed during any kind of block. It has changed because the previous interest, focus, or path has expended all of its energy. It is time to follow a new path. As Stephen Levine said, "A great block to nourishment of the soul is distrust. We don't trust ourselves, so we stay rooted in the easy and convenient."

Here are some possible solutions for those times when nothing is working to your satisfaction, whether in your personal or professional life.

1. GO WITH THE FLOW OR FOLLOW THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE. As another coach remarked, "When you can't open a door with your head, then use a key." I would actually change those words around a bit. I say, "When you can't open the door with a key or known factors, try opening the door with your head and look for alternative answers." Remaining in the state of being blocked may leave you feeling tired, angry, or incompetent. Let go, relax, and free up your time and energy to see which path feels easy, comfortable and filled with inspiration. Create a new focus. I also say that when you can't find a light at the end of a tunnel, make your own light.

2. ACCEPT THAT YOUR BLOCK IS A GIFT. Our perceptions of events are related to our emotional reactions. Your block is occurring at the right time. As I believe, there are no accidents. Everything happens for a reason. It is allowing you to reevaluate your skills, interests, abilities, and inner wisdom. Use the time to notice and not to force an outcome. Pay attention to your environment. As an artist, aren't you noticing and getting in touch with the "inner" world of characters? How about taking a break and begin to notice the less than obvious, i.e., information contained beneath the level of your conscious awareness. Allow your subconscious to speak to you.

3. USE YOUR INTUITION. Your inner voice needs to be one of your best friends. It will tell you that you need a break or a diversion. Listening to that part of your psyche will bring you the messages or images inherent in coincidences and ultimate change. It will begin to weave the pattern of your next design, your next creation. Ultimately, you will move toward your true inner desires -- situations, experiences that attract, challenge, or satisfy us. It will open the doors to where we need to be at that moment.

4. WATCH FOR SYNCHRONICITY. When opportunity meets time, then you will be given the exact tools, images and characters needed to remove or at least, diminish your block.

5. DETACH FROM THE OUTCOME. Don't accept the fears of other people or those from your past. Your external world mirrors your internal blocks. Therefore, acknowledge and accept whatever ideas that come to you. You may be pushed to move toward unchartered territory. Explore those options. Don't judge them.

6. STAY CENTERED AND GROUNDED. We remain in control of our life by accepting ourself on an emotional level and then by maintaining our physical stamina. Some of the ways to maintain your energy is to Breathe, Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, Exercise at least 30 minutes three times a week, and Eat more alkaline foods (fruits & vegetables) rather than acidic foods (meat, sugar).

Once that you accept that your block exists for a reason, you will begin to feel a shift in energy. Accept the new discoveries and information and stay in that moment. Focus on your new direction and your block will lift slowly. Can you imagine what wondrous masterpieces await you?

By the way, these solutions apply even when life and its challenging circumstances beckon at your door.

Until next time.

Dr. Lorraine
Coach & Consultant