It’s no secret around here that I love expressive writing to reduce the load on my nervous system and reduce the chronic pain I was in for YEARS from Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis. After trying everything, it was the missing piece to the puzzle.
Why? Well, science shows us that expressive writing is like medicine for both the mind and body. With just a few short sessions, it can reduce inflammation, improve particular blood markers and invite the body into a state of rest and relaxation.
I write expressively at least a couple of days a week and when things are hard, you’ll find me writing everyday whenever I need to release the pent up emotion, tension and pain that builds up easily in my body.
On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m guiding you through a gentle restorative reading and writing session for when your body hurts, the same one I work through myself. Whether it’s a minor ache or pain that just arrived or a more chronic pain that lives deep in your body, this session is for you.
Here’s a quick overview of how the guided sessions work:
First, we begin with a bit of grounding and a few breaths to settle us.
Then, I share a powerful short reading to orient our focus and launch our reflective writing.
Following the reading, I guide you through three journaling invitations that build on each other and shift the energy on the page and in your body.
Finally, we end with a short, yet powerful, affirmation to carry throughout your day and beyond.
Grab your notebook, your favorite writing utensil and let’s write together!
Books:
Here are the books and writing prompts mentioned in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!
Narrative Healing: Awaken the Power of Your Story by Lisa Weinert
Writing Prompts:
First:
What am I noticing in my physical body right now? Where do I feel stress, tension or pain? Write, list or draw in response to what you feel.
Second:
What does my body want me to know? What messages might it be trying to send me? What could I acknowledge and validate?
Third:
How do I feel about the messages that spilled onto the page? What needs to be felt on the page so that I can release it in my actual life? How can I move gently into the rest of the day?
Affirmation:
I give myself permission to honor what my body needs.
Here’s the audio I used in the episode: Nature Healing Society
Once you’ve listened, I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Leave your thoughts in the comments!
Let’s Work Together!
I love to connect with others around our shared love of reading and writing.
Here are some ways we can work together to create a life you love where restorative reading and writing is at the center of it all:
🩷 Join my private Substack community for themed book calendars, bonus posts, book clubs and events each month!
📚 Connect 1:1 for personalized coaching to unlock the transformative power of your reading and writing life. Click here for bibliotherapy and click here for expressive writing therapy. Let’s work together!
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