The Power of Writing to Heal the Pain
Program Titles
- Questions To You Help Write Your Story
- 14 Guidelines for Grief Support Writing
- Animals – Pet Loss
Harley G. King: The Power of Writing to Heal the Pain
“One of the best salves for healing the pain and grief that you feel is that of writing. The process of putting your feelings, thoughts, and experiences down on paper will give you the opportunity to work through the pain and the sorrow.”
Unfortunately, many people in our society don’t feel they can write. Many feel that writing is something for professionals with creative talents. It is
not something that the common person can aspire to. Yet the writing process is one of the most powerful techniques you have for clarifying your feelings and working through your emotions. By opening yourself up and expressing your pain and grief on paper, you will release the emotions that are suffocating and depressing you. Giving vent to our anger and pain through writing sets us free.
14 Guidelines for Grief Support Writing
I want to share with you a process that if you follow it will begin to heal your wounds and help you to recover from your grief.
1. Write for fifteen minutes every day. Discipline yourself to write even on those days you don’t feel like writing.
2. Write longhand with a pen or pencil. Do not use a computer.
3. Begin either with the phrase, “I remember,” or “I feel.”
4. Write about the good times you had together with your pet. Write about the bad times. Write about the death.
5. Write without stopping for the full fifteen minutes. Keep your hand moving at all times.
6. Whenever you run out of things to say, begin again with the phrase, “I remember,” and keep writing.
7. Write without thinking. Give free rein to your emotions and feelings.
8. Feel free to say whatever you want. Don’t worry about what others will think.
9. Be as specific as possible in your writing. Put in descriptive detail.
10. Don’t try to be creative or cute.
11. Don’t worry about spelling, or grammar or what your English teacher taught you. You are not writing for a grade.
12. It is okay to cry while you are writing. Keep writing through the tears. Don’t stop.
13. Keep writing as long as you need. If you wish, you can expand your writing time to 30 minutes or an hour.
14. Do not share your initial writing with others. They may not understand you expression of your pain or may be hurt by the things you say.
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