Become a Little Neurotic with Saint Teresa of Ávila: A Guided Contemplative Practice for Writers, Journalers, and Creative Souls
Daily Nourishment Read Time: 40 seconds
Pause/Prompt/Practice Time: 15 minutes
“When Saint Teresa of Avila sent the second draft of The Book of Her Life to her spiritual director, she reminded him that he promised to tear up the bad parts. She listed all kinds of reasons why the manuscript was not shiny and sparkly. She begged for feedback and validation. She was a neurotic writer too! Just like the rest of us!”
-Spiritual Direction for Writers: Everyday Rituals for Your Writing Life
Pause.
Sit in silence while looking at the art below and taking four deep breaths. Use the phrases below for a breath prayer or breath meditation on each of the inhales.
Inhale: Writing can make me feel a little crazy.
Exhale.
Inhale: I honor my full writing life.
Exhale.
Inhale: Writing can make me feel a little crazy.
Exhale.
Inhale: I honor my full writing life.
Exhale.
Repeat as many times as you like.
Prompt.
Below is a famous prayer card featuring the only portrait of St. Teresa of Avila, painted by Friar Juan de la Miseria in 1576, when she was 61 years old. Some say after the painting was finished, she said—perhaps with a smile— "God forgive you Friar Juan, to think that after all I have suffered at your hands, you should paint me so bleary eyed and ugly!"
And here’s a prayer by Saint Teresa of Ávila:
“Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.”
Practice.
Re-read the “Prompt” and the introductory quote from Spiritual Direction for Writers: Everyday Rituals for Your Writing Life then set a timer for 10 minutes and journal or take notes or begin writing a poem, essay, or story in response to the words above and the questions below.
When does the writing life make you feel neurotic or a little (or a lot?) crazy?
What thoughts come to mind when you learn that St. Teresa of Ávila was a little neurotic about her writing and her portrait?
How does the prayer above intersect with your thoughts on all of this? What comfort does it bring? How does the prayer make you want more for your writing life? What does the prayer encourage you to let go of or step back from?
How can you honor all of the feelings that arise within you throughout the entirety of the writing life? Can you give yourself more grace? Can you find humor? Can you take a nap when it’s too overwhelming and you need a break? What else?
Want More?
Read Spiritual Direction for Writers: Everyday Rituals for Your Writing Life.
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Today’s Daily Nourishment was provided by Charlotte Donlon.
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