In a world that often seems chaotic and overwhelming, the internal journey of self-discovery, healing, and finding connection is more critical than ever. This is where the creation of a regular writing practice can help – where we can process emotions and find clarity in the midst of life’s challenges.

How can we connect with ourselves and others with more depth and honesty? How can we turn past wounds and emotional hurdles into opportunities for growth?

These are questions that poet, educator, and author, Meredith Heller explores in her new book, Writing by Heart: A Poetry Path to Healing and Self-Discovery – published by New World Library.

I’ve invited Meredith to join me on my blog today to talk about the concept of “writing by the heart” – and how creative people can use it as a path for healing and self-discovery.

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Tell us about your book Writing by Heart and what inspired you to write it.

Writing by Heart is about tuning into your heart and writing about what’s here, honesty, authentically, and with compassionate curiosity. The book is an invitation into deep self to discover your truth, your voice, your heart. Something magical happens when we put pen to paper– we engage in creative process and we can tap our own wisdom, our own medicine, to heal and free ourselves. This book is about poetic writing as practice of presence, noticing and being true to what’s bubbling up in you, whether it’s sadness, anger, fear, grieving, loss, joy, or beauty, making room for all of it and finding the words to explore and express it. This kind of writing is healing, liberating, empowering, and transformative. It opens the way for new insights to arise.

What does “writing by heart” mean to you?

When we know something by heart, it’s part of us; we know it all the way down to our bones. Writing by heart is about following what you know, your truth, and seeing where it takes you. It’s about trusting yourself and the writing process, and when we do that, the path opens, healing happens, life force returns.

The subtitle of your book is, “A Poetry Path to Healing and Self-Discovery.” What kind of poetry does your book help people write and how does it provide a source of healing?

I guide people in poetic, self-reflective writing that invites you to look deeply within yourself and express what you discover. I ask people to trust the writing process, I like to say, the poem knows the poem. Something wild and magical happens when you put pen to paper– you access a part of yourself, deep psyche, that has just the information you need. This kind of relationship with yourself and your writing creates a source of power to heal yourself, weather life’s changes, create a life you love, and bring your unique expression to the world.

What can a regular writing practice do for us?

Writing practice gives us sanctuary, grounding, and companionship. It opens the creative channel. It provides a safe space where we can get real and express ourselves honestly. It helps us gain insight. It becomes like a mirror in which we see ourselves, our life, and our choices more clearly.

What advice do you have for someone who is having a hard time starting a regular writing practice?

You mean besides just do it? It takes effort to start doing anything, whether it’s exercise, meditation, or writing. Start with 5 minutes a day. That’s a good day. Next day, do 6 minutes. Focus on what you do instead of what you don’t. Some days all I can write is my gratitude list. So, I do it whole-heartedly, noticing what’s here, what wants my attention, curiosity, kindness. Do a little each day, and each day, do a little more, until you create a groove.

What advice do you have for long time writers who are struggling with writer’s block?

Remember everything is cyclical, like nature, we have fallow times and generative times; each needs and feeds the other. We have to learn to trust our creative process, to allow the times when it seems like nothing is getting done, and to keep loving ourselves even when we’re not producing, and it feels like death. We must stay present with the whole cycle and trust that rich things are seeding down in the fertile darkness and that they will sprout up when they’re ready, when we’re ready. I also think it’s important to change your environment, so if you spend your time in a city, go out in nature and vice-versa. And move your body to get out of your head. I can sit all morning and have no ideas, but the minute I get outside and start walking, I’ve got the whole download for my next workshop, or poem, or book. Change it up– variety inspires the muse to pay attention.

How can writing help us find sanctuary in our fast-paced world?

Writing is a practice and process of slowing down and paying attention. Whether you’re writing about your feelings or a river, you must slow down and be present with what is and what you feel, without pushing beyond it to the next thing that needs to get done. Writing practice helps you learn how to sit in the seat of your awareness and pay attention to what moves you and what’s moving through you and give it voice through your writing. This creates a sanctuary, a refuge of friendship with yourself. It gives you your power back.

What do you hope that readers will take away from your book, Writing by Heart?

My hope for everyone who reads this book is that poetic writing becomes a path of trust, in which you befriend yourself, and that it leads you home, to place of calm, clear presence and expression from which you live true to your own heart.

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Meredith Heller is the author of WRITING BY HEART, Write a Poem, Save Your Life, and several poetry collections. A poet, singer-songwriter, avid nature lover, and educator with degrees in writing and education, she leads writing workshops online and in-person at schools, juvenile detention centers, women’s prisons, and wellness retreats. Visit her online at: http://www.MeredithHeller.com