Category: writing

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A meditation for writers

I am hosting a writing retreat in New Norcia, Western Australia. This is a small town, two hours from Perth City. It is Australia’s only monastic town. It is run by an order of monks who spend their days in hospitality to guests.

Walking through the guest house this morning, I heard someone doing the laundry and singing vespers to God. He sang loudly, repetitive psalms as he did his daily work of lifting, washing and folding all the laundry from this resting place.

Guesthouse, New Norcia

I am not good at doing laundry. How can I rephrase that? Laundry frustrates me. I do not sing and meditate upon the goodness of God as I push clothes into the washing machine.

You can often hear me huffing and puffing. Muttering and deep sighing. Shouting out to my children, did you wear this? Folding the clothes whilst listening to the news. This little moment of meditation caught me unawares. It reminded me of my everyday chores but a reframing into a way of meditating on lovely, true, meaningful and purposeful things.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippines 4: 8

Today, as the retreaters began to write and explore together, I wrote a meditation for them. I thought you might also want to consider something good, lovely and accurate. And maybe one day, I will record this meditation to help you have a moment of rest and clarity as you write.

The fields of New Norcia

Spotify Playlist for Writing

Firstly put on some music, as I have linked above, to set the atmosphere for focus.

A meditation for writers

Welcome, writing companions; this is a time for peaceful reflection. 

Whether you are an experienced writer or just beginning your journey, know that you are in a space filled with grace, creativity, and the love of God. 

Let us take this moment to still our minds and open our hearts to the divine inspiration that can guide our words, stories, and hearts.

Find a comfortable position, either seated or lying down. Please close your eyes gently, take a deep breath through your nose… hold it for a moment… and exhale slowly through your mouth. Let go of any tension, worries, or distractions clouding your mind. You are invited to enter a place of peace and creative surrender with each breath.

*Body Relaxation*

As you continue to breathe deeply, notice the stillness of your body. Feel your feet grounded, connected to the earth. Imagine roots extending from your feet deep into the soil, strong and steady. With every breath, feel yourself becoming more anchored in this present moment.

Let that sense of grounding move upward through your legs into your torso, arms, neck, and head. With each inhale, you breathe in peace. With each exhale, you release any tension. Allow your body to relax, to surrender to God’s presence.

*Opening to Inspiration*

Let us invite God’s Spirit to guide us in this creative space. Quiet your heart and listen to the still, small voice within you.

Take a moment to reflect on your writing journey. What has inspired you to write? What stories or messages do you feel called to share with the world? In this sacred time, we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, trusting God has planted inspiration deep within our hearts.

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Let this truth sink deeply into your soul. God is with you now, in this moment, in this place, filling you with peace, guidance, and creative energy.

As you reflect on your writing, take a moment to ask God for clarity. If you’re unsure where to go next in your work, ask for direction. If you’re feeling stuck, ask for wisdom. If you’re experiencing doubt, ask for reassurance. Trust that God hears your prayers and is faithful to guide you.

*Prayer of Surrender*

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts and hands. We offer your writing, creativity, and very selves to You. We surrender our doubts, fears, and anxieties to Your loving care. We trust that You are the source of all inspiration and have gifted us with the ability to share Your love and truth through our words.

Lord, we pray that You would fill us with Your peace, that our minds would be clear, and our hearts would be full of Your light. Inspire, guide, and strengthen us as we seek to bring forth stories that honour You.

Please help us write with courage, authenticity, and a deep sense of purpose. May our words reflect Your love, grace, and truth, touching the hearts of all who read them. 

We trust in Your perfect timing and Your plan for our writing journeys. May we be faithful stewards of the gifts You’ve given us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*Silence for Reflection*

Take a few moments of silence now. As you sit in this stillness, allow your thoughts to come and go. Let God’s presence fill every part of your being, giving you peace and renewing your creative spirit.

If any words, images, or ideas come to mind during this time, don’t force them—observe them. Trust that God is speaking to you in this quiet space.

*Closing Words*

As we come to the end of this meditation, know that God’s presence goes with you. May you walk in His peace and confidence as you continue your writing journey. Know that He is with you, guiding you, and inspiring you every step of the way.

When you’re ready, bring your awareness back to the room. Wiggle your fingers and toes, take a deep breath, and slowly open your eyes. May you feel refreshed, restored, and ready to write with new purpose and clarity.

God bless you in your writing, and may His Spirit continue to guide you.

Creatively Yours,

The writing retreat this weekend is using exercises from Simplify. Download your bundle of writing exercises today and write to heal!

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Thanksgiving questions; a ritual of thanks

Are you looking for a new ritual this Thanksgiving?

I have a book with printable exercises to help you find gratitude this year. Pause; Vision Daybook

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Melody Beattie

The process of letting go and starting again can be summed up in one word, which is change. I love the new but I am so bad at change. I want fresh days, new landscapes and greener pastures but I often I hold on too long.

I easily lose sight of the bigger picture of my life in the midst of laundry, lunches and dusty window sills. The everyday ordinary things can make me feel bland and unseen.

When I move the focus back to a long-range view, I start to see a picture forming for my life that can be lost in the chaos of my daily life.

Greg Reid explains the process of change so well.

“A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action becomes reality.”

This time of the year can be lonely for those who find themselves by themselves in the holidays. Rather than Netflix binging or finding yourself misplaced, what if you sat and journaled to find perspective.

Questions like;

What has been a positive experience this year?
What challenged me?
Who have I gotten to know better?
Where have I grown?
What am I especially thankful for?
What is a low point from the last season?
What quote, scripture or word describes the last season?

And opportunities to write affirmations for the coming year…

This year I hope to…
This year I give myself permission to…
This year I will grow in…
This year I dream of…
This year I let go of…
This year it is possible to…
This year I will pioneer…
This year I can…
This year I will…
This year I am excited about…

Sit around the table whether with some friends or by yourself and start to write to find perspective and clarity this Thanksgiving.

The exercises are available to download here: Pause; New Year Vision Daybook

Thank you for coming to find some perspective.

Amanda Viviers

Amanda Viviers can often be found with a pen in her hand, food spilt down her blouse and a fresh story in her heart. She is an Author, Public Speaker and Radio Presenter. 

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we all have a single self,

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One of the reasons why I struggle with advice for single people is it is said often with a knowing nod of a head and served with a side of cliché. Those who are married, divorced or those who shell out one-liners like they are on sale at target for three dollars fifty can be found in every family, church or community group.

Have you ever found yourself saying “There are plenty of fish in the sea“, “Don’t worry the right person will come along“, “Stop thinking about it and suddenly they will show up“, “Don’t think they are going to come knocking on your door” and my all time favourite “Are you too picky?”

The list goes on and on. I find all of these three-point-sermons, particularly difficult because I was the receiver of much advice, that was so easily given away for free, often when I wasn’t talking at all about my relationship status. It was like being single was a disease that needed to be eradicated. I now realise that my decades of singleness, were actually some of my most amazing seasons of self-growth.

The funny thing is this…My next book is titled “Dear Single Self,” and it is aimed at women over 30 who are single but here is the quandary I have found in the writing and collating of all of these stories that everyone of us has “a single self” . This is the very starting point of the problem when shelling out the formula.

We think because we are in a relationship, that suddenly we are exempt from the loneliness that may plague a solo lifestyle. We set ourselves up on a pedastool assuming that living a life with one person every day, is somehow more satisfying. We forget that many of us are alone and feel just as lonely in our everyday lives, no matter our marital status. That is because we all have a single self.

I am off the back of three nights in my household of night shift and can I let you in on a little secret?

I HATE NIGHTS SHIFT.

There I said it out loud. Actually typed it in print, does that make it louder?

It’s not that I don’t like being alone, in fact, time by myself these days is an absolute gift, I hate the vulnerability I feel in my single self. The noises, the wake ups to the children. Every time my husband is on “night shift”, I am reminded of that place in my heart that struggles with loneliness. I remember and am reminded of the years when I sat uncomfortably in the place of my thoughts.

We all have a single self, that part of us that feels alone and unsure. One of my favourite letters from my latest book, speaks straight to all of us. To those places where we wonder, if we will be okay in the future. If our hearts and lives are enough. Whether we have the capacity to do all that our hearts dream of…

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Continue to seek true and deeper friendships. You will travel to many places and meet many new friends. You do not need to know everyone. While you may choose to help many in need, remember to treasure those who invest in your well-being. 

Travel. Travel.

And travel the road least traveled!  You will see and work at some incredible places in the world. Continue to travel and explore what the world has to offer; the many languages, cultures and ways of life. However be wise with your money. There will come a point where you will start to earn some big dollars. Save and invest the money well-earned; invest it in others and for the future.

Get to know more about what family life is all about. Believe it or not you will have a beautiful family of your own despite some early setbacks in life. In fact you will meet the love of your life in the most unexpected place and under very interesting circumstances. God, yes God, does have a sense of humour. Meet with parents with babies or toddlers or better yet invite them over for dinner. Offer to babysit and help them spend some quality time together without children. Meet with parents who have teenagers or adult children of their own.  Knowing about their respective experiences will prepare you for when you have children of your own. It will feel less daunting; it will be something you will look forward to.

Married? Yes you will be married. The first year will be tough because you both are going to learn how to listen and respect each other. It will be a hard year but trust me you are going to laugh about it afterwards.  Not only a wife, you will also be a mother. You will learn so much about what it takes to be a mother and a wife at the same time. In all things communicate! Yes there will be many people who will offer all sorts of advice, take each with a grain of salt and remember that you know your husband and child better than anyone else!

As I have said previously it is wise to seek counsel from others but it is also important to trust in your instincts.

In your day to day as you journey through life be sure to always smile, lend a helping when able, count your blessings and learn from your mistakes.  Do not shame others or yourself or focus on the regrets. Be thankful and enjoy life.

Dance and be free!

Your children will thank you!

Love,

Me.

 I have been thinking lately, that maybe this book isn’t just for those who are single and over thirty. Maybe it is for all of us, to reconcile with the parts of ourselves, that no-one else sees.

I wonder if all of our single selves became stronger and more vulnerable with our stories, whether we would become a much stronger people. Maybe we all would walk within ourselves a little more comfortably and find those places that we try to silence.

Maybe we would all be a little more free?

Amanda

“Dear Single Self” is due out on the 1st of December.

You can pre-order your book here today.