A column by Dale KetchamThis is column #5 in a series that resulted from my efforts to thin out my collection of how-to books. As I say goodbye to each book, I’m picking out points of wisdom and sharing them with you. This month the book is…

CREATIVE VISUALIZATION by Shakti Gawain

When you’re dealing with an author whose first name is Shakti you pretty much know you’ll be required to color outside the lines. Although the topic of this book isn’t specifically on writing, it deals with creativity, and as I read through the section on writing affirmations, I thought HEY, this technique would work great for those of us suffering from writing block and defeating self-talk like: I’ll never sell another book. Everything I write is crap.

What better way of dealing with not being able to write than physically scribbling down affirmations that counter that belief? Shakti suggests taking a particular affirmation and writing it 10 or 20 times in succession, really thinking about the words as you write them. She claims this is the most powerful technique she’s found and one of the easiest to do.

What if we did it as a preparatory exercise before we hoped to get some good words on paper? They say the physical act of writing can slip the creative side of your brain in gear. And if you don’t work well on paper, then jump right onto the computer and start typing your affirmations there on the page. Seeing black words flowing across a white screen, feeling your fingers happily typing away without pause, primes your subconscious giving it the message-I can get words on the page.

Some general affirmations she suggests are I am now an open channel for creative energy; creative ideas and inspiration are coming to me every day; Divine love goes before me and prepares the way; I am being guided to the perfect solution to this problem. But feel free to come up with some that deal more specifically with your needs.

Granted, this may not but new to you, and I very often hear myself say Hah! after affirmations like that. To deal with that, she talks about “clearing exercises,” saying if you have trouble realizing a goal, or sense resistance (ie: the Hah! reaction), try taking a piece of paper and writing on the top, “The reason I can’t….[write; finish this book; sell another book; believe I'm a great writer] is…”, then immediately begin to write a list of any thoughts that come into your head to complete the sentence.

Don’t take it too seriously! Just let the thoughts and words flow. I’d rather eat chocolate; the industry is tight right now; I’m afraid; It’s too hard; it’s no longer fun.

This gives you a sense of what kind of limitations you’re dealing with. Now list all the most negative attitudes you can think of about yourself, other people, relationships, the world, life. Sit quietly and ponder that list. It’s what’s holding you back, wielding emotional power over you. When you feel the process is complete, when you’ve dumped all you can dump, then go on to affirmations that counteract these limitations you’ve put on yourself. My past experience doesn’t limit my future. Possibilities abound! I now dissolve all negative, limiting beliefs; I love, honor and appreciate myself and my special talent.

This combination of clearing technique and affirmations is easy, provides some valuable incites, and as we all know, the written word holds great power.

The ISBN for this book is 1-880032-62-7. It’s possible this book is no longer in print. If Barnes and Noble or Borders doesn’t carry it, try locating a previously owned copy on www.Half.com .

After attending RWA’s national conference in NYC, Dale has even more books to read! Seems she conveniently forgot about her promise NOT to buy any more books until she’d cleared off more shelf space. Ah well…the comfy reading chair is calling

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