Writing Tools for Daydreamers: Intuitive Writing Part 2

In my last post, I talked about brainwaves and how they tie to intuitive writing. Alpha and Theta are the two brainwaves most conducive for deep creative work. Alpha is when our bodies and minds are in a relaxed, meditative state, and Theta generally occurs in the twilight of sleep when we’re about to start dreaming.

Stories are curated dreams captured on paper. So how can we quickly get into the proper brainwaves to daydream whenever we want—even in a noisy house or during a stressful day?

Sound

One extremely effective way is using sound. Sound has powerful effects on brainwaves, which is why drums, flutes, bells, and singing bowls are often used for transcendental meditation. The repetitive sound-wave from these instruments cause the mind to go into a Theta state.

So if you need to get in the zone quickly, and stay there, find an instrumental song that speaks to you and your story, something that can play almost unnoticed in the background. Then set it to repeat. The first time you play it looped, focus on getting into the zone and having a productive writing session. On the next day, use the same song. If you do this enough times, your mind will immediately enter Alpha state when the music begins to play. I find this very effective when I’m under a tight deadline and every moment at the keyboard has to count.

“Zen” Activities

When you step away from the keyboard, there are simple daily activities that automatically trigger an Alpha state. What if we take advantage of those times and use them to write?

Alpha activities include:

• Driving for a long distance
• Taking a bath or shower
• Doing something mindless, like the dishes or folding laundry
• Taking a walk
• Any repetitive task
• Jumping on a rebounder trampoline (the best exercise in the world according to NASA)
• And the most decadent – getting a massage

With our intention, we can turn these activities into effective writing times. You may not be at the keyboard (and perhaps worried you’re not) but it’s all about quality versus quantity. Visualizing your story while you’re doing something repetitive or relaxing often brings perfect answers to story problems and delivers memorable lines and dialogue.

So go into the activity knowing it will be writing time. Visually compose scenes in your head. If you drift off topic, that’s fine, just bring your focus back. Have a notebook or your phone nearby to dictate lines, ideas, or dialogue. Hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign to the rest of the word and work deep.

Art

Another Alpha-inducing activity I suggest trying is making a piece of art in solitude.

Think about something you could make that ties to your story. Go to Michaels or Hobby Lobby and browse for inspiration. Then schedule some alone time to unwind with your paints or putty and mull over your story. You’ll be surprised what inspiration strikes–because you’ve gone into a deep Alpha state. (I started practicing this with my second novel. The fun part is whatever I make I usually end up giving away at book events.)

Another idea is to jump on Pinterest to find images thematically tied to your story and simply gaze at them. Allow your mind to quiet and deliver whatever thoughts the artwork evokes. I make visual inspiration boards on Pinterest for every book and often stare at the board when I need to Zen out, get inspired, and let ideas come on their own. (Btw these boards can be made private or public.)

Pre-Sleep Minutes

Take advantage of Alpha and Theta states when they occur naturally. Especially at the end of the day. Spend ten minutes before you turn out the lights to think about what you’re going to write the next day. Sketch out an idea, dialogue, lines, whatever comes to mind. Then turn off the lights but don’t stop thinking, because your intuition will keep delivering thoughts as you drift off to sleep.

Now you’re in a Theta state. If something comes to you, reach out in the dark and scribble it down. Don’t think you’ll remember it in the morning because you may not. Make the effort to write it down. Chances are high any line you get when you drift into sleep will be a powerful one. Practicing this method also ensures the next day when you sit down at the keyboard, you will already have a starting place and material you’re excited about.

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These are just a few suggestions to help you connect your Alpha or Theta states to your writing. The most beneficial thing you can do is make whatever triggers you become an effortless habit. Daydreaming can be a mental aerobic exercise. So just as professional athletes train their bodies, let’s train our brainwaves to become professional daydreamers.

I would love to hear what helps you the most. Please share in the comments below.

Good journey at the keyboard. From my desk to yours. ❤

Gwendolyn