A few years ago, one of us read about the idea of morning pages: writing three pages by hand each morning, without stopping or editing. We were skeptical. Three pages seemed like a lot, and we did not consider ourselves writers. But we tried it, and slowly it became one of the most valuable parts of our day.
What morning pages are
It is very simple. When you wake up, before looking at your phone, you sit down with a notebook and write whatever comes into your head. It does not have to make sense. You can write about your worries, your plans, a dream, what you will cook for dinner. The only rule is to keep the pen moving.
Why it helps
Writing first thing clears the mental clutter before the day begins. Thoughts that would otherwise loop in the background get onto the page, and we find we start our morning lighter. It is also a surprisingly good way to notice what is really on your mind.
Our setup
- We make coffee first, and drink it slowly while we write.
- The notebook and pen stay on the table so we do not have to look for them.
- We write in different corners of the house, so there are no distractions.
- Afterwards, we share one small thing we noticed, or nothing at all.
Do not edit, do not reread
The pages are not for anyone to read, including yourself. Do not try to make them good, and do not feel obliged to look back at them. Some mornings we write complete nonsense. Others, a useful idea appears.
If three pages feels like too much
Begin with one page, or even half a page. The aim is consistency rather than volume. Once the habit is established, you may naturally write more.
What has changed
We are calmer in the mornings, and we are more aware of our thoughts and moods. We make decisions more clearly, and we notice small joys that might have slipped past. The coffee tastes better, too.
If you would like to start something gentle in your mornings, find a notebook, make a cup of coffee, and begin.
