A love for words & finding your writer’s 'zen'
In the pursuit of finding your writer’s 'zen', integrating 4 Japanese mindfulness concepts into your life may not necessarily make you a better writer, but will likely make you a happier (and more productive) one.
What is it about words? How is it that some words are so beautiful they move us to tears, some so uninvited and scary they make us crumble to our knees, and others so vulgar they make us cringe? How about those times when you hear someone use a word that you so fall in love with you want to make it part of your own vocabulary and writing repertoire? There is something about words.
At a simplistic (or reductive 😉) level, words are the building blocks of language. They are also cultural and ethnic differentiators. As ‘influencers,’ words have the power to build, sustain, or destroy relationships; inspiring hearts or breaking them.
Words become stories, magical kingdoms, sonnets, marriage vows and healers. Words can embolden nations to war and gently bring about truces. (The pen being mightier than the sword and all that).
In the realm of content writing and brand marketing, words can connect with audiences, persuading them to take an action - click, like, comment, share, add to cart - or bore them to tears so they keep scrolling.
As a content writer, I love words. There are new words I hear that I want to roll around on my tongue, experiment with in my writing, and make my own. (They're often not the easiest to spell). Words like hegemony, disingenuous, eponymous, ubiquitous, quintessential, ineffable, bucolic, salubrious and ‘fantastical’.
If you’re like my husband, you’ll know - off the top of your head - what these words mean. But if you’re like the rest of us, you’ll have to look them up before trying them out in your next conversation or piece of writing. (BTW, hubby would never use ‘fantastical’ as it’s not a real word. I’ll leave him to take that up with Ramona Quimby).
At this point, however, there's certain sage advice from famous writers whispering warnings in my ear:
I am referring to James J. Kilpatrick, E.B. White, George Eliot and Stephen King:
“Use familiar words - words that your readers will understand, and not words they will have to look up. 🤦🏻♀️No advice is more elementary, and no advice is more difficult to accept. When we feel an impulse to use a marvellously exotic word, let us lie down until the impulse goes away.” -James J. Kilpatrick
“Use the smallest word that does the job.” -E.B. White
“The finest language is mostly made up of simple, unimposing words.” -George Eliot
“Kill your darlings, kill your darlings, even when it breaks your egocentric little scribbler's heart, kill your darlings.” -Stephen King | On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
I'm prepared to concede that this esteemed literary advice should be heeded as a general rule, especially in relation to content creation or copywriting tasks. But sometimes, just sometimes, we can admit that there are exceptions to the rule and settle on the effectiveness of using a big, fancy, irresistible or exotic word. (After all, the entire English language is built on exceptions to the rule).
But I digress from my title.
My love for words is not only relegated to my mother tongue. There are expressive Afrikaans words that I love: ‘vlinder,’ spookasem,’ 'kapokbos' and ‘aspris.’
More recently - in doing some research - I came across some Japanese words that made me pause. (That’s another thing about words: they make you stop and think).
Actually, these newly stumbled-upon words are more than words; they are concepts rooted in ancient wisdom and philosophical mindfulness.
Not only fun to say, they're also instructive and ‘quintessential’ 😉 in your writing journey.
If you're looking to wage war against the frantic pace of life and the relentless demands of post-modern busyness that sabotage your daily writing goals, then these Japanese words could be a profound and welcome source of inspiration; plus the permission to slow down a little.
(Before you think I’m ‘off my rocker’ and having an existential crisis, fear not! Far from suggesting you subscribe to ‘airy-fairy’ ideologies, I am merely proffering practical and reasonable principles that can be reinterpreted and personally redefined to counter the hectic nature of our 21st-century lives).
These 4 Japanese concepts, when loosely interpreted and applied to your writing vision and practices, are gems to grow in self awareness and self management as you strive to balance the urgent and the important with purposeful living that will overflow into your daily writing habits.
#1 The Japanese concept of ‘Ma’ | ‘Just breathe’
The concept of ‘Ma’ is all about the art of creating space for breath. Celebrating negative space, it encourages us to appreciate the beauty found in the pauses, gaps and silences that exist in our lives.
In a world filled with constant noise, 'Ma' encourages us to embrace moments of stillness and reflection by looking at the bigger picture and gaining perspective outside of the distracting details. (A helpful discipline for those of us overthinkers).
The essence of 'Ma' is an awareness of life that is not just about doing but also about being.
It's a reminder that in the space between our actions and thoughts, we need to take a breath.
If one of your daily priorities is to manage your ever-growing to-do list so it doesn't manage you, then simply add the concept of ‘Ma’ to your life (and to the top of your daily to-do list). 😉
Applied to writing, ‘Ma’ is where white spaces make your words and story breathe.
“White space adds drama to a great article by enabling the reader to focus on the words, giving space for the reader to pause, contemplate the story, and return to the action.” -Darren Matthews
There is no better illustration of this than in poetry…
where words are not wasted
and where the pauses
between
phrases
are used to
much
effect;
allowing the poem to ‘breathe’
and leaving ‘space’
for the reader to contemplate the poet’s experience
and the meaning
of
each
word.
(I really couldn’t help myself).
#2 The Japanese concept of ‘Wabi-Sabi’ | Finding beauty in imperfection
‘Wabi-Sabi’ challenges the idea that flawless perfection exists, and the human notion that it can be achieved. Rather, it values imperfection - the simple, the organic and the natural - by honouring the unique character and insight that come with age and experience.
Embracing the concept of ‘Wabi-Sabi’ is a humble awareness and acceptance of transience and impermanence, encouraging us to find beauty in the worn, weathered, imperfect and momentary aspects of life.
Applied to the craft of writing, ‘Wabi-Sabi’ invites us to let go of unrealistic standards and rather accept the authenticity of ourselves, our words and the world around us.
This is a huge relief for those with a penchant (pardon my French) for OCD perfectionist tendencies; those of us who are paralysed with fear and cannot hit the publish button. Those of us who keep re-reading and re-editing a draft in the pursuit of the ‘perfect’ piece of writing.
Real stories, written by real people, will never be perfect.
A point to note: ‘Wabi-Sabi’ is not advocating for mediocrity. Embracing the reality of imperfection does not compromise on excellence. What it does advocate for is that writing with heart and writing with purpose will come pretty close to being ‘perfect.’
#3 The Japanese concept of ‘Ikigai’ | Discovering purpose
'Ikigai' is often translated as ‘a reason for being;’ the sweet spot where passion, vocation, profession, and mission converge. This ancient concept encourages us to find joy and fulfilment in what we do, aligning our actions with our deepest values and desires. (It is at this point that your authentic writer’s voice will emerge).
By exploring the intersection of what we love, what we are good at, what the world needs, and what we can be paid for, we can discover a sense of purpose that brings meaning to our lives.
To reinterpret and summarise ’Ikigai’ into a 21st-century western frame of reference would be to ask yourself the question: ‘What is the reason I get up in the morning?’
As a writer, the opportunity to use your craft and share your words with the world - as a novelist, poet, blogger, freelancer, content creator or copywriter - doesn't need a muse (or ChatGPT). You just need to be motivated by your love for words and the passion and drive to write; everyday.
And according to Ray Bradbury, in his book, Zen in the art of writing, you should “Write with joy. If you're passionate about what you're writing, it will come through in your words and make your writing more powerful.”
It's quite okay if you need coffee first!
#4 The Japanese concept of ‘Shakkei’ | Borrowing from nature
‘Shakkei’ - the art of borrowed scenery - teaches us to appreciate and incorporate the surrounding environment into our own space (and our world of words).
Although you don't have to have a beautiful view or the ‘perfect’ writing spot overbooking the beach, there is something about connecting to the landscape and scenery around you to draw inspiration, be focused and ‘just breathe.’
'Shakkei' challenges the western concept of a lone ranger, individualistic existence, reminding us that we are connected to the broader tapestry of life. By consciously incorporating an appreciation of elements from our surroundings, we can create harmony and balance in our own lives.
For a content writer, this may literally mean going al fresco. (If artists can paint ‘en plein air’ then the art of writing can also do with a little fresh air). But more realistically, it means keeping a biophilic view in mind; the human tendency to interact or be closely associated with nature.
Simply put - and with reference to your craft and writing goals - ‘Shakkai’ is the awareness that access to natural light and the outdoors are necessary to our holistic sense of calm and productivity. (So, adding a plant to your WFH space or moving your desk to the window are probably good ideas).
In the pursuit of finding your writer’s 'zen,' incorporating these Japanese mindfulness concepts into your life may not necessarily make you a better writer, but they will likely make you a happier (and more productive) one.
P.S. In the spirit of Wabi-Sabi,’ I am embracing the unique imperfections of this blog and am hitting the ‘publish’ button. (And for the record, I did ‘kill some of my darlings’ in my re-edits, but possibly not enough).
