FIRST THOUGHTS

The basic unit of writing practice is the timed exercise. You may time yourself for ten minutes, twenty minutes, or an hour. It's up to you.

Keep your hand moving. (Don't pause to reread the line you have just written. That's stalling and trying to get control of what you're saying.)

1. Don't cross out. (That is editing as you write. Even if you write something you didn't mean to write, leave it.)
2. Don't worry about spelling, punctuation, grammar. (don't even care about staying within the margins and lines on the page.)
3. Lose control.
4. Don't think. Don't get logical.
5. Go for the jugular. (If something comes up in your writing that is scary or naked, dive right into it. It probably has lots of energy.)

First thoughts have tremendous energy. It is the way the mind first flashes on something.

First thoughts are also unencumbered by ego, by that mechanism in us that tries to be in control, tries to prove the world is permanent and solid, enduring and logical. The world is not permanent, is ever-changing and full of human suffering. So if you express something egoless, it is also full of energy because it is expressing the truth of the way things are.

You must be a great warrior when you contact first thoughts and write from them. especially at the beginning you may feel great emotions and energy that will sweep you away, but you don't stop writing. You continue to use your pen and record the details of your life and penetrate into the heart of them.

Why else are first thoughts so energizing? Because they have to do with freshness and inspiration. Inspiration means "breathing in." Breathing in God.

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