In my last post, I wrote about 3 ways writing can be an integral part of your spiritual path—or even the path itself. I wrote about writing as meditation, writing as prayer (even for the agnostics among us), and writing as questioning. Today, I’m going to suggest 3 more ways writing can be your spiritual path.
Writing Gratitude
One of the chief functions of traditional worship is to offer thanks. Although most established religions view gratitude as something to give a gracious and compassionate deity, you can express gratitude even if you do not believe in or are uncertain about the existence of a higher power. You can be grateful to the Source of all things. You can be grateful to the Universe. You can be just plain grateful.
Writing about the blessings in our lives can make our gratitude distinct and concrete. It turns our consciousness away from the things we don’t have toward the things we do. It makes us aware of the bounty of the Universe, and reminds us not to take for granted the gifts of our everyday lives.
Gratitude is inspirational. How many poems have been written from simple, sheer joy for the beauty all around us? How many plays and novels have explored that beauty?
Writing for Comfort
Traditional religious paths also provide comfort, especially when times are difficult. The term “succour” doesn’t seem to be used much these days, but for me, it captures the sense of ease and support worshippers gain from their religious communities and practices.
Writing also offers succour:
- It helps us make sense of misfortune.
- It reminds us that all things are transitory, including the grief and pain we are currently in.
- It gives us a platform for mourning.
- It enables us to commune with others who are experiencing similar difficulties.
- It empowers us to keep going.
- It provides a space in which to heal.
Writing as Good Works
Whether it is Christian charity, Buddhist compassion, the Hindu practice of dana, or the Islamic practice of zakat, devoting time and material resources to good works is essential to traditional and non-traditional spirituality.
I have found that even the most spiritually oriented of writers seldom think of their work as a way to do good in the world. Yet, it is one of the most powerful things we can do to help others.
Journalism is the most obvious way to bring the world’s attention to social justice issues, but it isn’t the only way. Thousands of works of fiction and poetry have exposed injustices and made readers aware of the need for change. Even a modest poem or story can help shift the ways people look at the world.
But what if you don’t write works aimed at changing the world? What if you’re the author of action-packed thrillers or raunchy comedy or light-hearted fluff pieces for popular blogs? Does that count as doing “good work”? I’m going to argue that it can, in the same way that a smile or kind word can.
If you have ever gotten over a hard day by digging into a good read, or forgotten your pain for awhile when you laughed out loud at a hilarious post, or found reading calming, soothing, and entertaining—and everyone reading this has—then you know how even the lightest, least serious writing can bring comfort and joy. Bringing aid to others—that’s the very definition of “good works.” And isn’t that what writers are doing, in some way, every day?