A simple, short post today, as I have written about writing rituals a good deal already. Over time, I have really come to believe that a short, consistent writing ritual is one of the key ingredients to a consistent (habituated), healthy (cognitively benign, appropriate length, ending on the downhill,) writing session (and therefore, writing life, as we only have one session at a time). Of course, many writers/scholars get by without them. However, if you have struggled with consistent writing you may wish to really take a ritual seriously.
There are three central issues to consider when developing your writing ritual--meaning, mindset and entry points. Developing a ritual that has personal and or social meaning to you helps you create a sense of purpose to your writing outside of the dictates of demands and expectations. A short meditation or mindfulness practice, and/or self talk to counter the destructive narratives that you may currently hold, allow writing to be cognitively benign at least, and dog forbid, joyful (it is possible, really). Finally, a clear entry point at the end of your ritual, the exact place where you start (page, paragraph and even sentence), helps you avoid the dreaded paralysis by analysis that can too easily occur when you start considering where to begin.
Oh, and make certain your writing ritual is short--certainly under five minutes.
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