Thinking Left, Writing Right
According to Jungian concepts, most of the Self resides in the unconscious, rather than in the known conscious. In fact, if we were to see the Self as a pyramid, only the tip would be known and conscious, while the remainder of who we are would remain hidden, as beneath an ocean of water. This Shadow is the repository of all our creative urges, archetypes, and potentialities, which are dynamic, moving, changing, and re-configuring in new ways and new combinations, and constantly re-creating who we are. If we want to know who we truly are, it is important to delve into this treasure of potentialities to find both the lead and the gold—the dark and the light. If we wish to become truly known to others, the use of excellent writing skills is a powerful way to convey that information.
Our unconscious Self talks to us all the time, in our dreams, impressions, intuitive hunches, thoughts, and sometimes just from our inner “knowing.” To access this wellspring of creativity, knowledge, and wisdom, we must become aware of those messages. At times, we are aware of the messages, we remember a dream, but can’t understand its message in the symbolic language of the unconscious. Keeping a dream journal is an excellent starting point for writing, as well as understanding our dreams.
Creative writing is one of the most meaningful ways to access this wealth of information for our personal growth and development. By sitting down at the keyboard or with pen and paper and allowing whatever comes to mind to surface, the creative writing journey can begin. Sometimes known as automatic writing, or journaling, the process of putting thoughts and inner wisdom on paper, begins the unfolding process.
Active daydreaming is another path into our inner selves, and can be accomplished quickly and easily. Allowing ourselves to slip into a pre-meditative or relaxed state, clearing the mind, and again allowing our inner knowledge to float up, we can begin writing by building on these thoughts and impressions. Developing these into fully formed ideas, we can begin stream of consciousness writing, allowing mind and thoughts to wander on a journey of creativity. This non-directed brainstorming with the psyche neither judges nor limits what surfaces from the ocean of the unconsciousness, but mindfully records what comes up.
When a writer is able to combine precise grammar skills and writing techniques with creative methods, the end result can be powerful. For the writer producing a paper, book, or article for the public, it is necessary that the message be delivered well. For the individual seeking personal growth and development, it is important to bring those unconscious talents and gifts up, not for the scrutiny of a harsh light, but for basking in the gentle glow of loving introspection, understanding, growth, and transformation.
Transferring thoughts from the mind onto paper is usually the greatest challenge for a writer, but that is only half of the goal. Remember the old grade school adage, “Neatness is half the battle”? Translated into language for the mature writer, this means style, coherency, voice, and format play as important a role as content.
Although fundamentally different from writing for introspection, writing for academic or publication purposes also brings forth emotions from inside us. Essays, theses, dissertations, and even business letters are a result of our thought process. The primary difference between them is that academic and professional writing is open to outside scrutiny. Things like grammar, punctuation, and spelling (that are not important when writing for personal growth) are key elements in producing a good piece of academic writing or business documents. While no one will notice if a word is spelled correctly, rest assured that they will notice if it is not!
The ability to write with accuracy, clarity, conciseness, and what the legendary writer E. B. White called “vigor,” is essential to producing a piece of writing that is easy to read and understand. If these elements are missing, then the message you want to convey does not get across and your writing efforts have been futile. This is not to say that your message is not important, but if people don’t understand what it is you are trying to say, then your ideas may go virtually unnoticed.
Many students ask, “Why do I need to take an English composition course? I already know how to write.” The “rules” of English are easily forgotten if not used on a regular basis. Most of our daily interactions are verbal or written in the form of e-mails, and do not require these rules. There is no need for spelling or punctuation in a verbal conversation, and e-mail, although technically written communication, is considered an informal medium and actually has its own set of rules.
However, if we transfer our thoughts onto paper the way we would verbalize them, the essence of the message can get lost in the translation. There are verbal intonations that cannot be translated into the written word. With the proper writing skills, the point of the message comes through loud and clear.
Whether the goal is that of personal growth, producing an article for publication, or writing an essay for a course assignment, possessing excellent writing skills and creative talents can serve one well. Ultimately, they can offer support in achieving academic, career, and personal aspirations. The bottom line is this: no matter what course of study one chooses, or what career path one follows, the ability to convey thoughts and ideas in writing is essential. Mastering strong writing skills will serve you for a lifetime.
Janice Martin and Misty Waites
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