Writing is also continuous movement. An essay written freely is like a walk. A stance such as flights of consciousness could be used to experience jiyu shukyo in brief intervals. A larger writing practice inspired by jiyu shukyo could also involve reading a wide and diverse material, walking in the wilderness of the mind, exploring new areas and fields of thought, exploring new genres, adopting a poetics where language is used for self-liberation and liberation of others.
Are there points of convergence between jiyu shukyo and Pat Schneider’s work?
A group for spiritual writing
- non-sectarian
- non-denominational
- advocates free religion
- genre neutral
- Concentric circle model for sharing
- Centerless center
- Nonhierarchical
- beginner friendly
For writing to become a subsistent spiritual practice it has two do two things for me:
- It has to help me get through with life.
- It has to help me satisfy my need to be seen and to help others get through with life.
Writing for myself
- fragmented
- Writing as archive
- Writing as therapy
Writing for others
- requires craft
- tends to be more whole
How to use writing as a spiritual practice?
- Use it to practice faith: trust the images that come forth
- Use it to practice care: writing as archiving (taking care of the words)
- Use it to go deep within yourself
- Use it to practice faith on others
Natalie Goldberg’s zen teacher once ask her, why do you need meditation if you have writing?