Writing the Mind Alive: The Proprioceptive Method for Finding Your Authentic Voice

by Linda Trichter Metcalf, Tobin Simon

Discover the revolutionary writing practice that can transform your life!

In 1976, Linda Trichter Metcalf, then a university English professor, sat down with pen and paper and intuitively started a self-guided writing practice that helped to bring herself into focus and clarify her life as never before. She and a colleague, Tobin Simon, introduced this original method into their classrooms. They experienced such solid response from their students that, for the last twenty-five years, they have devoted themselves to teaching what has now become the respected practice of Proprioceptive Writing®–in workshops, secondary and elementary schools, and college psychology and writing classes around the country, among them the New School University.

“Proprioception” comes from the Latin proprius , meaning “one’s own,” and this writing method helps synthesize emotion and imagination, generating authentic insight and catharsis. Proprioceptive Writing® is not formal writing, nor is it automatic or stream-of-consciousness writing. Requiring a regular, disciplined practice in a quiet environment, the method uses several aids to deepen attention and free the writer Baroque music, a candle, a pad, and a pen. Presenting Proprioceptive Writing® in book form for the first time, Writing the Mind Alive shows how you, too, can use it to
• Focus awareness, dissolve inhibitions, and build self-trust
• Unburden your mind and resolve emotional conflicts
• Connect more deeply with your spiritual self
• Write and speak with strength and clarity
• Enhance the benefits of psychotherapy
• Awaken your senses and emotions
• Liberate your creative energies

Featuring actual “writes” by students of all ages, Writing the Mind Alive is a catalyst for mental and emotional aliveness that can truly enrich the rest of your life.

Genres: Writing, Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Journaling, Reference

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2002

Reviews

[Elliot A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me overcome my perpetual and anxiety-inducing writer's block.

It was well written and provided a step-by-step guide to implementing a daily writing routine with explanations that made sense and motivated the reader to keep trying.

I used their writing exercise in my research and based a term paper on the book's fundamental premise.

I highly recommend it to anyone plagued by writer's block, anxiety and stress, plus anyone else interested in the writing for personal development.

ElliotScribbles

[Sophia Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

The claim of Proprioceptive Writing is that it enables you to require the habit of attention. You learn to define and redefine the words you use. “You get particular, you get careful, you make more demands on your language to say what you really mean.” This is certainly been my experience, to-date. I have begun to hear myself and to trust myself. Many people have described the process as a form of meditation and I concur.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many years ago, I took a weeklong course with Natalie Goldberg of Writing Down the Bones fame at a zendo in New Mexico. It was a great experience, learning to freewrite in energetic ten minute bursts. Over time, though, I’ve found that I can be quite gifted at freewriting superficially, never quite getting to the core of an emotion or event. I’m yearning for a ‘writer as conduit’ experience. It looks like proprioceptive may be exactly what I need. This book explains the process clearly and with lots of examples. It’s not difficult, according to the authors, although it may take a few times before you learn to reflect on your thoughts. I’ll be trying it out starting next week and, if it’s as powerful as it looks like it might be, I’ll be back to change my 4 star rating to 5.

[Emma Sea · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Three Rules: (write for 25 minutes with a candle and music)
1. Write what you hear--imagine your thoughts as spoken words.
2. Listen to what you write--hear your thoughts
3 Be ready to ask the Proprioceptive Question (PQ): "What do I mean by________?" (whatever word, phrase or expression that catches your attention) Inquire into its psychological or emotional sense.

The Four Concluding Questions:
1. What thoughts were heard but not written?
2. How or what do I feel now?
3. What larger story is the Write part of?
4. What ideas came up for future Writes?

[C.J. Maughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly, this was an excellent book. I originally picked it up at the library thinking it would be sort of dumb, probably a lot of spiritual mumbo jumbo, reach towards the inner spiritual light type crap. So I put it right back on the shelf. But I went back for it. I don't really know why, probably because I'm a sucker for books at the library.

In any case, it actually had some incredibly insightful information. The premise of it is a writing technique used to loosen up the mind BEFORE delving into your writing practice for the day (whether that's fictional writing, non-fiction, academic, journalism, blog writing, whatever. It all applies). Anyone familiar with these types of books usually know how they go. Very structured, very detailed, think about the wants of your characters, the direction of your story, etc.

Boring.

But this book was the exact opposite. It focused on FEELINGS rather than direction. The book describes how to do a daily 25 minute writing session.

1-Put on some type of classical music. The book suggests Baroque music. I've found I really enjoy a little more modern, such as Yo Yo Ma, but it's not important. It just needs to be something that will drown out enough of your thoughts to just let you write, but nothing that will distract you. Something that you'll forget is on in the background entirely.

2- Write. Just write. Start wherever. Write about how much you hate the music. How annoying it is that you're even doing this exercise. How weird it feels. Are you sane in the head? (All questions I wrote on my first write).

3-Begin probing certain words. For example, with the above questions, I underlined the meaning of sane. What do I mean by the word sane? You then write your feelings about that word.

I.E. What do I mean by the word sane? Well, honestly, I feel sort of weird doing this type of exercise. What do I mean by the word weird? Do other writers need to do these things? Am I just perpetually stuck with having bad ideas? What do I mean by bad? Nothing interesting enough to write about in my daily fictional writings. I've been stuck for months. I sit at my computer all day and stare at a blank page. I feel like all my good ideas have flown out the window. What do I mean by good?

Etc. Etc. Etc.

You can see how easily these trains of thoughts, these probing questions, lead to you examining your internal feelings and your internal monologue that goes on inside of your head all day long. You don't need to question every word, just when the word seems sort of vague and you know there's more meaning behind it than you are letting on.

It's all about being honest with yourself. No one ever has to read these writings. I've started making this 25 minute session the very first thing I do in the morning and it has opened up huge possibilities for new writing avenues that I had previously thought had closed. New short stories are coming to mind, I'm understanding why I do certain things I do, grievances about the past are slowly being resolved. My mind feels less like a hive of angry bees and, instead, more calm.

I highly recommend even reading just the first two chapters of the book and testing it out in your own life.

What's the worst that could happen?

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book in it's entirety to prepare to begin the process of proprioceptive writing and eagerly look forward to beginning. I found the book easy to understand and follow the concepts and believe it will be useful to me as I work to find my own voice in my writing as well as to help me unearth parts of my past that I would like to explore and better understand.
I would recommend this book to any writer or anyone struggling with the feeling of being stalled in the pursuits for their life goals.

[Thewritingmommy]

this book could change everyone's writing life if they would read it and practice the techniques within. i recommend it to anyone who wants to journal, get in touch with their inner selves, or write more prolifically and honestly.

[Jane Penland Hoover]

A writing practice to support my life and to offer to others. You will be rewarded reading and following this writing practice.

[D.J. Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent writing book. I checked it out of the library on the recommendation of a former English professor, and I'm going to end up buying my own copy. I had mentioned I was using The Artist's Way (also on the recommendation of two other friends), and this professor preferred Writing the Mind Alive. I like both writing books. I think they offer two avenues into writing. One is meandering with gorgeous scenery: flowery, encouraging, quotable, colorful, (I like to say "charismatic") -- The Artist's Way. The other, this one, Writing the Mind Alive, is more direct, simple, minimalist: filled with clarity (I like to say "contemplative"). Both have good ideas / concepts that get into my head, and I need both approaches.

[Jocelyn Paige Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Proprioceptive Method of writing isn't for everyone, but this book helps you explore the benefits of this very disciplined self-guided writing practices.

This method of writing will help you with developing your intuition, discipline and expanding your mind to imaginative thoughts and inspiration. You'll also be able to write more mindfully and gain a self-awareness that you can carry with you throughout the day.

For those looking for a meditative writing practice or gaining more discipline, I strong recommend this method.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book details the practice of Proprioceptive Writing, which is an exciting method of self-exploration. I am in the process of training to teach PW. Also recommended are PW workshops, which are held at various places in the country, including Kripalu in Massachusetts. For more info, see www.pwriting.org.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little book about how to do proprioceptive writing (self-discovery, sharpen writing skills).

[Brianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent writing method that has truly caused my mind to come alive as I have followed the book's suggestions and learned from the explanations that are shared about this writing method.

[Jenifer Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST BUY! I think I'll be reading this book again and again. Read in 2009.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every home would benefit from having a copy

I don't think I can truly do justice to what this book provides. I have decades of many varietals of spiritual studies, practices and devotions. (Hinduism, Zen, Non-Dualism/Advaita, Byron Katie, A Course in Miracles) I have lived in a spiritual community & visited ashrams. I have been journaling for decades , write poetry & exploring a calling to be a writer.

That last one, embarking on being a full-fledged writer, is how I heard of Proprioceptive Writing. A comment on a YT channel, Film Courage. I am grateful for having seen that.

The material validates what I have been experiencing going on within myself for a number of months now. It has been intensifying and to be able to read in a book the process which is ongoing within me is indeed grace beyond words could say.

I begin my PW journey today & will continue it for three months as prescribed by these wise teachers. Maybe I will still be a professional writer as a result but what is certain is this Homecoming to my Self.

My profound gratitude & love to the authors.

[Dan Charnas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It would seem to be a very productive technique for self-analysis and self-improvement. To paraphrase a quote from the book, it's helpful to be able to see (on paper) what you're thinking and feeling.
The technique goes beyond journaling in that you're asked to listen to your thoughts in a quiet, solitary setting and to jot them down. I would call it heeding your own "subtexts".
For example, if I'm thinking about an upcoming holiday dinner, there are lots of subtexts about the people who will attend, their relationships to me and to the others who'll be there, past experiences, etc. If I were to write that I was concerned whether so-and-so would get into arguments with so-and-so about politics, a proprioceptive tool that I would use to explore my feelings in more depth would be to ask, "What do I mean by concerned?"
Easy reading, not a lot of psychological jargon, and engaging examples for guidance.

[Ajti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The method seems pretty helpful and useful. I started doing it as soon as I read the instructions, before I’d even finished the book. The book is laid out clearly and explained in detail, simplistic though the method is. Reading the examples from other students is very helpful. The book does go on about a quarter too long in my opinion and I definitely began skimming at some point. I would also say I would have preferred her entire chapter on spirituality be left out, but then that’s what skimming is for, and honestly it isn’t necessary to even skim it if you just want to start using the writing technique for yourself. Also I started with baroque but I hate baroque so switched to relaxing things I do like, like Tibetan bells and it stills works, so personally I encourage experimentation.

[Riri]

It's hard to rate this book because I think its usefulness depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for a new lens to view journaling or meditation, this might be a good one to pick up. The main difference between the Proprioceptive method and others is the emphasis on focusing and reflecting on your thoughts, not avoiding them. I did appreciate the rationale and scientific backing that accompanied the methods and anecdotes because it gave it a little more weight to the theory. Looking forward to maybe trying this out in the future.

[Rachael Maier · Rating 2 out of 5]

Painful. This book was only 179 pages and took me 4.5 months to finish. That said, the practice itself is wonderful; it just doesn’t need a whole book to describe it. In the meantime, I completed a 6-week Proprioceptive Writing course led by an instructor who has been practicing for over 30 years. I learned way more in the practice of it than I did reading about it. And it was much more enjoyable. Do yourself a favor and read an article about the method and then book a course to help build the practice. You’ll get much more out of it than dragging your way through this unnecessary book.

[Sal Leggio · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent method on the proprioceptive writing technique of journalling, hot to do it, and how to use it in your life.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seems a transformative book. Starting the practice immediately.

[Ericka B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three for the writing, four for the practice.

[Jessi Waugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This reminds me of every yoga awareness book, like untethered soul, taking it to the next level by being aware of your own thoughts and then actually writing them down.

[Cora · Rating 5 out of 5]

near and dear to my heart❤️

[Turiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great read! really quick and digestible. I have taken up journaling so far and plan to grow into formal proprioceptive writing. either way it has improved my journaling quality. I hope to better my writing journaling, creative, and academic. But that will take some time. But def give it a read.

[Betty Cheng · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting topic that deserves more inspired writing. The writing itself is very clear and workmanlike. The authors are confident and believe strongly in the method but their attitude comes across as a touch smug and somewhat insular. Given the links to meditation, psychology, etc..., I think the literature in the field deserves more mention. This lack of perspective lead to kind of a "dull and flat" presentation, lacking in rich connectivity to the community.

The proprioceptive writes are structured as a cross between meditation and therapy or counseling session with yourself on paper. Like mediation, it seeks to heighten awareness of yourself, your senses, your thoughts and feelings with acceptance. Like therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, it captures feelings, thoughts, the underlying emotional logic and may identify triggers for certain responses.

The purpose is somewhat wider than therapy: the intent is to capture a picture of your thoughts, emotions and reactions to whatever topic you choose. Later chapters teach the methodology and describes specific benefits: stronger awareness of identity, higher confidence writing, greater emotional openness. It is a DYI approach, although the blurb gave no indication. The authors also teach workshops.

I look forward to trying the writing exercises. Given the similarity between this approach and meditation and therapy which I found beneficial and enlightening, this should be a productive method.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read book about a great technique. Lots of examples in the text. Proprioceptive referrs to the awareness we have of our bodies in relatonship to space. It's how we know where our hands and feet are without looking. This writing exercise helps you know where your thoughts are in relationship to yourself. The way it works is you write your thoughts as if you are hearing them, like a voice speaking. As you write, you interview the voice of your thoughts by asking the question "What do I mean by ______" when a phrase or word seems to have significance. (You have to write that part down, too.) You practice doing this every day for 25 minutes while listening to Baroque music. You start with three deep breaths and lighting a candle after turning on the music and then you start writing. When you're done, you ask yourself four questions: 1-What thoughts were heard but not written? 2-How do I feel now? 3-What bigger story is this write a part of? 4-Did I get any ideas for future writes? You're also supposed to read the final product out loud to yourself. And one more rule - no editing. This is just a writing exercise and isn't intended to be literature, but it will give you ideas for stories if you write and help you be more descriptive, etc. It also helps you become self-aware.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Proprioceptive writing is a method of inquiry, not unlike Peter Elbow's Freewriting, in which the writer "writes what they hear" pausing periodically to probe a little further with a question, "What do I mean by . . . ?" Again, this is similar to Elbow's Kernel thought, the only difference being that the writer interrupts the flow of the write to dig a little deeper, whereas in the case of freewriting, the writer seeks the kernel thought at the end of the write. Perhaps the most valuable piece is the reflection at the end inspired by four questions (I wont give them away), each of which elicits a deeper understanding of "what is heard" and puts it in a larger context. Overall this was a good book (if a bit dated), and I would recommend it to people seeking personal insight and growth.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing the Mind Alive is a guidebook to learning the proprioceptive method of writing and would appeal to anyone interested in starting the practice of therapeutic writing. The techniques presented are similar to meditation, and are meant to guide the writer to listen and explore his or her inner thoughts. The book explains the method clearly, and goes on to explain the many benefits that can be incurred from its regular practice. Using this method of writing was a requirement for a class I took and although proprioceptive writing did help some with self-reflection, I don't feel it delivered to the degree that the writers of this book suggested it would.