My mini experiments in intentionality
Intentionality means doing something on purpose. Lately, I’ve forgotten my creativity, always prioritising "more important" tasks. But I finally asked myself—when will I make time for it? Now, I’m experimenting with intentionality and rituals, like Jami Attenberg’s #1000WordsofSummer, to restart my creative writing. Here’s how it’s going. [12.3.25.]
Intentionality & Slow Productivity
In the rush of life it’s easy to get lost in the busyness.
Recently I’ve felt the longing for simpler times—to just focus on one thing (rather than ten).
In Slow Productivity, Cal Newport advocates for deep focus, prioritising what’s important, and working steadily.
This goes against our need for speed and big wins.
Newport shares how to engage with slow productivity:
Focus on fewer tasks, but do them with high quality
Work at a sustainable pace (to avoid burnout)
Prioritise meaningful work (that aligns with long-term goals)
By committing to deep, deliberate work, we can resist the urge to be busy.
Recently, I’ve been experimenting with intentionality because I need it. Most days I notice my mind race; I multi-task and lose myself in the rush of the day. In the background is anxiety and pressure.
Intentionality is my attempt to live by design and not by default.
Things that ground me are prayer, stretching, and drinking a glass of water and feeling the water go down my throat. This month, I want to get out of my head and into my heart.
1,000 Words a Day: Stream-of-Consciousness Writing
Jami Attenberg’s #1000WordsofSummer challenges writers to commit to 1,000 words daily, inspired by a past tight deadline. It’s a no-judgment, simple approach to writing—focusing on creativity and consistency of showing up each day.
So far, I’ve done it for two days. I feels exhilarating to write stream-of-consciousness style, and then edit later. I like this method because I’m not too self-conscious, asking “are these words any good?”
Most of what I write is not going to be highly evolved, it’s just “getting it out” so I can edit later.
This reminds me of Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages—writing three pages of stream-of-consciousness thoughts first thing in the morning.
The Morning Pages is like a brain dump, clearing emotions and sparking creativity. Writing intentionally can also help process stress and anxiety, bringing self-awareness.
Something I’ve been interested in is Stream-of-Consciousness Writing and Channelled Writing.
2 Types of Automatic Writing
Stream of Consciousness Writing: A natural, free-flowing way of writing that follows your thoughts and feelings without a set structure. It’s spontaneous, authentic, and judgment-free—just for you. Like a mirror to your mind, it captures your emotions and inner world as they are.
Key features: Long, meandering sentences, non-linear structure, repetition and creative use of grammar.
Channelled Writing (Automatic Writing or Spiritual Channelling): The writer lets a higher power create or guide words onto the page. Ideas are sent through from a spiritual or non-conscious source, which are often artistic or creative influences. It can be seen as a form of meditation or spiritual guidance that connects to the subconscious, letting new perspectives spill out and offer deeper guidance.
Key features: Stream-of-consciousness flow (words effortlessly spill out), rapid writing, insightful, writer takes on a trance-like or meditative state, energetic shift (taking on a presence), sharing deep wisdom and guidance.
Why am I interested in experimenting with stream of consciousness writing and channelled (automatic) writing? Because I’m an overthinker. I criticise myself and evaluate my work too harshly. This stops the flow and momentum needed to create a book or larger body of work.
My 1,000-word practice combines Morning Pages (writing freely in the morning) and channeled writing, where I try to let go and just show up.
By "forgetting myself," I mean silencing my inner critic and allowing messy, imperfect writing—just words on a page.
I haven’t intentionally channeled anyone, but I may draw inspiration from authors I admire, like Banana Yoshimoto, Charlotte Brontë, or Sayaka Murata. In non-fiction, I enjoy James Clear, Nedra Glover Tawwab, and Marcus Aurelius, among many others.
8 Thoughts on Intentionality
Go back to Source: Connect to a deeper source of power (God, Consciousness, Energy) that pulls you through any setback. Don’t get swept up in the chaos.
Don’t push through overwhelm—feel it, take a break, and ease into tasks in a kind and compassionate way.
Show up messily —don’t wait for the perfect time. Show up as yourself and know you’ve got this. On tough days be gentle and lean on support, comfort, and inspiration to see you through.
Your inner world is yours to nurture and protect. Take responsibility for your mind, body and soul.
Let anger be: Instead of ignoring or pushing it down, be a witness to it building in the body and eventually dissolving (all emotions pass through).
1,000 words a day is an intentional ritual that builds self-trust.
It’s a process: Just because you miss one day or don’t write as much doesn’t mean you’re a failure (switch black-and-white thinking to neutral thinking, “I’m a failure” > “I’m failing forward and becoming stronger”)
Experiment with different methods like Morning Pages (stream-of-consciousness writing) or Channelled Writing and be open to refreshing creative rituals each week to keep you motivated.