How to Write with the Voice of Your Soul

The sixth core principle is authenticity. The standard definition of authenticity includes the words real, credible, genuine, original and true which are also positive descriptions of powerful writing.

Yet the true potential is revealed by understanding that authenticity is present when the inner you (the real you) is connected to the outer you (the interface you have with the world) empowering all that you think, say, do … and write!

At its core, authenticity is the voice of your soul.

When you access this deep space of truth, you discover the essence of what you are really here to write and share with the world. This is where your expertise, insights and stories take on a whole new level of meaning and purpose – for you and for your readers.

We all have a unique contribution to make. As writers, we use words to reveal and then to communicate what we already know at some level within ourselves.

Ultimately, the forms we choose for our writing – fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screenplays – are less important than the essence of what those forms convey.

This is especially the case when we feel drawn to making a difference to our readers with our writing. This could be to inspire people to open up to new possibilities, to inform them about what we have learnt and know to be true, or to entertain and lift their spirits through storytelling.

It is through making a commitment to authenticity as a writer that you connect with the heart of what your writing is truly all about. When you access the voice of your soul in this way, your own sense of creative fulfillment is complete and the right words find their way to the page to enable you to share your gifts with your readers.

So here are three ways to dive deeply into authenticity so that you can write with the voice of your soul:

1. Understand that authenticity requires space to show up in the world so begin by exploring the space within. When your mind is constantly full it becomes like an impenetrable membrane that prevents you from reaching the depths of true authenticity and the voice of your soul.

Begin by opening up some space in between your thoughts as gateways through which your awareness can pass into the realms of truth beneath.

One effective way of doing so is to use your breath as a vehicle. Start by closing your eyes, relaxing your body and simply observe the breath flowing in and out.

Then begin to notice the space between the in-breath and the out-breath. Focus your awareness on that space and beyond. Write from there.

2. Make it a priority to create real space in your life to do your writing. One of the genuine challenges facing writers is to find the time and energy to write creatively alongside the other commitments in life.

Understandable though this may be, there is almost always a way to reassess and reorganize your priorities to free up more space for writing.

You can find the time to write if you truly want to. Certainly if you want to write with the voice of your soul, you need to have the space to do so.

This is where a priority list for your life overall is extremely helpful. Ask yourself – what are you prepared to let go of to access the voice of your writer’s soul?

3. Trust the process and support yourself by connecting with others who are doing the same. There are infinite layers to the journey in to the core of authenticity and the capacity to express your signature message – on the page and in the world.

It may take time as well as guidance and support to reach beyond your habitual patterns of thought and behaviour when it comes to writing. Yet learning to trust the process is an important part of the journey.

This is most effectively achieved by surrendering to the creative flow and enjoying the boost which comes from sharing the inevitable ups and downs with other writers and/or professionals who know the path you’re on.