Writing is a path into self-discovery and awareness of hidden parts of our being. By putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, we move our thoughts outside of our mind. By creating this distance, we can detach from our patterns and clearly see the self we think we are. On the paper or screen, we can process all that we have experienced – both the good and the bad - and ultimately move beyond it.
We encourage all students to write because it is a powerful action that is cathartic to the process of self-discovery. One of the most direct ways to learn about yourself and your relationship to and understanding of the world is through writing. Because personal journals are intended for no audience, except the author, we are free to write whatever is on our mind and in our heart without fear of any critic.
Another aspect of the Writing Path is to create an access point into the moments of power we experience. We write in detail about our epiphanies, about our adventures with our spiritual friends, and about profound moments in our life. By writing about these experiences, we store the power of them in our journals. Later, when we may need a boost or a reminder of Light, we can read our journal and access the power of these saved moments.
The Writing Path begins with writing simply for the sake of writing. These words are private and personal, not meant for any eyes but our own. As we grow and develop, we become ready to go a bit further. We begin to see the universality of our words, and how they may inspire another.
Shared writings push the writer to another level, and for this reason we ask students to publish their words. In order to allow people to share their writing, we created Thunderbird Journal, a magazine that members receive on the Summer and Winter Soltices. Thunderbird Journal is a gift from Dharma Center, not only to members, but also for authors.
We invite you to write an article, or to polish a piece of your journal, for the purpose of sharing. While work from students at Dharma Center will be given first priority, we welcome submissions from all writers for consideration.
To learn more, visit the Thunderbird Journal page.