Write As Poorly As Possible

I am part of a writing group led by the wonderful Anna Guest-Jelley where we listen to a poem, free write and then read aloud what we wrote. We are encouraged to “write as poorly as possible” to let go of the need to perform. This permission to write from the heart has led to some magical moments. When listening to each person read their writing aloud, there are moments where someone’s writing touches your soul. When a person has spoken their truth so beautifully that it reverberates with the group. It just has perfect pitch.

It is not about the vocabulary or grammar or even the topic they are writing about – it is just the holiness of witnessing something pure. 

Having these experiences as part of my writing group, I have begun to yearn for this type of honesty outside of the group. When I have conversations with friends or clients, I am listening carefully for something real. I am seeking this magic in everyday interactions. When I read books or watch shows, I look for these moments on the page or on the screen. 

In last week’s writing group, Anna selected the poem “And What is True” By Julia Febrenbacher, And I feel like it captured what I am talking about. Here is a piece of the poem below:

I have no interest in the fallow ground of fame or fortune, 

in the daily grind, in glamour or glory, 

in one-up-ing, in being the most or the busiest 

or the best. I’d throw it all away 

for one moment of true.

And what is true?

With AI and social media and political disinformation, the truth is getting harder to find. But we can train ourselves to seek it both within ourselves and outside of ourselves.  We can make space to hear the truth of those around us. And when you are seeking your own truth, remember to “write as poorly as possible.”