The Lost Art of Writing: Reconnecting with Ourselves Through Words
Written by Editor-in-Chief Lori Brown
In an era of instant communication and fast-moving digital content, writing—true, heartfelt, intentional writing—has become a rare and cherished practice. We live in a world where thoughts are shared in fleeting captions, emotions condensed into emojis, and long-form expressions are traded for the brevity of texts and tweets. But what if we could pause, take a breath, and rediscover the lost art of writing? Not writing for an audience or performance, but for something deeper: a connection with ourselves and with God. A friend once said to me, as I expressed my love for writing and how I was focusing on it more, ‘People don’t know how to write anymore—that’s why it’s so valuable,’ and that really struck me. That simple truth made me realize that in a world of fleeting words, writing with intention—whether to process emotions or seek divine connection—holds immeasurable value.
Ernest Hemingway
“Forget your personal tragedy. We are all bitched from the start and you especially have to hurt like hell before you can write seriously. But when you get the damned hurt use it—don't cheat with it. Be as faithful to it as a scientist—but don't think anything is of any importance because it happens to you or anyone belonging to you.”
Letter to Scott Fitzgerald, dated 28 May 1934
Hemingway On Safari: American writer Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) working at a portable table while on a big game hunt in Kenya, September 1952. (Photo by Earl Theisen/Getty Images)
Journaling: A Path to Self-Discovery
At its core, writing—especially journaling—is an intimate dialogue between the soul and the self. When we put pen to paper, something magical happens. The act of writing becomes a bridge, connecting the conscious mind with the subconscious, helping us explore thoughts and feelings we may not even know exist. Journaling isn’t just about recording daily events; it’s about understanding the "why" behind our emotions and actions.
Through journaling, we discover patterns in our lives, moments of joy, and areas of struggle. We find gratitude in small details we might have overlooked. In essence, it becomes a practice of self-discovery, a personal roadmap to growth, peace, and healing.
Writing as a Spiritual Practice
Beyond self-reflection, writing can be a way of communing with God or the divine. Just as prayer brings us closer to a higher power, writing allows us to connect on a different level. It offers a space for contemplation, for laying bare our hearts and seeking guidance, understanding, or even forgiveness. In those quiet moments when the world fades and it's just you, your thoughts, and the words flowing through, writing becomes an act of faith—a form of surrender where we trust the process and embrace the unknown.
Journaling or writing is not about perfection or crafting beautiful prose. It’s about opening ourselves up to vulnerability, expressing fears, doubts, hopes, and desires. And in doing so, we might just feel an undeniable connection, a sense of peace, or even answers to the questions that have long troubled us.
The Release of Both the Beautiful and the Heavy
Writing also has a unique way of giving shape to emotions we otherwise struggle to express. The beauty of writing lies in its ability to release both the joy and the weight we carry within us. Whether it’s capturing a moment of awe, like a sunrise that takes your breath away, or confronting grief, heartache, or anger—writing provides a safe haven.
When we put our feelings on paper, we release them from the confines of our mind. Writing becomes both a catharsis and a form of liberation. The page becomes a witness to our triumphs and our wounds. By facing our inner worlds through words, we can heal, grow, and ultimately find clarity.
A Return to Wonderment
Writing invites us back into a state of wonderment. It’s a reminder that words hold power. They shape our lives, our stories, and how we connect with others and ourselves. Through writing, we not only record our present but also explore our dreams, crafting a vision for the future. The act of writing allows us to pause, to see the beauty in simplicity, and to rediscover our own capacity for hope and creation.
In a world that moves so fast, returning to the lost art of writing is an act of rebellion against the noise. It is a way to reclaim your voice, your emotions, and your sense of purpose.
Last Thoughts
I have been writing and journaling for as long as I can remember, inspired by writers like Sylvia Plath, Allen Ginsberg, Ernest Hemingway, and Joan Didion. From the truths of J.K. Rowling to the triumphs of F. Scott Fitzgerald, I once believed there was no “real” money in writing or journalism—that you had to write a book to make it, if that was even an option. I was a puppet to my own mind, but I soon learned there are many ways to build a successful and profitable career in writing. The key is identifying the right niche or market where your skills are in demand, and never stopping until you discover what that is. From freelance writing to editing, content creation to ghostwriting, writing poetry to writing a book, the sky’s the limit. What a time to be alive and explore these opportunities—you never know, you might just journal your way into finding your purpose.