Surrender to Paper Surrender To Life

(available in Dutch and English)

I've always felt a deep sense that I needed to write. However, this knowing remained deeply tucked away within me, sometimes giving it a shot but always getting stuck in the mind. Trying to hard to make it ‘good’ or funny or wise.

Then, one day, my life fell into shambles. Slowly at first and then all at once ;) And I found myself deeper in the unknown than ever before.

I stumbled upon a book about a practice called automatic writing, feeling an undeniable urge to follow the practice. As I began the first page and started writing, a loud bang interrupted me—a dove had hit my window. It lived on and flew away, yet I saw it as a sign and felt compelled to continue writing.
​
Every morning, I'd write three pages without pause. Whenever doubts and overthinking crept in, a message would emerge on the page, much like this one:

[“Write stupid things. Just write, Write in English. Write in Dutch. Write in any language. It’s all about moving the pen. As long as it keeps moving you are a writer. Don’t worry, don’t think, just empty yourself. Keep on writing. Even when you think it's shitty, don't attach to it. It doesn't have to be witty, it just has to be words. It doesn't have to look pretty. It doesn't have to be wise. It's not about you. Don’t make it about you."]

​And one day poems and stories just started flowing out of my pen. And suddenly something was unlocked and my writing came from the heart. And I was sharing my poetry, spoken words and book with the world. And I have been doing this practice for years now every morning. It’s my anchor.

But this practice is not even about writing, or poetry…

This practice is about connecting to something wiser, a force I sense both inside and outside of myself. It makes me feel less alone, held, and more in tune with my intuition.​

And I have been doing this practice for years now every morning. It’s my anchor.

I also guided others through starting this process and once people persist there always comes a point where they can not imagine a life without their pen and paper as their loyal friend.

And I am now creating a very simple, and fun way to learn it (you can choose to listen or read or both). I will share it with the world May 24.

It will be available in Dutch and English.

And if you pre-order before the 24th you can get it for only 27 euros ❤️

I'm fine with being in the unknown.
If I know what’s coming.
And how.

[Preferably also when.]

Picture by Jessica van Driest.