Writing, for me, can sometimes act as a psychological and spiritually cathartic, as well as healing, experience; unsurprisingly, I am not the only one.
Many writers have described how writing helped them to rejuvenate and heal. The two accounts that have struck me most are of Jerome David Salinger, whose most well-known work is Catcher in the Rye, as well as the forever-celebrated poet, singer and activist, Maya Angelou.
J.D Salinger
Although Salinger is widely known for his reclusive behavior after Catcher in the Rye became a best-selling phenomenon, it is also widely spread that this novel is what got him through his time as a soldier in the second World War.
“The mark of the immature man is that he wants die nobly for a cause, while the mark of a mature man is that he lives humbly for one.” – J.D Salinger
Maya Angelou
One of Maya Angelou’s most famous quotes is, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.”
This, to me, indicates that Angelou understood the healing power of writing one’s story, be it through poetry, fiction or autobiographies. I think most would agree that Angelou’s prose perhaps not only helped her come to terms with her past, but also helped many others heal, especially black women.
“Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet.” – Maya Angelou
Writing therapy and coaching
It seems that the idea of writing and healing go beyond the anecdotal experiences of writers. Just type ‘writing coach’ or ‘writing therapy’ on Google and you’re bound to find a plethora of offerings.
As writers, we tend to forget how powerful our words are. It is important to remember whilst struggling behind your laptop or notepad, that your scribblings have the ability to profoundly touch and soothe the psyche of the reader.
If you’re still not convinced, I’ll let Maya Angelou do the talking…
Dayna Remus
