Transcription
The Writing Through the Body Writer’s Block HandbookBanish Writer’s Block Achieve Flow Tell Your Untold StoriesByJohnnie Mazzocco Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
The Writing Through the Body Writer’s Block HandbookBanish Writer’s Block Achieve Flow Tell Your Untold StoriesFirst EditionDark Moon Lilith PressJohnnie Mazzocco Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
Table of ContentsAcknowledgementsiIntroduction / How to Use this HandbookiiChakra OverviewxRoot Chakra1Sacral Chakra2Solar Plexus Chakra3Heart Chakra4Throat Chakra5Third Eye Chakra6Crown Chakra7Bibliography8Chakra / Body Systems Health Issues / Emotions Worksheet9 Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
AcknowledgementsMany thanks to all the writers and creative souls willing toattend my workshops over the years while I experimented andrefined the Writing Through the Body method. Thanks also tothose who will use the method in the future and continue toprovide me with valuable feedback so I can keep refining andperfecting.Love and gratitude to all my faithful followers who havetracked me over the years while I figured out what on earthI was doing with what sounded like a crazy, perplexing idea.I cannot express how much it has meant to me to have youfollowing along with me, believing in me, and supporting me.Sending you love and, as always, mad writing mojo i Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
IntroductionIf you follow me or have heard me talk about the concept of writer’sblock, you know it’s a phenomenon I don’t believe in. I do believeblocks can happen, but I don’t think they’re specific to writing. Ithink we humans can get blocked in many ways, and the consequence ofthat is sometimes that we can’t create.So, what’s the cause of these blockages?According to psychiatrist, Edmund Bergler, it has to do with ouremotions (Konnikova). As someone who has created a writing methodadapted from the ancient chakra system, which is directly connected withour emotional experiences in life, I am not surprised by this.If you have attended one of my Intro to Writing Through the Body classes, you’ve heard me talk about Candace Pert, a pharmacologist andneuroscientist who discovered the opiate receptor, the site in the brainthat binds endorphins and, in short, tells us what to feel (Pert).In an effort to better understand the impact our emotions have on ourhealth, the driving question behind Pert’s research was: Where do ouremotions come from?Pert discovered that the neuropeptide molecules our bodies secrete andtravel to our brains to signal emotional responses originate in the veryspots where the chakras are believed to reside.ii Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
In an interview with Adam Helfer, Founder of Omkara World, Pert said, “Irealized in 1987 that areas along the axis, from the top of the foreheadto the base of the spine, these classical chakra areas corresponded towhat I called ‘nodal points.’ Places where lots of neurotransmitters andneuropeptides were released” (Pert).It stands to reason, then, that if we can name an emotion and locate itsphysical origin, we can begin to unravel and banish internal blocks thatinterfere with our creative output.As I say in my Intro to Writing Through the Body class, this methodworks on both the writing and the writer. My intent while developing itwas to provide a practical method to help writers effectively work withdeeply considered character development. The ancient chakra system isthe perfect vehicle for this endeavor because it walks us through theseven levels of human development. In turn, it takes us to a deeperunderstanding of the human condition. (Please visitwww.writingthroughthebody.com for more information.)On the surface, Writing Through the Body helps the writer in two ways.First, it’s nearly impossible not to have revelations about our ownexistential experience when we’re delving so deeply into our characters’desires, motivations, and behaviors. Second, the meditation portion ofthe method calms the writer’s mind, facilitates focus, and clearslingering thoughts and energy that might be filtering through thewriter’s subconscious, which, as Pert declared, is the body itself.Through more intentional use of the Writing Through the Body methodwith a focus on the Self, writers can realize even more personalbenefits so they can banish blocks, achieve flow, and tell their untoldstories.iii Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
If we embrace and accept Bergler’s theory that blocks, and specifically,writer’s block, arise due to emotions, we can begin to locate andaddress the areas in the body where they are lodged.Each chakra is representative of a stage in our development as a human.It is virtually impossible, even in the best of circumstances, to movesmoothly through every developmental stage without distress to the beingand its systems. For example, we can grow up in a relatively healthynurturing family, yet we can experience moments within that family whenour needs were not met. Not because our parents were bad people butbecause to consistently and perpetually tend to the nurturance of agrowing organism, a human, is virtually impossible. Likewise, we canexperience neglect and trauma outside our family through social andinstitutional systems, for example, that can also stunt or slow a stageof development.Also virtually impossible is the ability to name and process each andevery emotion we felt growing up (much of the time we didn’t have theknowledge to name them) and into adulthood (our daily lives are full ofa multitude of responsibilities).Additionally, the day-to-day environmental and noise pollutions weexperience in the modern world, along with responsibilities and survivalconcerns (for instance, finding and keeping a job, feeding ourselves andour families), the balance of our systems and, therefore, our chakrascan become unbalanced. It’s virtually impossible to address every singleemotion we have at every moment of every day.Of course, sometimes we “collect” emotions in our bodies because weavoid them intentionally. Sometimes, that decision is due to the timelimitations inherent in leading full lives as mentioned above. Otheriv Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
times, it’s because we want to avoid conflict, not upset people or makethem angry, or run the risk of creating wedges in relationships. Andother times, we tell ourselves we’re “over-reacting” or we’re being“silly” for feeling what we feel.Of course, expecting others to be responsible for our emotions is nothelpful, but sharing our feelings with others, letting them know whenand how they’ve harmed us, even if unwittingly, is essential to ouroverall health. As Noam Shpancer writes, “Avoiding a negative emotionbuys you short term gain at the price of long-term pain” (Shpancer).Emotional avoidance harms us in a variety of ways.Shpancer goes on to say that, “Over time, avoidance becomes a prison ”(Shpancer). This “prison” ultimately stifles our ability to expressourselves through words, which, in turn, keeps the emotions bottled upand further prevents our flow of creativity. It becomes a vicious cycle.With these thoughts in mind, then, we can begin to think about our ownchakras and the kind of attention they might need, especially if/when weexperience writing blocks.Enter COVID-19Before COVID-19, life was full. Many of us moved through our days attaxing jobs, managing mountains of homework, working on and in ourbusinesses, and running errands then rushing home to families who neededand deserved our attention. Creating quiet time to reflect and processwas a luxury for most people.Since COVID-19 blew into our lives, many people have found time on theirhands. Some have taken up new creative hobbies, some have returned totheir love for reading, and others have been compelled to honor theimpulse to get their meaningful stories and brilliant ideas onto thepage.v Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
Despite this impulse, I’ve heard from many that they feel blocked.Stuck. Unable to see any forward movement. And it’s no surprise. Layeredon top of the COVID health crisis and all the uncertainty, anxiety, andfear it stirred up, the murder of George Floyd and sadly, so many othersin the BIPOC community, brought about another much-needed and overduewave in awareness and desire for change regarding racial injustice.We are all experiencing an emotional migration, of sorts. None of us isany longer where we were, and we don’t know where we’ll end up or when.Change of this magnitude renders the world we’ve known unstable.It stands to reason, then, that with this kind of deep, collectivechange, we would all be experiencing a menagerie of seemingly countlessemotions.This was the impetus to create this handbook.Why this handbook?I am deeply committed to helping others get their words onto the pageand out into the world because I believe in the power of the writtenword to heal us all. After teaching the Writing Through the Body method, I have witnessed the power it and a deeper understanding of theancient chakra system hold.I’ve created this handbook with love and deep intention to help thosewho want to bravely press forward and achieve a deeper relationship withtheir impulse to write, an impulse I view as our life force.I have focused my efforts with Writing Through the Body aroundcharacter development, always knowing it has more to offer.vi Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
A couple of important notesWriting Through the Body is adapted from the ancient chakra system. I’maware that the translated meaning of the Sanskrit word “chakra” is“wheel” or “disc.” I, however, have always envisioned each of theseenergy centers as three-dimensional spheres or orbs that expand andcontract, like a balloon. So, I refer to them as such. I think of thecondition of each chakra as depleted (less than optimum), full(balanced), and extended (overblown).I am not a therapist. Writing Through the Body is not meant to replacedeep emotional work with a professional. Nor are my thoughts and beliefsmeant to diminish the extent deeply embedded trauma can have on a humanand her/his systems. Deep emotional healing is a life-long process.Writing Through the Body is a tool to encourage further self-awarenessand allow the creative impulse to flow.I say this in all my classes, and I’ll say it here. Understanding thechakra system and relating personal illness and bodily unrest anddysfunction is in no way meant to blame or shame anyone for her or hisillness. I believe the relationship between our emotions and ourphysical health is in the early stages of our understanding.Additionally, when I think about the possibilities of the impact of pastlives and our current level of awareness as a species around ouremotions and our health, I believe our ability to heal ourselves is bothpossible and limited at the same time.For this reason, I hope you will take in the information in thishandbook with curiosity and the intentional desire to move your blocksaside so you can write. Anything more that comes of the exercise will bea gift.vii Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
How to use this handbookThis handbook, first, offers an overview of the seven main chakras,their locations, and their influence on us.Each chapter that follows addresses a chakra and details about itsinfluence on our lived experience. Also included are the body systemsand illness associated with each chakra and remedies to fortify thechakra and bring it back to a balanced state to allow for creative flow.At the end of this handbook, you will find a worksheet set up in matrixformat. The purpose of this worksheet is to help you discern your blocksby way of identifying emotions and their locations in your body and/orthe presentation of some kind of physical dis-ease.I recommend that you read all the content on each chakra first. Then,try one of the following approaches to see what works best for you.Approach #11) Sit quietly and focus in on your emotions. You might note an emotionyou’re feeling in the moment, or you might think of a pervasiveemotion that’s been with you for a while.a. Name your primary emotion. Embrace the emotion and rather thanavoid it or try to suppress it, allow it to grow bigger untilit dissipates. (I learned this cool trick from a therapistyears ago when we focus on “growing” or “blowing up” anemotion, it will dissolve and leave. The theory is that thebody can’t physically hold on to an emotion for more than 10-20minutes, if it’s acknowledged and “grown.” Try it. NOTE: Thisis intended as a momentary emotional experience, with, forinstance, situational anxiety. This is not a solution for moredeep-seated, enduring emotions that require in-depth work witha professional.)viii Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
b. Move on to secondary and tertiary emotions and repeat theprocess.2) Note where each emotion is located in your body. Record them in the“Emotions” column next to the corresponding chakra on your worksheet.(Refer to the “Chakra Overview” page and determine which chakra needsattention, based on the location of where you’re experiencing youremotion.)3) Write the suggestions that resonate with you from the “Remedies toFortify” section for that particular chakra in the correspondingcolumn on the worksheet.Approach #21) Note any and all illnesses or issues you have been experiencing inyour body and/or about your health (physically, emotionally,mentally)—even those that may seem insignificant.2) Locate the corresponding chakra by reading the “Body Systems /Issues” section for each chakra.3) Write the suggestions from the “Remedies to Fortify” section thatresonate with you in the corresponding column on the worksheet.I’d love to hear about how these exercises work for you. Your feedback helpsme keep making this method better. Please contact us athello@johnniemazzocco.com and let us know.And now on to the chakras.ix Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
Chakra OverviewCrown – Top of headSpirituality KnowledgeThird Eye – Forehead, between eyesIntuition ClarityThroat - ThroatVoice WillHeart - ChestForgiveness CompassionSolar Plexus – Just below the sternumAgency ActionSacral – Just below the navelCreativity PartnershipRoot – Tip of tailboneFamily Identityx Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
Root ChakraMantra – I AMPrimary Influence – Identity, family, sense of belonging in the worldSense of Power – Tribal (who I am in relation to my tribe)Color – RedLocation – In front of the tip of the tailboneLesson – Surviving in the material world, learning to value the material as sacredFullStrong sense of self andconnection with bodyConfidenceGood HealthFinancial SecurityDepletedFears around survivaland abandonmentAnxiety, depressionVanity, narcissismPoor boundariesExtendedAnger, impatienceEmotional eatingTiredFear of changeBody Systems / IssuesImmune system, spinal column, feet, bonesAddictions/addictive behavior, anorexia, constipation, colitis, Crohn’s disease,depression, diarrhea, frequency of urination, glaucoma, hemorrhoids, hypertension(high blood pressure), impotence, kidney stones, knee problems, obesity, piles,sciatica, weight gain/weight lossAffirmationsYoga posesPhysicalactivityBe in natureHeal / ResolveMeditateHow to FortifyI am safe. I am cared for. I am financially secure. There is more than enough.Mountain, squat, warrior, goddess, and child’s poseStand or walk barefoot on dirt, sand, or grass. Stretch. Dance. Drum.Hike and take the beauty of your environment. Garden.Family of origin issues.Sit or lie quietly and imagine a red expanding andcontracting orb at the base of your spine.1 Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
Sacral ChakraMantra – I FEELPrimary Influence – Abundance, creativity, spirituality, sexuality, sensuality,pleasure, and well-beingSense of Power – Partnership (who I am in relation to another)Color – OrangeLocation – Two inches below the navelLesson – The peace and wisdom of accepting that the individual cannot be in controlFullSelf-worth withoutvalidationAdaptable / FlexibleConfident creativeexpressionHealthy psychologicalboundariesDepletedFear of loss of bodyJealousy / AngerLack of creativityPessimism / DepressionExtendedAnxietyCo-dependencyTight muscles / stomachcrampsExcessive emotionalresponsesBody Systems / IssuesHips, lower abdomen and back, large intestine, pelvis, sexual organs, hip area,bladder, kidneys, appendix, bodily fluidsEndometriosis, fertility issues, fibroids, irritable bowel syndrome, kidneyissues, menstrual problems, muscle cramps and spasms, ovarian cysts, pre-menstrualsyndrome, prostatic disease, testicular disease, uterine fibroids, womb issuesAffirmationsYoga posesReconnect w/waterSelf-careMeditationRemedies to FortifyCreativity flows through me. I deserve to experiencepleasure. I feel safe to express myself sexually. Iembrace change. I attract loving people.Bound angle, squat, goddess, and happy babySwim. Sit near a stream, river, or the ocean. Take abath. Do Watsu.Ample sleep. Clean foods. Express emotions. Acupuncture. Celibacy.Sit or lie quietly and imagine an orange expanding andcontracting orb an inch below your navel.2 Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
Solar Plexus ChakraMantra – I ACTPrimary Influence – Agency, instinctsSense of Power – Personal power (freedom of choice through self-esteem and personalidentity)Color – YellowLocation – Directly below the sternum, over the stomachLesson – Balance between taking control and letting go, strength gained bychallengesFullSelf-esteem, self-respectCourage to take risksAbility to deal with crisisAbility to make thingshappenDepletedFears of rejection /criticismBody image issuesLack of confidenceHelplessness,indecisivenessExtendedNeed to be in controlJudgmental / criticalStubborn / inflexibleAngry, aggressiveBody Systems / IssuesPancreas, stomach, liver, small intestine, digestion, blood sugar, eyes, feetAnorexia, allergies (food), bulimia, Celiac’s disease, diabetes, diarrhea,digestive problems, gall stones, heartburn, hepatitis, indigestion, irritablebowel syndrome, liver disease, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, stomach problems,ulcersAffirmationsYogaHeal and restoreClasses andhobbiesHumaninteractionsMeditationRemedies to FortifyI am motivated. I am in control of how I respond. I amcapable. I create positive change in my life. I learnfrom my mistakes.Sun salutations, warrior pose, boat pose.Address past traumas. Talk therapy. Energy healing.Accepting support from loved ones.Acting / improv. Cycling. Sports. Balance between leadership position and solitude.Sit or lie quietly and imagine a yellow expanding andcontracting orb just below your sternum.3 Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
Heart ChakraMantra – I LOVEPrimary Influence – Love, forgiveness, compassion, and trustSense of Power – Emotional, remembering the good in life and in people, unityColor – GreenLocation – ChestLesson – How to forgive and act out of love, especially to oneselfFullForgiveness, compassionCourage to take emotionalrisksAbility to be inclusiveTaking responsibility forone’s lifeDepletedWithdrawn, isolatingLacking empathy,unforgivingCritical of self andothersDifficulty t of emotional selfcareIdentity crisisWeak or no personalboundariesBody Systems / IssuesHeart and circulatory system, ribs, breasts, thymus gland, lungs, shoulders, arms,hands, diaphragmAllergies, high blood pressure, breast cancer, circulation, fatigue, heartdisease, immune disorders, lungsAffirmationsYoga ivitiesMeditationRemedies to FortifyI deserve and welcome love. I forgive others and myself. I attract love. I create loving, healthy relationships. My heart is free.Bridge, camel, upward facing dogSmile at people. Move past grudges. Avoid criticism. Compliment people. Be kind.Massage. Shaman or therapist. Embrace silence. Gratitude. Surrender and trust.Walking in nature. Dancing. Play of any kind. Sit or lie quietly and imagine a green expanding andcontracting orb in your chest.4 Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
Throat ChakraMantra – I SPEAKPrimary Influence – Speaking one’s highest truth, self-expression, livingcreativelySense of Power – Willpower (ability to communicate creatively and with integrity)Color – IndigoLocation – ThroatLesson – Recognizing free will and self-expression in oneself and others andaccepting it with love and compassionFullHigh self-awareness, speaksone’s truthConfidence in decisionsContent in the momentDepletedFear of speaking one’struthUncertain about one’s needsFeelings of insecurityBelief in love and courageReliance of others’opinionsExtendedGossipingArrogance / RudenessUnable to hear others’opinionsExclusivityBody Systems / IssuesThroat, thyroid, trachea, esophagus, parathyroid, hypothalamus, neck vertebrae,mouth, jaw, teethChronic neck pain, thyroid issues, asthma, bronchitis, ear infections, hearingproblems, loss of voice, mouth ulcers, sore throats, tinnitus, tonsillitis, mouthulcers, upper digestive tract issuesAffirmationsYoga posesFocus on thebreathUse the voice /throatBody-focusedactivitiesMeditationRemedies to FortifyI speak my truth with confidence. I listen with compassionand empathy. I set clear boundaries.Cat-cow, fish pose, shoulder stand, camel, plow, lion’sbreath.Deep breathing, counted rhythmic breathing, 4/7/8 breathing:inhale through nose for 4, hold for 7, exhale completelythrough mouth for 8.Sing. Gargle. Hum. Public speaking. Stop usingsarcasm.Tai chi. Qi gong. Spinal alignment. Cranio-sacraltherapy. Fasting. Hydration.Sit or lie quietly and imagine a blue expanding andcontracting orb in your throat.5 Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
Third Eye ChakraMantra – I SEEPrimary Influence – Ability to distill wisdom from life experience, clarity aboutwhat is best for your highest good and joySense of Power – Mind PowerColor – PurpleLocation – Lower forehead, between the eyesLesson – Discerning the difference between truth and illusionFullStrong intellectuallyDepletedFears one’s shadow sideOpen to wonder and livingcreativelyPushing oneselfphysically, mentally,and emotionallyFear of the unknownCreating unrealisticexpectations foroneselfEmotional intelligenceReceive inspiration based oninner wisdomExtendedJudgmental / OverlyAnalyticalMental fog and/oroverwhelmAnxietyExcessive daydreaming /Lack of clarityBody Systems / IssuesBrain and neurological system, pituitary and pineal glands, eyes, ears, noseBlindness, brain tumor, cataracts, catarrh, deafness, dyslexia, insomnia, longsightedness, migraine, short-sightedness, sinus problems, tension headaches,visual defectsAffirmationsYoga ationRemedies to FortifyI have a strong inner guidance system. I trust myintuition. I am connected to and follow my spiritual truth. I think calm thoughts.Camel, dolphin, locust, child’s pose, wide-legged forwardbend.Walk while focusing on body’s movements. Martial art. Liedown on the earth and feel its rhythm. Chant. Daydream / imagine. Hot bath or hot tub soak. Solitude. Watch or read positive stories.Sit or lie quietly and imagine an indigo expanding andcontracting orb in the center of your forehead.6 Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
Crown ChakraMantra – I KNOWPrimary Influence – Ability to conceive of and create spiritual context for lifeexperiences, which leads to resiliency and blissSense of Power – Spiritual Power and UnderstandingColor – VioletLocation – Top of the headLesson – To live in Divine union with universal energiesFullMystical and intuitiveconnectionsPractice of personallychosen spiritual beliefsystemPositive attitude /GratitudeAwareness that all humansare divineDepletedSpiritual crisisExtendedLack of empathy for others‘Holier-than-thou’attitudeSense of superiority /ElitismDissociation / MentalfogInability to let go ofpast regretsApathyDisconnected from one’sbody and earth concernsBody Systems / IssuesHead, brain, central nervous system, muscular system, skinDepression, dizziness, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, paralysis, Parkinson’sDisease, schizophrenia, senile dementiaAffirmationsYoga iesMeditationRemedies to FortifyI have a strong connection to divine universal energies. Iam connected to and receive guidance from my higher self. Iam an extension and integral part of the universe.Tree pose, lotus, half-lotus, savasana.Fast. Sweat lodge. Soak up the sun. Mind-focusedactivities like puzzles.Solitude. Setting intentions, writing them down. Selfreflection.Sit or lie quietly and imagine a purple expanding andcontracting orb on the top of your head.7 Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
BibliographyKonnikova, Maria, “How to Beat Writer’s Block,” The New Yorker, March 11,2016, how-to-beatwriters-block.Pert, Candace, Molecules of Emotion (New York: Scribner, 2003).Pert, Candace, “Chakra Talk.” By Adam Helfer, 2011. Available on Amazon.Shpancer, Noam, “Emotional Acceptance: Why Feeling Bad is Good,” PsychologyToday, September 8, bad-is-good8 Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
Writing Through the Body Writer’s Block Handbook WorksheetChakra / Emotions / Body Systems Health Issues MatrixChakraEmotionBody Systems / Health IssuesRemedies to FortifyRootSacralSolar PlexusHeartThroatThird EyeCrown Johnnie Mazzocco, LLC 2020
the method calms the writer's mind, facilitates focus, and clears lingering thoughts and energy that might be filtering through the writer's subconscious, which, as Pert declared, is the body itself. Through more intentional use of the Writing Through the Body method with a focus on the Self, writers can realize even more personal
