Julia McCutcheon - Conscious Writing: Discover Your True Voice Through Mindfulness and More

Julia McCutchen is an author, intuitive mentor and the founder and creative director of the International Association of Conscious & Creative Writers (IACCW).

Following a successful career as a publisher of spiritual, personal development and lifestyle books (Element and Random House), she experienced a life-changing accident in 1999 that triggered a series of major quantum leaps in her own spiritual awakening. She subsequently left the world of publishing to prioritize exploring the deepest mystery of conscious and creative truth.

Today Julia teaches a holistic approach to all kinds of writing that combines the inner journey of self-realization (conscious) with the practical steps required for authentic self-expression (creativity). She is dedicated to opening the way for people to realize their true nature, and her speciality is to bring deep intuitive insight to guide people to discover their true voice and to express themselves consciously and creatively in the world.

Julia loves working with people at all stages of the creative process, from the early days before any writing has been done right through to guiding experienced writers to shift their work onto new levels of originality and impact. As well as this book, she is the author of The Writers Journey: From Inspiration to Publication. She lives with her husband in Wiltshire near to the beautiful Georgian city of Bath in south-west England.

www.JuliaMcCutchen.com
www.iaccw.com

In most books, the acknowledgements are a sea of unknown names connected by genuine heartfelt gratitude that shines brightly from the authors recognition of the contribution each person has made to their book.

For me, this takes the form first and foremost of inexpressible yet open-hearted honouring of greater awareness as the source of my inner access to conscious and creative inspiration, insights and ideas. Im somewhat in awe of the intensely challenging and richly rewarding process of having written this book from the deepest inside-out space it has been possible for me to inhabit at this time.

The reflection of the whole in the outer world has shown me that Im on track with writing what Im here to write right now, and Im sincerely grateful for the significant contribution that has made to my experience, and hopefully to the end result also.

It may seem strange to acknowledge with full appreciation the conscious and creative portfolio life I now lead that has enabled me to prioritize conscious living and creative expression in all areas of my life, including writing. Yet the reality of years gone by simply wouldnt have allowed such luxuries!

When it comes to thanking the multitude of creative souls Ive had the good fortune to meet and work with over the years, Im indebted to those who have trusted me to guide them through realms far beyond the written word. Individual mentoring clients, members of the International Association of Conscious & Creative Writers (IACCW), participants at live events and Conscious Writing retreats have all contributed more than theyll ever know by reflecting back to me that this approach truly works. The confidence to express my truth via the written word has been boosted immeasurably from witnessing exceptional outcomes.

As for the means by which this book has found its way into your hands, Im genuinely delighted to have had the opportunity to work with the exceptionally talented team at Hay House. Heartfelt thanks to Michelle Pilley and everyone involved for understanding my intentions, believing in the value of this work and seeing it through to completion so expertly. Thank you also to Louise Hay and Reid Tracy for your vision and action to create such a vibrant, cutting-edge independent publishing house, which is totally on the pulse as a respected international curator of content.

My final expression of gratitude is to you for reading this far and remaining open to the possibilities Ive shared within these pages. Without you and your consideration of my conscious and creative vision, the words remain as nothing more than black shapes on the page. The greatest acknowledgement of all will come when you apply the teaching and benefit from the inevitable impact it will have on your writing and in your life. The conscious and creative ripples that will be sent out to the world in the process are worth every second required to make it so. Namaste.

Simply put, presence is timeless awareness beyond the mind.

When we are present, our view of the world arises from our true self and the mystery beyond, and the everyday self serves as our vehicle of expression. We have a perspective that resonates with vastness and shimmers through us like the suns rays pouring through the colours of our individual stained-glass window on a bright summers day. We live the reality of each and every moment and witness thoughts, feelings and reactions without losing ourselves completely in the content of the past or future to which they usually refer. This degree of awareness means that whatever were doing becomes an end in its own right instead of a stepping stone to an anticipated outcome.

Presence is a quality of being that is the essence of who we are and simultaneously greater than our everyday mind can possibly imagine. Its a paradox, and when we accept the limitations of our capacity to pin down exactly what it is, we set ourselves free to approach it without expecting to grasp it intellectually. As a result, we open the way to experience it directly and recognize what is essentially our natural state of being.

• Begin by choosing a single point of focus, such as a flower. Something from the natural world works well. Gaze at it softly with the intention of seeing it in all its glory, using what Henry David Thoreau describes as the unworn sides of the eyes, as if you were seeing it for the very first time. Allow feelings of awe and wonder to ripple through you as its colours, shape, texture and scent reveal the miracle of nature.
• Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and drop your awareness into your body. As you sit completely still, send your awareness down the inside of your body to your feet and, without looking, confirm to yourself that your feet are still there. Feel your feet and notice any sensations that verify their presence. Repeat the process with your legs, pelvic area, torso, hands, arms, neck and head, without spending too long on any one area. Then expand your awareness to include your whole body. With practice, youll be able to feel the energy of life within your entire physical form.
• Retaining this kinaesthetic awareness of your body, open your eyes and return your gaze to the flower. Now imagine taking an internal step back. In your minds eye, perceive the flower as if you were seeing it from the central point between the two hemispheres of your brain, looking out through the lenses of your eyes. This may seem a little strange at first, but with practice your awareness will grow and shifting your perception to this point will become natural. It is from here that a deeper part of you that usually goes unnoticed witnesses the world directly as it is.