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River Writing

Aerial view of a meandering river surrounded by forest.

By Heidi Hunter, www.untilnow.ca and www.runswithscissors.ca

I developed this writing practice to help ease into the process of journaling. It’s an open invitation to start putting thoughts and memories onto a page without the pressure of going too deep, too fast.

Why is this tool helpful after a workplace tragedy?

River Writing is a powerful journaling technique that promotes emotional healing and self-discovery. After a workplace tragedy, it can provide a safe and supportive outlet for processing grief, finding clarity, and gaining inner strength. The gentle flow of writing helps to release pent-up emotions and offers a path toward acceptance and healing.

How can I get started?

  1. Find a Quiet Space: Choose a peaceful spot where you can write without interruptions. Comfort is key.
  2. Draw Your River: On a blank page, draw a meandering line that represents a river. This symbolizes the flow of your thoughts.
  3. Write Along the Banks: Along the drawn river, begin listing gerunds (action words ending in “-ing”). Let the words flow naturally. Examples include “flowing,” “healing,” “reflecting.”
  4. Let Go of Expectations: Allow your thoughts to wander freely. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Embrace whatever comes up.
  5. Create Tributaries: As you reflect and reread your gerunds, notice the words that speak to you. Draw a wavy line from each significant word and write a few ‘placeholder words’ along this new “tributary.” These represent the seeds of memory.
  6. Themes and Variations: You can do river writing about a person, a place, or a time in life. Tune into the theme and list all the “-ing” words that come to you.
  7. Reflect: After filling the banks with words, take a moment to read them. Notice any patterns or themes that emerge.
  8. Revisit: Return to your river writing whenever you need to process emotions or find clarity. It’s a continuous journey.

Free Resources

  • The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron: A classic guide to creative self-discovery.
  • Writing Down Your Soul by Janet Conner: A deep dive into the practice of reflective journaling.
  • Healing Through Words by Rupi Kaur: Healing Through Words is a guided tour on the journey back to the self, a cathartic and mindful exploration through writing.
  • Writing the Mind Alive: The Proprioceptive Method for Finding Your Authentic Voice by Linda Trichter Metcalf Ph.D