Writing As Freedom  

Recently, I picked up Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg—a text that feels less like a writing manual and more like a meditative koan. In it, she reminds us that writing isn’t just about finding the perfect sentence. It’s about showing up to the page with radical honesty and attention. It’s about slowing down enough to actually see what we’re experiencing—and to let it move through us. Goldberg explains how the simple act of writing allows us to disidentify from our thoughts and emotions. We become observers. And in observing, we become free.

This idea struck a chord, especially as I reflected on our recent Philosophy of Now podcast recording with Swami Sarvapriyananda. That evening, after a rich dialogue on service and identity, we distributed journals to the attendees titled My ROOTS Journey. The prompt was simple but profound: reflect on the conversation and write about how the teachings resonate—or challenge—your current path.

The energy in the room shifted. Heads bowed, pens moved. It was as if something deeply personal and sacred was taking place in real time. That moment reminded us that writing can be a spiritual practice—one that returns us to the heart of who we are.

Writing isn’t about performance. It’s about presence.

And in these warm summer months, when many of us are traveling, visiting family, or caught in the rhythm of motion, perhaps it’s the perfect time to pause. To sit by the ocean, under a tree, at a café window—or simply beside our daily lives—and write. Not to capture something final, but to observe what is fleeting. To stay rooted, even as everything moves.

A Guided Writing Practice

As part of our shared journey in Realizing Our Own True Selves, we invite you into a brief writing practice. The image above is where I attempted to write down my contemplations this past week, but truly, the location for this can be whatever is comfortable and feasible. Take 10–15 minutes to sit somewhere quiet, with a pen and paper. It can be anywhere, like a backyard, window, or even your own room. This isn’t about grammar or structure. Just let your thoughts flow.

Guided Prompt:

Allow yourself to free-write in response. If you feel stuck, write “I don’t know” again and again until something else arises. Keep the pen moving. Don’t judge. Just be.

Remember: what you write is not for anyone else. It’s for the part of you that already knows the way home. We hope this practice anchors you in the present, and gently opens space for insight and ease. 

Stay Tuned!

Yes - it was the culmination of Season 4 for our podcast. But, STAY TUNED! Throughout the weeks, we have been releasing previous conversations, video podcasts, and information on upcoming events.

Want to know what our name means? Find out through this beautiful explanation. The ROOTS Movement is founded on Realizing Our Own True Selves. We are grateful for this expression, as it provides a goal and context for our daily practices.

In the past season, we spoke with Sadhviji, George Mumford, & Dayal Gauranga. Truly an honor to spend that much time with teachers and practitioners of this caliber! We are hoping that you can join us in understanding and applying the philosophies of now that the esteemed guests share. Feel free to reach out with questions, notes, and reflections of your own.

In The Philosophy of Now podcast, we speak with thought leaders and innovators to learn about their mantras and perspectives for being present, or what we like to call - their philosophies of now.

We’ve already learned from a diverse range of phenomenal personalities like Sri M, Henry Shukman, Swami Sarvapriyananda, Sid Sriram, Acharya Prashant and Nandita Das.

Join Us On This Journey!

We hope The Philosophy of Now serves to be a unique podcast - one in which the listener feels fully present and truly immersed in the conversation. One in which the guest, interviewer, and listener share a collective learning space.

So let’s begin this journey of contemplation and seeking together! The new season of the Philosophy of Now podcast launched February 11th. Join us weekly for new episodes.