Writing Life Project: Knowing and Deepening Yourself Through Writing

K.N.
[Why did you decide to participate in the Writing Life Project?]
I am not good at writing.
And I am also not good at revealing my feelings to others.
I have always been running a campaign to not let my weaknesses remain weaknesses, and I felt that if I didn't do it at this timing, I never would. Also, I felt like I understood my own feelings but didn't really, and I wanted to discover my true self through writing.

[What left an impression on you during the Writing Life Project?]
I was surprised that just writing could lead to so many realizations.
The realizations that I usually let slip by in daily life were brought to the surface instead of flowing away.
I feel that this, as a result, leads to self-trust.

[What is the biggest change that occurred after participating in the Writing Life Project?]
It feels like my mind has been organized.
I always felt like my head was spinning, but
by writing, I was able to calmly express things
and organize them. I don't have much planning ability, but
with the addition of the fourth week's daily practice, I became able to make a schedule and work on things calmly.

[Who would you recommend the Writing Life Project to?]
People whose minds are noisy.
People who think they don't have time.
People who want to try treating themselves with care.

[Please share your thoughts on the Writing Life Project!]
I was able to spend the beginning of my day with care,
and I feel it is having a positive influence on my daily life afterward.
While writing, I can notice my own discomfort and face it,
so I think I have become able to notice things that I couldn't see before.

[Please share your thoughts and a message for the facilitator!]
I wanted to take this specifically because it was Mio-san.
It's not that just anyone would do. I have an image of Mio-san as being very neutral and looking at things in a balanced way.
I have a strong reaction to the keyword 'shame'.
Because of that, I think I am not good at expressing myself.
However, while working on the assignments this time, those emotions didn't arise.
That is because Mio-san was holding the group firmly.
It is because you trusted the individual's process.
My judgment was not wrong! ^^
Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity!!

T.K.
[Why did you decide to participate in the Writing Life Project?]
Because I felt that this is what I need right now!

[What left an impression on you during the Writing Life Project?]
The act of just writing!
And the fact that I could have what I wrote read by someone and receive a reply.
Things that come out smoothly when writing,
things that don't progress even when I try to write,
the time it takes to get started writing,
and even when I can write, the tendency I observed—that I don't write because I have something I want to write, but rather that things come to mind once I start writing—was something I could observe as a fixed-point observation, which was impressive.

[What is the biggest change that occurred after participating in the Writing Life Project?]
I want to write in a notebook, and I feel that writing in a notebook is necessary for me, but even though I would start on my own, I couldn't keep it up. However, for now, I have managed to continue writing.

[Who would you recommend the Writing Life Project to?]
People who are circling around the idea of 'writing'.
People who are not good at starting or continuing things on their own.

[Please share your thoughts on the Writing Life Project!]
It was truly interesting and fun.
It takes me time to start writing, and like this survey, there were times I missed deadlines or couldn't write things, but on the other hand, I often felt the desire to do more assignments!
I was able to spend a mysterious and precious time.
Thanks to this course, I can savor and feel the time I spent more deeply. Thank you!

[Please share your thoughts and a message for the facilitator!]
Mio-san, thank you as always.
I was helped so many times by your facilitation, which stays close to me at a distance where my heart feels safe.
I am full of gratitude and feel so reassured that there is someone watching over my feelings when I feel down, or the thoughts and feelings that come up while working on the assignments.
I am so happy that you created a continuation course!
I look forward to continuing to work with you!

Ms. S.M.
[Why did you decide to participate in the Writing Life Project?]
I have always loved the writing of Mio-san, and I had a desire to start something new.
Since it was a challenge in writing, which I am not good at, I decided to participate.

[What left the biggest impression on you during the Writing Life Project?]
The number of weekend assignments (laughs) and Mio-san's feedback on them.
I really struggled with the final assignment, to the point where it even appeared in my dreams.
Mio-san's feedback was always so warm, and I felt a great sense of security knowing that my words were being received so carefully.
Every time I received it, I would read it and cry (laughs).

[What is the biggest change that occurred after participating in the Writing Life Project?]
I have become more trusting of myself, and my affection for myself has increased.

[Who would you recommend the Writing Life Project to?]
People who are prepared to decide their own lives rather than leaving them to others.
People who are not good at writing.

[Please share your thoughts on the Writing Life Project!]
I don't think I have ever focused on writing for this long before.
The reason I was able to continue until the end was not just because of myself, but because of the presence of others working on the same assignments and Mio-san's encouragement.
As I let my hand move freely, I was surprised to find past emotions I thought I had forgotten, or I realized I was unconsciously trying to write well even though no one would see it, or I was writing the same things over and over; it was interesting to observe myself.


[Please share your thoughts and a message for the facilitator!]I looked forward to Mio-san's feedback every time.
There were words that made me gasp, as if she were saying, 'Yes, you dropped this important thing of yours,' and words that felt like a warm hug; I was moved every time I received them, thinking how amazing Mio-san's words are.
If you have met someone, you can feel their personality through their voice, atmosphere, or facial expressions, but this was a valuable experience where I felt that even just through written words, that can be conveyed, and that writing is truly amazing.

I love the words Mio-san weaves so, so much.
Thank you very much for these 30 days!

Ms. K.K.
[Why did you decide to participate in the Writing Life Project?]It was a project launched by Mio-san, and I wanted to do something about myself, as I had been wanting to write for years but couldn't quite get started. That said, the start date coincided with my busy season at work, so I didn't think I could submit everything, but the existence of a 'Light Plan' encouraged me to participate.

[What left the biggest impression on you during the Writing Life Project?]
I realized once again that there is nothing you cannot do. For this, I woke up early every morning and wrote three pages of A5 size, but I never once felt that writing was painful. I was also surprised to find that I had so much inside me that I wanted to write out and vent.

[What is the biggest change that occurred after participating in the Writing Life Project?]When I started late, I was in a very negative mode due to work-related frustrations, but as I wrote, I felt refreshed and was able to surface, and continuing every morning led to confidence, making my actions feel lighter.

[Who would you recommend the Writing Life Project to?]
People who struggle to convey or vent their frustrations and irritations to others. People who want to build confidence. People who like to write.

[Please share your thoughts on the Writing Life Project!]
I am really glad I was able to participate at this timing. Thanks to this, I have become much more comfortable with posting on social media.

[Please share your thoughts and a message for the facilitator!]
Ever since I took Turi Saito's Miroku Power Workshop, I have believed that anything Mio-san recommends is guaranteed to be good, so I participated this time as well!! And once again, it did not disappoint.

Ms. J.I.
[Why did you decide to participate in the Writing Life Project?]
There were two reasons: because it was Mio-san's project, and because it was about 'writing.'
I have been exposed to the writing of Mio Samejima through her newsletters and blog for a long time and have been captivated by it, so when she called for participants for a project about 'writing,' I felt like I could learn the secrets of how she uses the power of words like magic.
Even if I start a blog, it doesn't last long, but writing things down in my life has always held great significance. 'Writing' has always taught me many things, and I have written various things in dozens of notebooks. As I am in a time where I and the world are changing, I wanted to engage with 'writing' in a new way by participating in this project.

[What left the biggest impression on you during the Writing Life Project?]
The strange temperature of it being a completely personal endeavor, even though there are other members participating at the same time with no contact. The changes in myself that arise from the seemingly trivial act of writing in a notebook every day.
The expansion of 'writing' itself and of myself, which far exceeds the purpose of participating in the project or the results I wanted to achieve! It sounds exaggerated, but we, and life, are wonderful!!

[What is the biggest change that occurred after participating in the Writing Life Project?]
My sense of trust in myself has increased.
I have become able to see myself from the outside.
Conversations with my partner have increased.
I have become prepared to continue living with myself.
I have become able to enjoy the simple, steady work without rushing.
I was able to take action on several things I had been meaning to do but hadn't executed.

[Who would you recommend the Writing Life Project to?]
People who want to move their lives forward with their own power, not someone else's.
People who are not good at writing.
People who want to create time to focus on themselves.
People who want to become something but don't know what they should do or what they like.

[Please share your thoughts on the Writing Life Project]
A painful, fun, and surprising 30 days.
'Continuing to write' is continuing to face 'yourself.' It is continuing to listen to that voice, continuing to stare into that darkness, and knowing and fulfilling those wishes. While I regretted starting it lightly, I say to myself who made that decision: good job, well done. Everything that welled up from within me during the weekend assignments is my treasure, something I could not have obtained if I hadn't participated and asked myself serious questions. This dialogue doesn't end here, but I am grateful that I was able to start it with this project.

[Please share your thoughts and a message for the facilitator]
I feel like the people who participate in this project are like insects drawn to light, instinctively attracted to what Mio-san puts out!
Am I wrong? I am like that, at least...
So, I was really looking forward to the feedback on the assignments, and I was so happy! 'What a luxury!' I thought, and read it over and over again.
Like a landscape with colors, like something with wind and temperature, a new work by Mio-san! And one just for me! Wonderful!
It felt like you were shining a sparkling light on what I had released.
Thank you very much!

H.I.
[Why did you decide to participate in the Writing Life Project?]I saw the announcement on Facebook and thought, 'Wow, that sounds interesting!' for a split second. Then, after a mental struggle of 'No, no, no... that's not for me...', I decided to follow my first impression.

[What left an impression on you during the Writing Life Project?]
The 30 days where I realized I was just going around in circles. I felt like I was about to turn into butter! Even though I could write anything, show it to no one, or even turn it into a notebook of curses, I was struck by the realization that I still wasn't being honest with myself. I thought I would be able to write more easily, and although I didn't write anything particularly significant, it was quite a painful process. Still, writing is fun, isn't it?

[What is the biggest change that occurred after participating in the Writing Life Project?]Change! I don't feel any major changes, and I lack the sensitivity to notice small ones. I'm slow at everything, so it took time to write three pages, and the days and weeks flew by, making me feel the finiteness of time. I keep wasting both words and time. I've started to become a little more conscious of time. And I've started to think that I need to face what lies one step deeper than superficial words and emotions, sometimes without looking away (though I haven't quite managed to face it yet).

[Who would you recommend the Writing Life Project to?]
To those like me who tend to spend their days vaguely and sluggishly. To those who find it difficult to keep going on their own. Why not give it a try?

[Please share your thoughts on the Writing Life Project!]
It was harder than I thought, and I was looking for some kind of effect or benefit, but I didn't feel any surprisingly dramatic changes. Of course, I imagine there are people who experienced major transformations, but since my pace is always leisurely, I'm content to let it soak in gradually. I still have a tendency to envy others, but I've become more aware of 'knowing enough' and my own capacity. I wonder if that letter is having an effect. Of course, I don't mind my vessel growing larger, so I want to enjoy life at my own pace while still being jealous of others. (Wait, you're still jealous?!)

[Please share your thoughts and a message for the facilitator]
Mio-san, thank you for your warm words every single time. Creativity. It still doesn't quite click for me, but if a glimpse of it can be seen in that letter, then I think writing is a way for me to express creativity without straining. But it's super embarrassing. It gets all poetic. Mio-san's posts on Facebook and note, the feedback text, and the atmosphere when meeting in person are all different (though this isn't limited to Mio-san, everyone is like that). When I think about the multifaceted nature of what makes up a person, and even the parts that aren't visible on the surface, I think humans are lovable. Since it's just my own imagination, I don't know the truth and it's scary, but still.

Reading your article about 'waiting to be chosen,' I remembered that when I was paired up at that study session and was chosen early on, I felt terribly embarrassed, thinking you were just being considerate of me. If I had been left until the end, I would have definitely been depressed about not being chosen. Either way, I'm stuck with my own troublesome nature of harboring conflicts. While doing the assignments and writing my impressions, this self-deprecation keeps turning into a reflection session. Since I'm in a good mood today, I want to wrap that up with the sparkly word that I love myself too, and nurture my self-love. So, in conclusion? I was happy to have various things pointed out to me through the text you wrote, and to have you accompany me on this journey. Writing that amount of feedback for 13 people is truly amazing! Thank you very much.

M.K.
[Why did you decide to participate in the Writing Life Project?]I was drawn to participate by the character of the organizer. I learned the details of the content only after receiving an email once the project started. Looking back now, I think I was lucky to be able to start this project without asking too many questions.

[What left an impression on you during the Writing Life Project?]
There were assignment submissions on the weekends, and the replies to those were what left the biggest impression and memory. So, even after submitting my assignments, I secretly looked forward to waiting for the replies, wondering what kind of response I would get.

[What is the biggest change that occurred after participating in the Writing Life Project?]I don't know why, but I've become even closer with my wife. This is a change that happened after participating in the Writing Life Project. As for other easy-to-understand changes, I suppose it's that it has become easier to put my thoughts into words and convey them.

[Who would you recommend the Writing Life Project to?]
I would recommend it to everyone who thinks it sounds fun. Even if you think 'I don't want to do it!' at first, you might get hooked once you start, but if you think 'That sounds fun!' from the beginning, then by all means!

[Please share your thoughts on the Writing Life Project!]
It was fun, and the 30 days flew by. Looking back, I can't say I did it perfectly, but I feel like that was fine in its own way. That's how I feel right now. I don't recall anything particularly flashy happening, but I feel calm and quiet, and I think, 'That was interesting.' The fun this time was the fun of getting to know myself and the fun of the Writing Life Project itself. There were times when the fun of getting to know myself was painful, and there were indeed times during the 30 days when I felt it was painful. Even so, I think I continued because of the fun of the Writing Life Project itself. Although it's all a personal activity, it was fun because having a listener made it easier to talk, like a slightly long chat.

[Please share your thoughts and a message for the facilitator]
I could feel your enthusiasm from every word you sent, which was great. I had heard that you liked 'words,' but I learned that you truly love them with your whole heart and soul. The 30 days with someone who loves words and has found the joy of writing were a period where I was able to be more sincere toward words and toward myself. I am happy that you provided an opportunity like this. Thank you. I just remembered, but I think becoming more attentive to the words in daily life is a happy change and realization. So I also felt a sense of crisis. Words are free, which is why they are interesting, but also scary. I was able to reflect on the fact that I hadn't been very conscious of how I use words in my daily life, and had been almost indifferent to them. Thank you for making me want to love the words that overflow in daily life more. It was fun.

M.N.
[Why did you decide to participate in the Writing Life Project?]It was the perfect timing, as if it were waiting for my birthday, presented to me like, 'This is what you're going to do from now on!' An easy-to-understand sign. Plus, it was 'Phase 0.' Reset -> Next
That was the flow, after all.

[What left an impression on you during the Writing Life Project?]
While facing a major turning point in my life, the 'words I couldn't deliver' that I had tried to close off within myself were returned to me through Mio-san's feedback, along with the relief of those words finding the optimal recipient waiting for them. And the remaining period from here on will likely be a process of making friends with the recipient within me.

[What is the biggest change that occurred after participating in the Writing Life Project?]Right now, I am carefully watching over the seeds I have started to sow. I don't know what the fragrance of the fruit that will ripen through this project will be like, but I face it every day and pour the right amount of water on it. I'm sure beautiful flowers will bloom.

[Who would you recommend the Writing Life Project to?]
To you who found out about this, and to the partner you love. I definitely recommend it to those who often use spiritual workshop guru talk in general conversation.

[Please share your thoughts on the Writing Life Project]
Mio-san, I've wanted you to do something like this for a long time! For me, this is destiny, as it's a time in my life where I'm experiencing significant changes, marked by repeating numbers. Ah, ah, de-de-de, destiny!

[Please share your thoughts and a message for the facilitator!]
Please let me continue to support you as one of my heart's mentors!
Please walk your path, Mio-san!!
Give me an autograph on the back cover!!

Mr./Ms. R.O.
[Why did you decide to participate in the Writing Life Project?]
Because I wanted to make writing in my notebook fun, even if I had to force it.

[What left an impression on you during the Writing Life Project?]
The final ○○○○. (Editor's note: This is a company secret lol)
This might just be a reflection, but I sent this without reviewing it myself. That's because I was afraid I might want to rewrite everything.
But this was the first time I truly wrote a cheer for myself.

[What is the biggest change that occurred after participating in the Writing Life Project?]
I feel like my thoughts and such have become clearer. Maybe I've gained some confidence.

[Who would you recommend the Writing Life Project to?]
People who are feeling lost.
I feel like it helps you organize your inner self (I wonder if it did for me).
Also, you might be able to come up with your own answers. Instead of having someone else provide them for you. I missed adding that to my reflection..

[Please share your thoughts and a message for the facilitator]
Thank you so much for such a wonderful opportunity.
It has an intimacy that is rare, almost like we are exchanging a diary, which is nice.
I look forward to another month with you.

Q. It says there are daily "writing assignments," but is it okay to take a break when I'm not feeling well or don't have time?

Q. Is there a capacity limit?

Q. Are there any requirements for participating?

Q. What are the payment methods?

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