Freewriting is a tool we often use to help the women “calm down” before learning. As we learned in the Women, Violence, and Adult Education project, freewriting is what learners need to do before they can engage in the complex cognitive tasks required of them each day at school. Freewriting consists of sustained writing for a set amount of time. It entails that the writer not pick up her pen for the entire duration of the exercise. If her mind strays, then she will simply follow it, because eventually she will arrive back at her topic or go to the direction where she perhaps should have been. The unique effect of freewriting is that it calms the mind, but it also makes it more attentive to one’s own voice. She becomes in touch with herself, therefore allowing her to understand and make connection with others at the same time.
Furthermore, writing is an uninhibited exploration of the self. Freewriting requires one to be a reflexive thinker, while simultaneously freeing the mind and bringing subconscious thoughts to the surface. As the learner centers her thoughts and reflects on her spirit, the four parts of her “self” are brought to equilibrium, much like if she were to practice mindfulness meditation. Since meditation requires a certain comfort level, then writing is a more accessible activity for learners because they can choose whether or not to share it with the group. The beauty of freewriting is that it is an exercise that does not necessitate proper grammar, punctuation, or spelling. This is especially important for the women in our program given that these aspects of writing are the most challenging and are often the cause of writer’s block..