Off the Page: Featuring Celia O. Hilson
"I literally feel the alchemy that occurs when I engage in a daily writing practice."
For over two decades, I have supported writers as an editor, publicist, and mindfulness-based book coach at various publishing houses, universities, corporations, and organizations. Through this journey, I’ve discovered that the quality of a writing life extends far beyond merely putting words on a page. It encompasses all the activities we engage in when we’re not writing. This insight inspired me to create Off the Page: Conversations About Writing as a Practice, where I feature writers sharing their diverse routines—from yoga and meditation to walking, reading, and even Olympic weightlifting. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to writing, and there are as many ways to forge a writing life as there are humans on the planet.
This week, I’m thrilled to spotlight Celia O. Hilson, a mindfulness based Narrative Therapist I deeply admire. I’m thrilled to coteach with her at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health Jan 24-26 learn more <here>.
ABOUT: Celia O. Hilson is a Narrative Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Individual, Couple & Family Therapy. as well as a Master's in Social Justice Education. Her professional experiences include 25+ years as a teacher, group facilitator, social justice educator, and multicultural coach. Her client base has included diverse populations including those from marginalized communities, traditional and non-traditional individuals & family systems. Learn more: https://uncageyoursage.com/
Lisa Weinert (LW): How is writing a healing practice?
Celia Hilson (CH): I have been a Morning Pages practitioner for many years now. Free association writing allows me to e-mote (move my feelings up and out) onto the page. The page won't judge me for spelling or punctuation. I also call it “dumping”. It is healing because it allows me to have a kind of soul-to-soul communication with my inner self as well as those I love. I literally feel the alchemy that occurs when I engage in a daily writing practice.
LW: What role does movement play in your writing life? Do you return to any somatic practices, mindfulness exercises, or other rituals before or after you write?
CH: For some reason, instrumental jazz is soothing to me when I write. I think because the colors and history of jazz is connected to important aspects of my childhood. I usually meditate after I write and then I do a short practice of Yin Yoga. I love the stillness and pose holding of yin. The feeling of being connected to my tissues and muscles as I meld my body… feels like I’m also connected to the womb of my ancestral mothers. It’s difficult to explain, but there you have it.
LW: What role does meditation play in your creative life?
CH: Meditation plays a role of peace & surrender in my creative life. It calms me. It’s where I allow myself to be in a deeper relationship to my breath, my awareness and my intuition. I find that I am able to curate beautiful rituals, more meaningful relationships, and much clearer thinking patterns.
LW: Where do you find inspiration?
CH: I find inspiration most when I am inside of and creating connections in my community.
LW: How has sharing your work changed your life?
CH: Great question! Sharing my work of storytelling and creating spaces for others to share their testimony and finding their wisdom. This kind of work has changed my life because I am able to witness the profound impact that can result from “mining” one's own wisdom; how it can change lives.
LW: What writers have influenced you the most?
CH: Maya Anglou, Toni Morrison, Iyanla Vanzant, Deepak Chopra, Micheal A. Singer, Katherine Woodward Thomas, Micheal B. Beckwith, Michelle Cassandra Johnson.. Many Spiritual, world thought leaders and fiction and non-fiction writers
LW: What book are you excited to read next?
CH Continuing to read Finding Refuge by Michelle Cassandra Johnson
LW: Is there anything else you’d like us to know?
CH: Thank you Lisa, for this opportunity to share my inner world with your audience!