(Minghui.org) I am not a good speaker, but I can write, and can usually compose articles quickly. I ran into the obstacle, however, of not knowing what to write or how to write it as I prepared an article for the online experience sharing conference hosted by the Minghui website.
It was because I had set a rule for myself, that the article must not to show myself off, and the writing process must be a process of cultivation and elimination of attachments.
I composed a few paragraphs quickly at first, but when I read them, I found that they were merely praising myself. So I put the pen down.
I studied the Fa and adjusted myself before picking up the pen again. However, after rewriting the beginning, I noticed that I was still looking outward to cover my attachments.
For example, I wrote, “I looked inward and found that I had many human notions,” but these paragraphs seemed to be describing how a fellow practitioner behaved in an extreme way (in my opinion).
It seemed that I was still secretly praising myself by comparing myself to others. So I put the pen down again.
The third time I started writing, I began writing what I had done well by listing many examples.
Praising myself again? I had to stop for a third time. I read the Fa and asked Master to strengthen my righteous thoughts so I could compose an article that would help me cultivate myself and encourage readers at the same time.
By that time, I understood what other practitioners were referring to when they said they didn't know how to write an experience sharing article.
I picked up the pen for a fourth time and insisted that I would not pick at others' faults to show off how well I understood the Fa.
Finally, I wrote an article of about 3000 words. But I still sensed that it was missing something important.
Just at that time a fellow practitioner who had completed a sharing article asked me to review it for her.
She had written more than 7000 words. The title was plain and candid, and the entire article contained only plain language without even a subtitle. But it held my attention and moved me to tears several times.
These were true stories where she experienced obstacles, hardships, xinxing improvement, and enlightenment while making truth-clarification materials. The article touched me and warmed my heart.
Obviously, I was the first one who benefited from her experience sharing article.
Her article's focus was her work on a project to make more truth-clarification materials. There were ups and downs, surprises, and moving stories. She didn't show off how righteous she was. Rather, she repeatedly expressed her gratitude to Master.
From her article, I learned what my article was missing. It lacked detailed descriptions of my thoughts and a candid analysis of myself.
I opened my article and revised it by adding more details and made a major change to the structure. When I finished, it had grown to 6000 words.
During the revision, I deleted paragraphs that directly or indirectly pointed fingers at fellow practitioners and focused on my own cultivation. After deleting those paragraphs, I found my prejudice toward some practitioners was also let go. I no longer felt that I was higher than anyone else.
Based on this article composing experience, I would like to encourage fellow practitioners to pick up your pens and write about your experiences. The process of composing an article is a process of cultivating oneself and a process of letting go of the notion, “I don't know how to write.”
As soon as you set a righteous purpose for your article, the Fa will strengthen your mind, and you may find that there are too many things to be included in one article.
The above sharing is my personal understanding. Please kindly correct me if anything is not appropriate based on the Fa.
Category: Improving Oneself
