How This Works: Most weekdays I’ll pull together an Almost Daily Digest for Creative Souls because I am enjoying holding space for ALL of my writing and work and art encounters after the book tour and first couple of months of Spiritual Direction for Writers book launch intensity. And this feels better than sharing incessantly on various social media platforms. I’ll still share on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and Substack Notes but most of what I share will be pulled from the Almost Daily Digest. And the Almost Daily Digest will be the best way to know all the things.
An Almost Daily Digest for Creative Souls will be sent to all subscribers on Tuesday or Wednesday of most weeks moving forward.
Thanks for being here. Let’s dive in.
A Morning Ritual for Creative Souls
This section will always appear at the top of each Almost Daily Digest. You are invited to use this ritual, too, as a way to honor the beginning of a new day, as a way to begin again.
Light a candle.
Take three deep breaths with a six-count inhale and a six-count exhale.
Read a poem, quote, prayer, or religious text of your choice.
Sit in silence for a minute.
Write down three things that you want to give your attention to today.
Read a poem, quote, prayer, or religious text of your choice. You can use the same one as before or a different one.
Blow out the candle.
Do the next thing.
This week I’m beholding one of my favorite poems — “Perhaps the World Ends Here” by Joy Harjo — during the opening of my morning ritual.
Since I’ve been rereading “Perhaps the World Ends Here” a lot lately, yesterday I listened to part of the Living Poetry podcast episode I appeared on a couple of years ago to discuss this poem, and I’ll listen to the rest of it today. I’ll share more about lovely our conversation soon.
The Living Poetry podcast by Susan Haroutunian Cunningham is so so good. I highly recommend adding it to your listening lineup. I’m so thankful for Susan’s writing, work, and presence.
Living Poetry: Connect & Belong - Charlotte Donlon, Nov 5, 2024:
This week I’m using this Collect for Grace from the Book of Common Prayer for the end of my morning ritual:
A Collect for Grace:
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
My three main things for today are:
1. Mail some things I wish I’d mailed before now.
2. A couple of hours of Art Friends book proposal revisions since the updated proposal is due to my literary agent by December 1.
3. LAUNDRY because I have a whole situation.
AND I did all three of yesterday’s things as well as other work and tasks with plenty of time for rest and leisure, too. Of course, I’m still behind on so many things. But it’s fine. I know I will always be behind on some things as long as I’m leading an interesting life and honoring my body, mind, and soul. I’d much rather lead an interesting life while honoring my body, mind, and soul than have a manageable to-do list.
Flourish Anyway® Today Reflection
Stay tuned for these almost daily reflections about flourishing anyway that are coming soon.
Spiritual Direction for Writers® Daily Nourishment Offering
November 11: Creative Nourishment and Reflection for For Veterans Day featuring art by Käthe Kollwitz, a poem by Robert Frost, and a series of Veterans Day interviews.
Take More Retreats
If you want to try a 40-minute Micro Solo Retreat today, here’s a flow to try.
I’m going to have at least one 40-minute Micro Solo Retreat today. I’ll probably choose a novel by Edith Wharton for the 10 minutes of rereading. We’ll see. I might choose something else.
A Daily Dose of Art
A Daily Dose of Art for November 11
“Not for Keeps” by Robert Frost and woodcuts by Käthe Kollwitz, thanks to SDW Daily Nourishment. I’ll be lingering over this poem and art throughout the day.
The Great Belonging Project
The Great Belonging Project: Day 11 (Because today’s date is November 11.)
A quote from The Great Belonging: How Loneliness Leads Us to Each Other:
On many of these depressed days, I forced myself to grab my iPhone and earbuds, crank up the music, and go outside. After walking just one block, I was always more alert and had an improved outlook on life. With Beyonce’s lyrics and impressive range as my walking partners, I navigated the twenty-minute loop around my neighborhood, sometimes adding subtle dance moves along the way. Some studies show listening to music can release dopamine in our brains and improve vigor, while reducing depression, tension, and anger. I suppose there are worse ways to self-medicate than listening to R & B.
Announcements, Resources, & Recommendations
All paid subscribers here at Spiritual Direction for Creative Souls have access to Co-Working + Co-Writing for Creative Souls at least six times most weeks.
This week’s Co-Working + Co-Writing for Creative Souls Sessions:
Sunday, November 8: 6-7:15 p.m. CT
Monday, November 9: 7-8:15 a.m. CT
Monday, November 9: noon-1:15 p.m. CT
Tuesday, November 10: 7-8:15 p.m. CT
Wednesday, November 11: 7-8:15 p.m. CT
Friday, November 13: 7-8:15 a.m. CT
Friday, November 13: 3-4:15 p.m. CT
Sunday, November 15: 6-7:15 p.m. CT
More legit announcements, resources, and recommendations coming soon.
For now, if you’re a writer with a soul, please buy my book. I think you’ll like it.
Charlotte Donlon is a writer, spiritual director, creativity coach, and faculty member for Alma College MFA’s spiritual writing pathway. Her writing and work have woven together themes of belonging, art, and soul exploration for more than 25 years. With a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing (2015-2018), a certificate in spiritual direction (2018-2020), and a life coach certification (2026), Charlotte guides writers and other creative souls in developing sustainable and nourishing practices so they can make their art, do their work, and love their people.
A Christian in the Episcopal church who believes the tenets of the Nicene Creed, Charlotte employs a universal framework of belonging and connection in her spiritual direction work. She fosters meaningful, soulful conversations and gatherings that are welcoming to all—regardless of faith tradition or spiritual inclinations.
In 2020, Broadleaf Books published Charlotte’s first book, The Great Belonging: How Loneliness Leads Us to Each Other. Here Below Books published Spiritual Direction for Writers: Everyday Rituals for Your Writing Life in 2026. Some volumes of Charlotte’s “Guidebooks for the Soul”—Take More Retreats, The Great Belonging Project, and Belonging Through Art —will also be published in the coming months.
As the founder of several initiatives—including Spiritual Direction for Writers®, Parenting with Art®, Belonging Through Art™, and Spiritual Direction for Creative Souls™—Charlotte has established herself as a thought leader and an authentic presence at the intersection of creativity and spirituality. Her essays have been featured in publications such as The Washington Post, The Christian Century, Writer’s Digest, Literary Hub, and The Millions, among others. A new essay about art conservation, Joan Mitchell, and mystery is forthcoming with Image journal.
For those interested in staying updated on Charlotte’s latest work, news, and insights, subscribe to her Substack Weekly Roundup Series and visit Flourish Anyway®, Charlotte’s online hub for all of her writing, spiritual direction, small press, gatherings, and other offerings.
Here’s a full list of Charlotte’s email offerings:
Thanks for sharing the poem, I can use this ....