(Photo by Jan Kahanek on Upsplash)
Journaling is an important tool to use on a regular basis to reach our inner voice. The words or pictures it brings out on paper help us learn more about ourselves, gain new insights, and express our inner most thoughts. There are no rules with journaling, as any topic is fair game. No one but the writer will see the journal entries, which allows for complete openness of thoughts and ideas.
What better way to understand myself more deeply than to write my inner most thoughts on a regular basis in a journal. Why do I think the way I do? What motivates me? What are my dreams?
In order to access our deep inner thoughts and ideas, it is best to journal with a quiet mind. How many individuals can say that they have a quiet mind, especially in the fast paced, stressful world that we live in, with deadlines, responsibilities, and limited time. That’s why an optimal time to journal is first thing upon waking up, when the mind has just woken from its connection to the subconscious mind, and is still relaxed and quiet, prior to the issues of the day reaching the forefront of the mind.
It will take practice to get to the point of truly opening up in the journal, especially on an ongoing basis. As with any new habit, it will take time to get use to the process. Perhaps start with a goal of writing for one minute a day. After some time, you’ll be surprised how words will flow out to fill the page.
What is one small step you can do to add journaling to your day?
A drawing from my journal back in 2014.
Thanks for this! I usually journal after I do my morning meditation. I say usually because sometimes I do my journaling after I do my nightly meditation it’s always a little different. Even though I do try to settle the mind for meditation even at night it is difficult. You have all the thoughts of day still moving around in your mind, so yes Journaling in the morning is definitely a goal of mine to be consistent with it daily in the morning.
Your meditation and journal practices are inspiring. Thanks for sharing your comments.
I recommend journaling to a lot of my clients! Sometimes though, they need a little help (some prompts) to get started before they can really get to that deep thinking you talk about that is so important.
I like the picture from your journal -super cute and a nice touch!
Thanks for your comments. Great idea to provide your clients with prompts. I will try that out with my own journaling.
I never thought about keeping a journal until I realized I thought of things in the night and usually forgot about them when I wake up. I have now started writing my ideas, thoughts and concerns in just a notebook but it’s a start for me!
Way to go! That’s great.