Journaling is an incredible tool that I don't use often enough.
I'm not sure why we resist the practice of journaling so much.
For me, it is still not so easy to face a blank page, even after journaling for many years.
Why is this so? Well, for one, the stark white surface stares at me with the boldest indignation muttering "Go ahead, I dare you...write what you really feel, and oh yes, try to keep it short please...."
The other thing that holds me back is the deeper, darker reason---confronting myself with the parts of me that I'd rather ignore. This seems like a compelling reason to postpone. Hey, if I don't bring up any negative feelings they don't exist, right?
Perhaps I also find it challenging because my practice is not very regular. I don't do "morning pages" [the creative foundational tool promoted by Julia Cameron years ago] because I am always in a rush to get the day started and more often than not, writing ends up last on my list of 'to-do's' in a day.
Another reason is that sometimes it feels so self-indulgent to take even more time to write after all the other practices I do on a daily basis. (really, how can people fit it all in??)
Yet when I do write, I feel accomplished in a precious indescribable way. It's as if I've given voice to the unspeakable, to the deepest part of my soul. I am emboldened to have slayed the white page monster. I am a little more at peace. And I feel brave for looking at myself the way I know I need to.
There are very real benefits to this practice, and if learning about them will encourage you to write more, then read away here, and here, and even here.
You can start writing your thoughts spontaneously at any point in the day. Try just writing even one sentence at a time. Once you unlock that gate to your inner self, it will get used to the air and come forward more often.
Try any of these 7 Journaling tips to help you get started:
What you write is for you alone.
You don't need a fancy journal book. A spiral bound notebook, or composition book (remember them?), or just some stapled pages will serve the purpose. On the other hand, you might choose to go in the opposite direction. Pick the most attractive book and writing implement if it will serve as an incentive for you.
This is not the place to worry about grammar or syntax (see #1).
You don't even have to begin with words. You might try doodling at first, just to loosen up your creative brain. Or use pictures to represent a feeling or mood.
The next time you're facing an issue, or a cross-roads, try 'talking it through' by writing.
Silence the "judgey" voice that tries to critique you at the outset. There is absolutely no wrong or right in this practice.
Even if nothing comes to you at first, you can begin writing "nothing is coming to me..." (guaranteed to work, let me know if it doesn't).
Do you have a journaling practice? If so, can you share what it is? Your ideas can help others who are struggling, and we can struggle together. How about it? Offer your comments on InnerJudaism's Facebook page.
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