Journaling can be an important adjunct to any method of self inquiry, whether that is in the therapeutic process, recording important dream information, writing down things you are grateful for as in a “gratitude journal,” an affirmation journal, or even a travel journal to keep track of your thoughts, emotions, and experiences while exploring the world. A journal differs from a diary where one may document daily events; rather a journal is intended to dive deeper into our psyche where we record our deeper thoughts, emotions, triggers, synchronicities and symbols. Journals are “bigger picture” reflections. The journal is to truly focus on the things that really matter to you, or that you may find perplexing or even scary at times, things that need to be given the light of day sort of speak. A journal may include drawings, sketches or doodling. It is space for your creativity and often times you will find that it becomes a co-creative process, a partnership of sorts with your conscious mind, your subconscious, and as Carl Jung would describe as the Universal Consciousness. A journal is also a great place to continue the discussion you have been having with your counselor, mentor or therapist. The process work you have been doing in session may continue to “simmer” afterwards and a journal is the place to further support those continued reflections. I have witnessed that “after session” flow of consciousness with my clients and it can be quite revealing and helpful. Sometimes, clients report that the information, the text just seems to flow from them spontaneously, similar to the advent of a dream. (some examples I have been given permission to include here) There is also something I have encouraged people to experiment with called stream of consciousness writing. This is different from regular journal writing in that the person doing the journaling takes pen to paper, and after quieting and centering, records every thought that enters their awareness no matter how trivial, ridiculous, absurd, or strange the thoughts may seem. It is an unedited documentation of the contents of one’s mind. Unedited is key. This means ignoring the inner critic and the voice of your 7th grade English teacher correcting spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Pure unedited, unaltered text which retains its’ original thought form just now committed to paper. This can be truly revealing. Upon review one might be surprised to see unfamiliar phrasing, uncharacteristic vocabulary or imagery. This then becomes fodder for further reflection and analysis, not dissimilar from dream interpretation. But it is also clear evidence of the co-creative process which is beautiful in itself because one often feels so alone in the process of personal growth or self-actualization. These thoughts that largely come from the subconscious or often from Universal Consciousness are indeed confirmation that we are not alone in our efforts at confronting the challenges of life. Some practical considerations: There are many authors who will point out the advantages of digital journaling. Many are obvious… convenience, the ability to search, sharing among devices, working with multiple journals on one device, etc., etc. However, I am of the opinion that handwriting is a superior form when used to reinforce psycho-spiritual growth. Just as I have outlined in stream of consciousness writing, the mutations one may find in the text are more evident when written down. The psycho-somatic involvement when the hand and brain are engaged in handwriting is sometimes quite telling. Notice how some individuals can’t seem to carry on a conversation without hand gesture. Try tying to tie their hands or encourage them to speak without the hand movement, they have great difficulty speaking. There is evidence of the importance of the partnership of mind and hand. One need only look at sacred art and discover the hand gestures of Jesus or the the saints or discover the esoteric science behind mudra the ritual hand gestures of the Buddhists, Hindus or Jains, that are used to heighten awareness and direct energy in the body much like acupuncture or acupressure. Finally consider that dousing rods and pendulums move because of small muscular movements in the hand… something called the ideo-motor effect, when the subconscious mind influences the physical body. The connection between hand and mind is undeniable. So, invest in a good journal, one that speaks to your heart and sense of aesthetic. Try to journal regularly. Keep it secure and someplace you won’t feel self conscious, or vulnerable when entering your private thoughts into it. You don’t want to create an excuse for the ego or your inner critic from using it. Happy Writing The following entries have been shared here by permission as beautiful examples of post process journaling. —Thank you to…MW!
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