Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Lesson #8: The Joy of Journaling

Last week we discussed the importance of looking within for guidance. If you haven't had much experience with this you might be wondering where to begin. While there are unlimited tools and practices for this, my personal favorite has always been journaling. I first learned the value of this when I was handed my first diary at age 9 or 10. After the first "Dear Diary,..." I was hooked!

Journaling is to some people what making art or music is to others. It is a way of expressing and sorting through feelings, thoughts and ideas. The page is a safe place for ranting and raving, feeling difficult emotions, and working through stuck energy. It is a place where the many voices of ego and spirit can be heard. A journal can be a good friend with whom one shares absolutely everything. In fact, a journal can represent our relationship with all aspects of self.

Journaling is not just writing. It is writing infused with the intention of knowing one's self and moving forward emotionally or spiritually. Journaling can help us know oursleves on every level accessible to humans, which serves our processes of spiritual awakening and ascension.

For many people the mere act of putting pen to paper can open channels and create miraculous connections, but this is not true for everyone. I've heard several people, including two published authors say that it is not helpful to them. If this is the case for you, don't force it. There are plenty of other ways to know yourself and open to divine guidance. But if it does work for you, journal often, because it can be an extraordinary tool.

If you're interested in learning more about journaling, and gaining a greater appreciation for the process, I highly recommend two books by Julia Cameron: The Artist's Way, and The Right to Write. Her love affair with writing is so passionate that it will ignite you. 


Pages