The benefits of journaling

If you have had any coaching or counselling with me, then you will know that I often talk about the immense benefits of creating a journaling practice. It is something that I do every day and I encourage every one to do as a way to delve deeper into the why's of your journey home. This is not the journaling of your youth, where you wrote, "Dear Diary, today Bobby kissed me under the stop sign whilst we waited for the bus." type of stuff. Journaling is so much more then recording what happened in your day.

Journaling, for me, has helped me firstly express feelings I didn't feel able to express out loud or to someone else. It has helped me work out why I do the things I do and ways that I can be a better person. It helps me see where I am in conflict with my highest good and how I can be of service to others. It lets me postulate theories about who I am. It lets me release a myriad of emotions in a safe space with no chance for repercussions, and it lets me be a truth seeker, following the map that contains my journey home.

Even though it has so many benefits, you would be surprised how many people are loathed to start a journaling practice. I hear all excuses - it's too hard, I don't have time, I don't know what to write, I forget... I think people make a mountain out of a molehill when it comes to starting up a journaling practice. Here's the steps to creating a practice:

• Get a notebook, any notebook. It doesn't have to be pretty or expensive. You could even use a file on your tablet or laptop. Oh and you need something to write with;

• Decide when is the best time of day to practice. For me it's in the morning, as I sip my tea. You might find it better if you do it in the afternoon after school or work so that you can deal with anything that has come up during the day. Set a reminder in your phone or planner until it becomes a habit;

• Where you do your journaling will depend on what time of day you decide to practice. Find somewhere, where you won't be interrupted and where you feel safe. I write at my kitchen table;

• Set a timer for ten minutes. Write until the timer goes off. If you're in the flow, you can keep going. I set a timer on days when I know I have to be somewhere;

• If you don't know what to write, use a journal prompt. You could write a letter to your 16 yo self, telling him/her about life in the future. You could write about some of the things that bring you joy. You can draw an Oracle card and write about the message it's giving you. Ask the question, "What do I need to reflect upon today?" This is a particularly good prompt for any shadow work you want to do.

• If an event has happened in your life that has stirred up emotions, use your journal in a cathartic way. Write about anything you are feeling. Don't censor it. Just write. Remember no one looks at your journal except you. It's okay if you feel the need to write a whole page of expletives.

• Journals are not just for writing. Use it in any way that feels right for you - doodle, paint, draw. It's all a form of self-expression. You create your journal in the way you want.

It's that simple! It's such an easy thing to do, especially when you see the huge benefits that come from it.

It really will enrich your life beyond measure. You just need to get into the swing of it, as with any new practice you create.

Until next time...

Photo Credit: Alexandra Fuller - Unsplash