The Healing Powers of Journaling
by Christin Snyder

For the past several years, I have found joy working as a motivational writer and speaker. One of my greatest passions has been the gift of sharing my deep love and respect for the written word. Words are powerful. They provoke thought, stimulate creativity, and most importantly, they hold within them the power to heal. Most people do not realize the incredible life-changing potential writing has.

Journaling is a practical tool that anyone can use to enhance personal well-being. It knows no limitations and it is available to anyone willing to make a commitment to themselves. It only requires minimal investments of time and money, and provides fast results. From the practical to the artistic, there are many varieties of journaling styles, all providing healing benefits.

Through this series of articles, I will explore how journaling heals, journaling styles, and the keys to successful journaling.

How Journaling Heals:

Journaling Helps Clear The Mind

Journaling is an excellent method of clearing mind-clutter and managing thought patterns. The “untamed” mind tends to wander about aimlessly. At any given moment, we have a multitude of thoughts and internal conversations. Our random thoughts can turn into worries, which turn into stress, which can then manifest as conditions like depression or illness. The act of addressing our thoughts and acknowledging our inner voice allows us to clearly express our feelings, motivations, and desires. When we do this, we gain the insight needed to effectively manage them. What many fail to realize, is that even seemingly random thoughts, hold powerful energy. All energy seeks an outlet to express itself, therefore what we think and believe manifests.

Spend some time today consciously paying attention to where your thoughts go. Notice the ratio of positive to negative. When engaging in self-talk, what does the inner voice express? Is it primarily negative self-talk, worry, or other energy zapping emotions? If so, journaling is a positive first step that can be immediately taken to help understand and then redirect these sneaky self-sabotagers.

Journaling Sparks Creativity

It is very important, particularly for those of us in creative fields, to always have an outlet that enhances our creativity by challenging us to think in new ways. Journaling provides that, because it causes us to purposefully express our thoughts and emotions. Through reestablishing a conscious connection to our thoughts, emotions, and experiences we provide the challenge our mind needs to keep its creative spark.

Writing prompts and exercises are a great way to wake up the inner muse. They keep us thinking on our toes, and often become the launching points of bigger projects.

Journaling Keeps Us Honest

When we approach journaling with an open mind and heart, and we commit to being completely candid with ourselves, we open up to limitless opportunity for growth and healing. Through total honesty, we begin to peel away the layers of our psyche. The masks we wear begin to fall away , revealing our true nature - who we are when we aren’t “the parent, the employee, the friend” and are just ourselves. Many spiritual paths have taught the importance of knowing yourself. The soul mate in the mirror is worthy of our utmost integrity.

Journaling Allows Us to Express Ourselves Without Judgment

Journaling provides a forum where we can express ourselves fully and completely. If we approach this honestly, a journal can become a best friend and confidant. It won’t give needless advice, is never too busy to listen, and is always there for you when needed. Acceptance is a quality we all seek , we have a deep drive to find it. The truth is, the majority of us seek in others what we cannot give ourselves. Journaling opens up the doors to a process of self-acceptance, without which true healing cannot occur.

Journaling Gets Us Organized

By keeping a day planner type journal with notes, it is easier to keep track of “to do” lists, as well as record notes each day of our thoughts, feelings, experiences. Mixing the “practical” with the art of journaling allows us to keep track of everything in one convenient place. Our grocery lists and goal lists, records, and sudden inspirations can be stored electronically in many instances, allowing us instant access with the touch of a button. (Just don’t forget to backup ! )

Journaling Enhances Conscious Living

Writing in a journal can have similar effects to meditation, in that it allows us to bring our attention to full and present awareness. This state of awareness shifts our perspective, and allows us to tap into reserves of creative energy. Many find themselves stuck in routines where the creative spark can become lost in the shuffle of the daily grind. When we run on “auto-pilot” we desensitize to other stimuli. Opening up to daily journaling allows us to reflect on the unique beauty of the present moment, and allows us to experience life more fully.

Journaling Shows Progress At A Glance

The key to staying motivated is usually being able to see progress being made. Journals can provide much-needed encouragement for those working towards life-changing goals. When in the doldrums, it’s easy to flip back to the beginning to view the path of progress, providing the momentum and motivation necessary to ensure success. Journaling can be a great tool for the instant-gratification junkie in all of us.

All of these are examples of the many ways that journaling can provide the necessary tools for personal empowerment. Journaling is a wonderful journey in self-discovery. I hope this inspires others to take this self-healing challenge, pick up that pen or sit at the keyboard, and make a commitment to enrich life through the healing power of words.

In the remainder of this series, I will cover the keys to successful journaling as well as different journaling techniques. I will show how anyone can use journaling as a tool for transformation.

_____________________

Christin Snyder is a personal empowerment advocate and motivational writer/speaker. Visit her website at http://www.dailypowerwords.com for free journaling exercises and writers resources.


Parts 2 and 3 are below if you are interested...



Four Keys to Successful Journaling
by Christin Snyder

In part one of "The Healing Powers of Journaling" we explored the
various ways that journaling aids in personal empowerment and
healing. By using the following four guidelines, you can ensure you
are getting the most out of your journaling experience.

*Avoid the pitfall of writing for others

As a writer myself, I know all to well the tendency to write
everything as if it were my next piece for publication. In
journaling, it is best to express yourself freely, without the
restriction of grammar rules, spelling, and all the other things that
can cause distractions from the genuine purpose of the writing.

When we write for an audience or to silence the inner critic, we
become less candid and our writing is not an authentic expression of
our true self.

*Be honest

There often comes the tendency to want to color our writing through
judgment. We don''t' want to face things we deem
as "unacceptable" . When the voice of the inner critic kicks in, it
can be difficult not to "sugar coat" . Writing that avoids the
reality or depth of our thoughts/emotions does a great disservice.
If you feel like slapping someone on a particular day, express it,
don't cover it up through downgrading it. If we are to learn from
our thoughts/feelings/reactions then we must have a healthy outlet to
express ourselves freely.

*Record events objectively first, then go back

Record events and experiences as they happened, before writing about
your reaction to them. For example, if you had an argument with a
loved one write point by point what happened; ie. Mom came over we
were watching TV she said she agreed with the host and I did not. I
commented on my distaste for the program. She appeared to be upset.
We had an argument. This explains simply what happened. Once you
have recorded the event, then go forward and fill in the blanks,
explaining how the incident made you feel, what your thoughts were,
and how you reacted.

By recording exactly what happened first, we are better able to
reflect on it at a later time. When you write in a state of reaction
only, the actual events become harder to discern upon review.
Having a more objective, factual vantage point helps us to view
things from different perspectives. We all tend to see things
differently when time has passed.

*Use the journal as an outlet for release

A journal provides the perfect outlet for constructive expressions of
our thoughts, desires, and emotions. Use your journaling to write
about your fears, address anger, express frustration, and all of the
other life-draining emotions we tend to keep bottled up. By
repressing emotions we waste a lot of energy that could be put to
better use. Journaling allows you that outlet so that you can
reclaim that energy.

Facing our tough issues allows us to release them, and release is the
first step in the process of healing, hence the "healing powers of
journaling". Let your journal be a tool that helps detach you from
emotional entanglements.

By remembering these few guidelines, you can turn your journaling
time into a powerful healing experience. Although the guidelines
are universal, journaling itself is a truly unique experience for
every person. Next we will explore some of these different styles.
Everyone has his/her own preferences, and exploring the different
options can help you find one that feels right for you.

*****
Christin Snyder is a motivational author/speaker whose passion is
helping others discover their true potential. Visit her website
today for personal growth journaling exercises, writers resources,
articles, and more.
http://www.dailypowerwords.com/
Journaling Techniques
by Christin Snyder

So far we have discovered many of the benefits journaling provides. Some of them include: at-a-glance records of health/diet issues, spiritual/emotional healing, dream interpretation, and creative inspiration. The list is ongoing, but the point is they can be of great benefit to anyone who uses them.

Journaling is something that can be personalized to suit the needs of every individual. Journals are not just diaries where you spend hours each day recording all your deepest, darkest, secrets. Journals can be very practical, and in many cases, can simplify the lives of those who use them. Everyone can find at least one style of journaling to benefit from, regardless of how busy their lifestyle is.

Below are some of the different types of journals that can be created. Keep in mind one does not have to be a writer at all to benefit from journaling. In fact, many writers, myself included, didn’t realize their passion for writing until picking up a journal. Words can work for all of us.

*Dream Journaling

Recording dreams in a journal gives you a window into your subconscious. Our dreams reveal the depths of our being. Dream journals allow us to better remember our dreams, to view repeating patterns, and to explore and interpret our own unique dream language. Many who keep them are surprised by how much they learn about themselves, and how effective these journals are in the healing and growth process.

*Personal Diaries

These are the standard lock and key books many of us have kept since childhood. This kind of journal allows us to record daily life experiences, our thoughts, feelings, and actions. This type of journal serves a great purpose, it allows us to express ourselves freely without judgment. Reviewing these journals over time allows us to see how much we have grown and changed. Often the old ones are humorous, and we can see just how much wiser we’ve become.

*Food/Exercise Lifestyle Journals

These journals are wonderful for those embarking on new health/improvement goals. By recording your progress, you are able to look back and see at-a-glance how far you’ve progressed. This is a powerful way to remain motivated to achieve goals. This type of journal is also beneficial as a way to track your health and answer any potential questions healthcare providers or other advisors may have for you.

*Mood Journals

The benefit of this style of journal is to track our emotions and find the reasons for different emotional shifts, mood swings etc. For people with anxiety disorders, depression, or shifting hormones, these types of journals provide tremendous benefits in being able to look at the effects of various elements. Record in this journal your feelings, why you are having them, and anything that may be having an effect such as diet, medication, stress levels etc.

*Quotations Journals

These journals are wonderful for a variety of reasons. Use them as a quick pick-me-up, sparks for writing, or to inspire others. These journals are the simplest to keep because it only takes a moment to add a quote or phrase to your collection. Let this fun journal keep you inspired.

*Writer Sparks Journals

For those of us who love to write, this journal can be a great tool for dealing with writers block and keeping the creative juices flowing. Ever noticed how those great ideas always seem to pop up at inopportune moments? Have you ever just sat there staring at the blank screen wishing something would come out? Keeping a small notebook/journal with you can help you to record these little ideas as they come up, or you can jot down your idea and add it later. Whenever you want to write, open up your journal and out pops some great material to get you started.

*Electronic Calendars/Journals in one

In the electronic age we are provided with a whole new set of options. Our planners and organizers can also be incorporated into journaling through different software programs that allow you to keep your information encrypted and safe from prying eyes. This is a convenient way to keep everything organized in one centralized location, and can keep even the severest procrastinator in the habit of keeping notes.

These are just a few examples of the many different styles of journaling. Everyone can find a method or combination of methods that works well for them. Now that you have seen the benefits, the various style ideas, and the keys to successful journaling I hope you will be inspired to use writing as the healing tool it can be.

_________________

Christin Snyder is a motivational author/speaker whose passion is helping others realize their fullest potential. Visit her on the web today for inspiration, personal empowerment tools, and writer resources. http://www.dailypowerwords.net