I am in no way undermining the amazing role therapists play.
However sometimes we need go-to tools which can empower us in maintaining regular connection to self.
Many of us journaled as kids, and I find it incredible how as children we intuitively knew what we needed to release and process emotions.
However, as adults we do not trust our innate abilities to heal.
Here are 3 ways in which journaling can support your mental health and how you can simply start.
1. Journaling organises your thoughts and frees up space in your mind
If you think of your mind as a computer, then journaling is you taking time to organise everything in proper folders, with clear labelling.
It allows you to delete what doesn't serve you, prioritise what is important and put on the side what can be planned for later.
Journaling in a way allows you to see things more clearly, create more space for new ideas and organise your thoughts.
2. Journaling allows you to process events and gain insight
Have you ever gained insight about a personal struggle just by talking about something?
If you have been to therapy or even just shared a story with a friend, you might have experienced that.
When you share your struggles out loud, they suddenly become clearer. When you hear your thoughts, you are able to assess the situation and gain insight from it.
Journaling can be the tool for you to share your story.
Write it all down, let it out, put it on paper and gain insight through the process.
When I process emotions through my journal, I often find myself ending with an action plan. It always comes with some kind of realisation, clarity and confidence.
3. Journaling puts you in a state of flow in which your spirit comes through
There are different ways to journal, and my favourite way is to just let go of any structure and write down whatever comes to your mind.
Literally, any thought, word, idea. Even if that means "I can't think of anything"...I would write exactly that.
When you do this for 10, 15 or even 30 minutes, you end up expressing yourself through the subconscious mind and eventually brining to the front line stories, beliefs and perceptions that you might not even be aware of.
When you enter a flow of writing (being fully present in the moment, where not even time and space exists), you reach a point where space and time evaporate and what is left is your spirit talking through you.
If you are more curious about this top, I invite you to look up Julia Cameron's Book: "The artist way"..She beautifully expresses how through journaling, you can find your own inner power and calling.
Meanwhile, if you just want to start (And I SO invite you to do so), here are 3 things to help you out:
1. Buy a personal journal: something special, just for you.
2. Book a time and space for yourself: I like journaling right before I sleep and sometimes early in the morning. See what works for you and stick to it, even if it is just for 5 minutes a day.
3. Just go with the flow: There is no right or wrong way to journal. Do not hold back, this is between you and yourself, no one is judging, let it out, trust yourself to let go, process and enjoy the journey.
