I do a sort of free form, stream-of-consciousness, journaling. I allow my hands to be a recorder - while my brain dictates. Because I can't write as fast as I normally think, it slows my brain down a bit, quiets the extraneous thoughts, and allows what is REALLY on my mind a space to be heard + recorded.
And every time I do that - I get the answer. Sometimes, the answer to my problem/question will just pop into my mind - as if it were already there hiding beneath the surface waiting to be called up. Sometimes it will come from something externally - like a post on facebook - or a passage from a book that I am reading. Putting my issues into words, for some reason always calls the solution to me.
For the past few years, I have used a cheapie composition book to journal in. It is covered with a cute, scrappy-quilted, journal cover (that I plan to reuse - but by the time I finish a journal, I am in the mood to make another cover).
I love the look of the outside of them - but I wanted my current journal to be a bit more expressive of my inner world. So, I made a book that represents that - a book filled with black pages. I know, that sounds very dramatic.
But seriously, when I sit quietly inside my own head - it is so dark and grim in there - probably from being so repressed. I learned from my super religious up-bringing, that we are to search OUTSIDE of ourselves for answers, that the Bible holds all of the (important) answers, and if there is any conflict in my mind - then I must squash the inner *knowing* that is conflicting.
Because what is it that we really know? Isn't man inherently evil? And without believing in the Christian faith, aren't we lost and doomed for hell? Maybe...
But if I keep following a path that someone else has dictated is the *right one*, I will most certainly have a nervous breakdown. My family has a history of mental illness, so this is more than probable.
Anyway, that is the back story to my journal of black pages. Fortunately, the more I face my shadows (shine light on them) they disappear! So maybe my next journal will be a bit brighter. ;)
Are you ready to start journaling? Do it! Do it right now! It may take a while to get your flow - and to start receiving inner wisdom - but it is soooo, soooo amazing when you do! Here are a few tutorials to make your own journal!
Here is a tutorial on how to make a journal cover. Here is one on how to make a journal with black pages.
Love and Light
Ayana
Congrats on the new blog! I need to journal. I can never quiet my mind enough to do so.
ReplyDeleteJournaling quiets my mind. So, I don't wait until it's quiet. Otherwise, I will never journal!
DeleteMy dad passed away this February and journaling has been my saving grace. It is such a useful tool to help sort out our emotions. You are such a beautiful and smart young woman and I appreciate you for being so open and sharing. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI hope this isn't a duplicate. I don't see my post. Anyway, I lost my dad this February and journaling has been my saving grace. It is a wonderful tool to work out emotions both positive and negative. It is especially helpful in my marriage as I am able to express things that I shouldn't express to my husband. :0 You are brave and beautiful for sharing. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteHey lady! Awww, I am so sorry to hear about your loss :(. Yes, it definitely helps me in my marriage, too! I can say all kinds of stuff (that I would regret - if I said them out loud) without judgement. Oh, and I have to moderate comments because I get a ridiculous amount of spam. So, sorry you don't see your post immediately.
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