Journaling

The simple act of putting our thoughts and feelings into words on the page is a powerful one. It helps to clarify the mind, and allows us to see with unclouded objectivity. Some of history's most beloved philosphers and thinkers began with a simple journal -- most notably in my mind is Michel de Montaigne, whose Essays began humbly as a personal journal of sorts -- a quest for greater understanding of himself and of human nature. If you have not read Montaigne's Essays, I highly recommend buying or borrowing a copy as you begin to keep your journal. Obviously, we cannot all be as powerful and insightful as Montaigne, but his Essays are a vivid illustration of the potential for growth and understanding within journaling.

The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to ourselves.

- Montaigne

"Knowing how to belong to ourselves" comes through a deep understanding of ourselves -- what we believe, what we feel, what brings us joy, and what brings us pain. Journaling can greatly assist in finding that greater understanding.

Journaling can also help to purge the mind and Spirit of painful experiences and memories that we have carried with us in the form of an emotional backpack -- some of us for a lifetime -- which tend to block our paths, and hinder growth and change. The physical body benefits from the shedding of pent-up emotions as well, eliminating stress, fatigue, and other more serious side effects, such as ulcers, headaches, insomnia, depression, and digestive problems. Journaling is most helpful to those who have a need to express the "unexpressable" -- feelings which cannot reasonably be expressed verbally for any number of reasons -- sudden death, separation, removal, or simply for fear of honest expression. Journaling can offer a safe forum for expression for those who find themselves in this situation.

Journaling is not only for those who have need of spiritual and mental healing -- it is a useful practice for anyone. For those who have a desire for an improved existance -- a more fulfilling life path -- keeping a journal can help track progress and any sidetracks along the way, allowing for objective and clear insight to assist in further growth when later referred to.

Obviously, your journal should be a sacred object that only you have access to. If privacy is a concern in your home, I recommend not divulging even the existence of your journal to anyone -- at least not initially. If you get into the habit of sharing bits and pieces of your entries with friends, spouses or family for commentary or criticism, you will run the risk of watering down the content to suit the taste of the audience, which of course defeats the purpose of journaling in the first place.

Your journal should reflect your taste and above all, your Spirit. Choose a style that will inspire and offer comfort when you pick it up and leaf through the pages. (If you feel inspired by a loose-leaf spiral notebook, so be it!) Some people like to keep their journals on their personal computers, but I personally dislike this practice, because it takes away tremendously from the personal transferrance from the thinker, to the thought, to the page. I feel that something is lost when a keyboard and monitor are separating us from our words...but again, this is a personal decision, and I offer only my opinion on the subject.

However, you choose to put your thoughts into words, remember to be brutally honest at all times. A few words from Montaigne, on self-honesty, and the value of writing for personal growth:

This is an honest book, reader. It warns you from the outset that in it I have set myself no goal but a domestic and private one. I have had no thought of serving either you or my own glory. My powers are inadequate for such a purpose...if I had written to seek the world's favor, I should have bedecked myself better, and should present myself in a studied posture. I want to be seen here in my simple, natural, ordinary fashion, without pose or artifice; for it is myself that I portray. My defects will here be read to the life, and my natural form, as far as respect for the public has allowed. If I had belonged to one of those nations which are said to live still in the sweet freedom of Nature's first laws, I assure you I should most gladly have portrayed myself here entire and wholly naked. - Montaigne, 1580.

So like Montaigne, do not allow your inner critic, pride, or modesty temper or water down your words. Also, do not concern yourself with grammar, spelling, or even content -- after all, this is not an academic exercise. Be consistent and persistent, and over time you will find yourself richly rewarded for the effort.