Writing can be a spiritual experience beautifully entwined with intropsection and self expression. It can be the arena to resolve unsettled issues and construct plans for achieving dreams.
Recently, I was asked if I could share some tips and ideas to help a new writer begin the journey of journaling their voice.
Here are my tips for getting started:
1. Journal or Blog?
Both! Well, begin with what feels comfortable first.
I move between different forms of media: Leather bound journal. A scrap journal filled with drawings and pasted magazine cut outs. An old 1940's beat up typewriter. My public blog.
Want to start simple? Find a journal that feels good in your hand, and a pen that flows well. I suggest Moleskin journals.
2. Time--make it!
This one can be difficult especially in these busy times, but it is important to take time for yourself. Set aside at least 10 minutes here and there to pen your thoughts and feelings into your journal.
A great time to write is first thing in the morning. Pour a cup of coffee or tea and write what you hope to accomplish that day, or how you hope to approach the tasks that need addressing.
Then in the evening, write for a few minutes about how your day went. Make a cup of tea, light a candle, and clear your mind for a more peaceful sleep.
Give what time you can, but at least give some. It's for you after all!
3. Respect your honesty. Have courage.
When writing a public blog post, I follow a few self-imposed boundaries.
However, when writing in my journals, I say whatever I please! My journals are a safe place and they allow me verbal freedom--a healing thing, indeed.
Try this: Open your journal. Set a timer for one minute. Write boundlessly for the entire 60 seconds. Ignore errors. When the timer goes off, immediately close the journal. How do you feel? Could you have written more? Were you at a loss for words?
Don't be afraid to let it out. This is your place to say, do, feel and be however you want.
"The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say." ~Anaïs Nin
4. Make Lists.
Lists in my journals:
- Books to read
- Places to see
- Food to taste
- Music to hear
- Things to create
- Projects to start
- Goals
- Dreams
- Quotes I love
- Cool words I like
- Things to research
- Bucket list
I do not keep a daily "to do" list in my journal. I prefer to keep mundane happenings out of my sacred space.
5. Bring it with you.
Carry your journal with you everywhere! You never know when inspiration (or boredom!) will strike.
Journal, notebook, or iPhone notepad app--I ALWAYS have something to put words in.
6. It won't always be pretty, but it is beautiful.
Don't be afraid to let your guard down as you write. Be messy. Be angry. Be dark. What you write may shock you. AND THAT IS OKAY! Boundary-less writing is a marvelous experience. Enjoy both sides of it!
"There are thousands of thoughts lying within a man that he does not know till he takes up the pen and writes."
William Thackeray
I hope this gives you a jumping off point to start your journaling practice--and that is just what it takes--practice. Keep at it! Soon you will discover the spiritual satisfaction of self expression and discovery through journaling.
Cheers!
