I felt compelled to write about journaling and share with you the transformational power of this tool. My journal has become my psychotherapist, my detox, my Guide, my witness and most of all my very best friend. #journal #journaling #witness #HigherSelf #detox

It is 26th June 2013*, I reluctantly set the timer on for 20 minutes, following Christiane’s instructions [1] on something called: proprioceptive writing. I was desperate. No one to talk to, feeling lonely and confused. I decided I had nothing to lose except time. Little did I know where this would lead me.

Keeping a journal is not the same as keeping a diary. The idea is that you write whenever you feel like it and simply jot down freely in your notebook whatever is in your head and heart at that time.

Although you do not have to do this every day, journaling has now become one of my daily practices. I find that making a note of my thoughts and emotions first thing in the morning, in this semi-relaxed state, surpasses the otherwise ‘yapping’ ‘monkey mind’ and allows me access to my unconscious mind, which then becomes a doorway to my Soul and my deepest dreams and fears. Here are a few reasons why I think it is a good idea to journal [2]:

1. It allows you to see problems under a new light and open out new, creative possibilities that day-time logic would dismiss or even altogether miss. The insight gained will guide you towards being more grateful for what you already have in your life. It is an opportunity to focus on and list your top five reasons why your day has after all the hurdles been a great one!
2. By noting thoughts and feelings, a poem, or an imaginary story, you start understanding more what you are like and what your wishes and dislikes are. It cultivates your intuition.
3. You allow time to be with yourself. You feel special and develop a stronger identity of ‘Self’. It gives you a great opportunity to record all your achievements, without feeling big-headed. So, journaling is a great confidence and self-esteem booster!
4. It is a way to detoxify and release emotional burdens. It is like a shoulder to cry on. It feels as if you are writing to a pen pal and sometimes the pen pal answers back. Personally, I find that by practicing journaling regularly I now have my own therapist.
5. It helps you become a better communicator. By organizing your thoughts on paper then you can express them to others in a clearer way if you need to.
6. It is a record of your life, your timeline and family history. In retrospect, it provides you with your pathway to your own development. Your most close-up witness ever.
7. And more importantly and on a personal level, journaling has become one of the main ways for me to connect with my Inner Guide and Spirit. I now simply ask a question, wait for a few seconds and then the pen simply flows revealing the wisest answer for my highest good. It is very magical. All I need to do next is trust and follow the advice. Which of course, I don’t always do, as it reflects what I truly need, rather than what I want : -) Still, the voice that comes through on paper is a loving, compassionate voice and I have now through the act of journaling become my self’s best friend.

And here are some additional tips:
 When you write down negative feelings or thoughts, allow them to flow out onto paper without criticizing them. Embrace the moment, remain curious as if you are about to make a scientific discovery. You will find out for yourself life’s impermanent nature: how feelings shift and change from one minute to the other, just like waves in the sea.
 Your journal is private, so make sure it remains out of sight. In this way you will always feel free to be honest to yourself.
 The first few minutes of our awakening after our night’s sleep, the conscious mind is still sleeping and we have unobstructed access to our subconscious mind. Our brain waves are in Theta mode, the dreamy state, where also implicit learning takes place.
 We often resist new habits because of a limiting belief: a trapped experience labeled as a negative or painful one. Rather than just stating “this is not for you” or postponing it, you could try this hack: count backwards from 3 to 1, grab a pen and paper and surprise yourself by writing down the first sentence that comes to mind. Then follow it by a second sentence. See how this feels. Give yourself a chance to evolve. Still, if you choose to hold on to the belief that “writing is not my style” or you are more of an auditory person, then why not try recording your thoughts and emotions on your Smartphone? Make sure you file the recordings somewhere safe.

*My first ever journal entry, was more than 7 years ago and started somewhat reluctantly in a ‘deep dark valley’: “Autumn leaves. I still have not cut down the tree with the red leaves. I am saddened to see it in such a state. I feel sad. I feel like crying. Why is this? What is it that I finally want? Laughter, feeling like a child free of worries, a cuddle. But who can give this to me? Me! Why can’t you see this? Stop binging on sweets and junk all the time. You are punishing yourself .Why? …” and 20 minutes later my pen stopped at the ‘top of a mountain’: “[…] just simply for once listen: Let Go! Seize the day! Grab hold of that sail! You CAN do it! This is your call!”.

[1] Northurp, Christiane (2010), Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom, Bantam Books, Random House, Inc., US.
[2] Tzortzaki, Alexia Mary, (2019), “Speak Your Truth and Lead”, www.be-heart.led.com

Alexia Mary (50 soon 51). Thoroughly enjoys learning ways of self-exploration through seeking out new experiences. She then deepens her knowledge by collective sharing with her students. She is dedicated to the Vision of ‘Empowering Young People to become Active, Global Citizens’. Her most recent book is: ‘Speak Your Truth and Lead’. For details you can follow this link here: www.be-heart-led.com   Her motto these days is: «I take deep breaths».

email: iris@ArtofJoy.gr

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