Prom[p]t Journaling - Tips for Empowering Your Practice
Journaling can be an elusive practice. At Prom[p]t Connect journal circles, participants are sharing with us what leads them to a richer experience. What we have discovered from our Connect discussions is that journaling tends to create more depth when it is approached with these thoughts in mind:
-Be open to the process. Be open to the thoughts and emotions that come up and allow them to surface. Allow them to be written, however beautiful or ugly; wonderful or unflattering they may seem.
- The process of journaling is an engagement between you and the paper. Write with the knowledge that no one will see your thoughts. Try not to edit while you write: don’t worry about spelling or grammar. And especially let your thoughts flow uninterrupted by self-criticism or recrimination.
- Journal without the burden of imagining someone will discover your journal and read it. Redirect your journaling if you observe that you are writing for an audience because it limits the degree in which you are willing to be authentic. Your journal is you in the written form, let it be the real and authentic you. Always know that you can destroy what you have written.
- Write in a continuous flow for at least 10 minutes. Often the first 2 to 3 minutes of journaling are needed to process through the surface level thoughts we have before allowing ourselves to go deeper. It is often easier to journal about day to day events rather than reflect on emotions. While it is easy to start with recounting of events, try to move to the emotions and thoughts behind what is happening.
- Begin the journaling experience with a meditation to create a relaxed atmosphere and set an intention for your writing.
- Use imagery to help inspire writing. Imagery also helps to relax the mind and allow ideas to come forth.
- Use a writing prompt as a place to begin. This eliminates the fear of not having an idea to journal about.
-Finally, sometimes journaling can bring up intense emotions. If you are feeling overwhelmed by this process it is recommended that you seek professional counseling.
We hope you find these suggestions helpful.
What has been your writing experience; what tips and techniques do you use to help you write?