"Writing is an act of discovering what you think and what you believe." –Dan Pink
Recently, I have been spending more time writing. Typically, I write in my meditation journal each morning after time spent in silent meditation or while listening to whatever mantra I currently love. Lately, though, I have found myself jotting down thoughts, feelings, quotes, etc. randomly throughout the day. I LOVE it! This practice is making me more aware of what is important to me, what my intentions are for myself and how I spend my time. I am also finding this helpful for processing those swirling thoughts that seem to enjoy hanging out in my mind! Several times this month, I have taken time for a "mind dump" — writing down everything that is on my mind without editing — right before bed. This has been really supportive for a better night's sleep.
Because this is such a nourishing practice for me, I want to share it with you all. My idea is to send a daily prompt — some question or contemplation that inspires my writing and, I hope, might inspire yours. Of course, you can always simply sit with your journal and free-write whatever comes to mind. If you decide to do this, I suggest setting a timer (I use the app Insight Timer daily) and writing for at least five minutes. Doodling counts. You may want to make journaling part of your existing meditation practice OR use this as a way to start a new meditation practice.
If you are interested in joining "Journaling in January," please send me an email at cstierney@gmail.com, and I will add you to the list. Invite friends and family — simply forward this post to others; everyone is welcome! Your contact information will remain private and will not be shared.
"Writing has so much to give, so much to teach, so many surprises. That thing you had to force yourself to do — the actual act of writing — turns out to be the best part." – Anne Lamott
Tips for journaling:
Invest in a journal and pen that you really LOVE.
Create a routine that works for you. Perhaps choose a dedicated time and place to write each day. Or, carry your journal with you and write whenever you have a free moment. Maybe write while enjoying your morning coffee.
Take time to write every day, even if it is just for two minutes at the very end of the day before nodding off to sleep.
Use a prompt or experiment with different ways to journal: pictures, lists, quotations you love, etc. (Bullet Journals or Morning Pages are two additional methods).
Remember that all new habits take practice. Celebrate successes and forgive lapses and start anew the following day.
We'll start this journey on January 1, 2024. The hope is for this to be an inspiration for daily writing for the entire month. Who knows … perhaps we will continue this all year. Again, if you are interested, email me at cstierney@gmail.com to sign up.
Resources
Clia Tierney
Clia Tierney is a Transformational Life Coach, Yoga and Mindfulness Instructor and Ayurvedic Health Counselor who helps her clients reconnect with their inner wisdom. She also hosts wellness retreats at her farm in Northport, Maine.
Clia's professional background and life experiences as a teacher, educational therapist, yogi, wife, mother of teenagers, daughter and sister have fueled her passion for helping individuals of all ages identify and reduce their stress and struggle so that they can discover their purpose and confidently move forward.