With all the stuff we have to do, the people we need to take care of, and projects we need to do at work and school, you might feel you are losing your true self. As we navigate these various roles and responsibilities, finding time for self-reflection and self-discovery can sometimes take a backseat. But you know a tool that I truly love that can help you, journaling especially the mindful journaling type.
So you might be wondering what mindful journaling is. We all pretty much know what journaling is. You write whatever floats into your brain onto a piece of paper or into a computer document. But mindful journaling is a bit different. But to start with mindful journaling is not, so people aren't worried about this specific tidbit. Mindful journaling is nothing like trying to meditate. It is far from that. I know many people have difficulty minds calming their mind in that way. But this type of being mindful might be easier for some people. This new process is about being nonjudgmental and fully present in your journaling. But I think this is the easiest way for people to be in the present when they find it difficult with other ways. I like how it is beyond just jotting down thoughts and experiences. You are focusing on the present moment. This can create a way to be aware and reflect without being so intense. We can go deeper into our thoughts, emotions, and experiences, like a fox going into a den. By doing this it gives us a new perspective on being mindful.
Getting started doesn't require anything special. All you need is a pen, a notebook, and a willingness to be open and honest.
As always I have some fun things to do to start. And having an easy way to start is good. I am giving you a small list that could help make this process easier.
Isn't it amazing how I am getting better with technology?
Sorry. As always I digress.
Here are my suggestions for doing this. Some of these are good for journaling in any way.
A place: I suggest a quiet and comfortable place where you can be alone. You don't want everyone and their neighbor interrupting you. But if you are like me finding a quiet spot is hard. I suggest headphones or noise-canceling earbuds. noise-canceling. I like having my place at my table in my office. But I decided that I am going to buy some beautiful big pillows to put by my window to have a comfy spot too. Right now I am just using pillows that I had in storage. That way I can save up the money for my fancy pillows. So, to make your perfect space, you don't have to spend any money to create a space.
Time: Try to dedicate a few minutes each day to journaling, whether in the morning to set intentions for the day or in the evening to reflect on your experiences. There are a lot of things you can write while focusing on the present. Now, if you find doing this process every day to deal with responsibilities or time constraints don't feel bad. It is every day just a suggestion. And you might find after a while you want to find a time to do it everyday.
Be in the present: Now this is the hard one. I chose to make the start of my mindful journaling session with a lot of deep breaths. You may feel centered in the present not in the past or future. You know that being in the past and future is hazardous. I also find starting with something like my gratitude list for beginners a nice place. I find that when I want to stay in the moment my gratitude list is the thing that not only allows me to be in the present but also helps me improve my ability to be in the present later.
Reflect and Notice Emotions: You can express your thoughts, feelings, and experiences fully. You can write about your day, your emotions, or your dreams. You can truly write about any ideas that come to mind. But remember to write it from right now. It does change things when you are writing from the past and the future. For example, when you are trying to set an intention for the day and fretting about what you didn't get done yesterday, you might feel guilty or sad. Now, if you write your intention from the present you might see it as empowering.
Practice Gratitude: Take a moment to write down things you are grateful for when you accomplished this type of journaling. You can even add it to the gratitude list you made if you want to.
Mindful journaling offers a ton of benefits that can make your life better. It can hugely impact your mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. But you know that from previous posts. I am sure you know how much I like to journal. But remember this is just a bit different. And I know other ways of being in the present can be difficult. I would equate it to pulling teeth for some people.
I have found that journaling can serve as a cathartic release, allowing you to process stress. I have been known to become so emotional by mindfully journaling that I have cried. And I mean cried. I cried about how I felt about the whole situation. You might be surprised how you think about things in the present. You might notice the intensity you feel about these situations in the present.
I have also noticed an increase in creativity. Of course, you are doing this in a nonjudgmental way. I love to journal a project before I do it. When I don't have any judgment, I feel all ideas are reasonable. Because the moment nothing is affecting them. I also find that when I put something for my creative projects, I don't feel so scared about it. I am excited instead of feeling all the judgment. All I can see are possibilities.
If you're unsure where to start, use prompts to guide your journal entries. You can find them all over the net. There are also journal prompt books that you can buy. I like my gratitude journal. Just remember how you want to journal. You want to be nonjudgmental and in the present.
When you start with this is a process remember it is a journey. But I have found that I find new things about myself. Or even what is bothering me that I didn't know anything about. I also found ways I didn't realize how particular situations were really bothering me. It is often a revelation.
So, grab your pen and notebook or your electronic device, go to your journaling location, and allow yourself the gift of mindful journaling. Explore the depths of your mind, unravel the layers of your being, and embrace the beauty of being nonjudgmental and being in the present. Let mindful journaling be the key that unlocks the door to your true self.
So are you ready to begin mindful journaling, my deers? I hope so. I know it might take a few tries to get to writing in the present moment. It was hard for me at first. But after getting it I felt so relaxed. It's like a bear in hibernation.
Now you can write in the comments section about how this idea works. You can even write your difficulties with it and I will try to help as best as I can. Also as a reader, you can help other readers, so don't feel shy about adding your thoughts.
Now go. Be safe. Know that you are not alone.
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