Wellness Arts Psychology

Hola journalistas,

So you have done the preparation phase for your journal writing.  

Now what?

Great question.

There are a few ways of getting your thoughts onto paper.  One of my favourites is “automatic writing”.  This is a simple and super effective technique for getting those sticky thoughts out of your head.  You know, the ones.  They usually swirl around you like a heavy current that sucks you into the depths of fear, anger, worry or sadness.  You can get caught up in the same clingy story for hours, days, or years.  

When you write about the stream of thoughts as they flow, second by second, thought by thought, with no planning or restraint, something starts to shift in you. There is no prescribed length, but it’s a good idea to keep writing your present-moment thought stream until you get into a flow of writing thoughts as they appear in front of you.  With practice, you will be better able to tune in to your thoughts and evaluate their effect on you.  You will be able to choose whether you want to keep going over those thoughts or if you want to place your focus and energy somewhere more helpful.

But what if someone sees what I have written? 

If you are afraid to do this “steam-of-thoughts” journaling because you don’t want another living soul to see what truly goes on in that crazy mind of yours, you can use vague language that only you really understand.  You may even come up with some abbreviations or code words for certain things or people.  Do whatever makes you feel safe.  The main goal is just to get a stream of words onto paper as if your thoughts are trickling steadily from your brain, down your neck, over your shoulder, through the length of your arm, into your relaxed hand, into your pen, and magically appearing on the paper.  The more unfiltered you can be, the better.  

You never have to look at what you wrote again, but change will happen to the sticky stories.  You may look back when something you need clarity on comes up.  You may even shred or demolish your paper so that no one can discover it.  Whatever you decide to do, make a commitment to yourself that you will try this practice of automatic writing a few days in a row.  Just notice what happens as you play with this technique.  Notice if your state of mind begins to shift.  You may notice your mind, emotions and thoughts transforming as you write, or it may come later.  There is no goal here other than getting your current thoughts onto paper. And the next thought, and the next…  

When you are ready, get out your journal and simply start.  If you have the guided journal “Tides of Change”, you can turn to the page titled “Reflection” and get started.

Take a deep dive into your mind for a while to strengthen your swimming stroke.  It may transform your thinking style. It may reveal the inner wisdom that lies dormant within you.  You will only find out when you find the courage to go there.

Be brave.  You are worthy of your time right now.

Until next time,

Popi