Since we’ve catapulted into 2022, some of us are once again in some measure of lock-down, as we deal with a renewed spike of the Corona virus. Yet, we are learning that this is the “new normal” and we must work at living in the pandemic without closing ourselves off totally to friends, schools, workplaces, appointments, etc.
Being a big believer in the journaling process, I think it’s a perfect time to try it out and keep it going as we hunker down to winter and wait for signs of spring. Chapter 1 in my book has plenty to say about that, but today I want to give you a list of the many benefits journaling can provide — whether you see it as being connected to a spiritual path or not.
I suggest you meditate on these ideas as you begin writing. Write even a single sentence per day — what is important to you, bothering you, what you need, or what is sustaining you through this time.
My list of what journaling can provide:
- A place to share your honest and deepest thoughts and feelings
- A regular practice of checking-in with yourself
- A growing conscious awareness of what is happening in your inner world
- Insight into your life and who you are becoming
- The discovery of your True Self
- A way to honor what has happened in the past while planting yourself firmly in the present
- A place and time to release your tears
- A way to recognize and honor your deepest longings
- A path to find compassion not only for others, but also for yourself
- A path to finding the freedom and courage to be who you really are
- A place to figure out what you need and want
In addition, journaling:
- Enables you to become committed to yourself and your own life
- Gives meaning to your life by reflecting what is important to you
- Can help you to release fear-based thoughts, feelings, and perspectives
- Can be used as a spiritual tool for life
- Provides touchstones to authentic spiritual experiences, such as when you connect with a higher power in your life
Questions for Journaling:
- What is causing you the most stress?
- What do you need right now?
- Can you give even a part of that to yourself?
- How are you going to do this, i.e., what steps do you need to take? What risk are you willing to take to give yourself what you need?
- Who or what can help you with this?
“At this critical juncture, it may be important to stop pushing yourself. You may need to take a break and give yourself time to heal.
You don’t have to give up every-thing, but you probably need to figure out what takes priority in your life.
Everyone’s circumstances are different.
Only you can name where you must continue to give, as well as where you must, or are able, to let go.”
Chapter 3, Figuring Out What You Need, p. 88
Copyright © 2022 Jo-Ellen A. Darling
Journaling as a Spiritual Path 