March 2014
By Mansi Podar
Journalling is a valuable way of increasing self-awareness, practising meditation, and working with emotions and problems, says Mansi Poddar
I have been journalling on and off since the past 10 years. This is an exceptional tool in helping people gain clarity, insight and even healing. I use it in my work, and have seen amazing results with those who have followed through.
When I started my journalling practice, it read more like “Dear diary, I am tired.” and went on to describe in detail, the level of my exhaustion till I got exhausted from writing. Eventually, I developed a deeper, richer style of writing which I called ‘Contemplative Journalling.’ I use my journalling practice as a way to develop insight, shift from a painful mood, feel more gratitude or simply gain insight into my parenting struggles by asking myself questions such as: Is it my issue or my child’s?
Journalling does not have to be reams of written word. There are many forms of journalling which you can enjoy, and also gain therapeutic benefits.
Visual journalling
An art journal – expressing through paint, collages, or simply big bold words. I had a client who used to pin pictures on Pinterest everyday as a part of her journalling process. For eg, using a vision board to express how a certain aspect of your life makes you feel. One can use magazine cutouts or draw or even use colour to express. It is also called intuitive art.
A photography journal: Recently I experienced a traumatic birth that left me feeling disconnected from my body and child. I decided to use a photo journal to explore different ways of seeing my situation. Every day I would take a picture of my baby, either feeding, sleeping or simply lying on me, and notice how I felt. Slowly over the next few weeks, I found I had shifted from a fearful, disconnected place to a more loving and nurturing space.
You can create your own journal around topics like self-care, gratitude, your marriage, or walks. All it involves is deciding on a subject that might be difficult for you (eg: self-care) and take a picture of something that day which is self-nurturing or makes you feel good ( I have taken countless pictures of cups of coffee).
Written journals
Written journals are very useful in exploring themes or issues, looking back on events, and gaining insight. You can write a journal in many ways:
These journals can further be divided into topic journals:
Some tips on effective journalling
To help you get started, here are some journal prompts for building a journal:
Photo journal
Written journal
These are prompts from a Dream Journal which helps you identify what you want from life, and what gives you meaning.
Answer these questions in your journal
These prompts will give you valuable insight on what really drives you.
Journalling is a valuable way of increasing self-awareness, practising meditation and working with emotions and problems. It is easy to start, and really quite fun.
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