Let's Write!

Journaling offers a whole host of benefits, from increased self-awareness to personal growth to regulating emotions, and so on. Numerous studies over the years have shown journaling activates the prefrontal cortex, changes in neuroplasticity, decreased activation of the amygdala, and up to 23% decrease in cortisol levels in people. This makes daily journaling, even if just for a few minutes, a wonderful, easy-to-do activity to include either in your morning or evening routine.

I like to set aside time each day as part of my evening routine to jot down a few thoughts. I dim the lights or light a candle, sit in the same cozy chair, and just write what comes to mind. Sometimes I use a prompt (related to my theme of the month) to help focus the session a bit more. Following this practice, I spend a few moments meditating. This evening routine has become a special part of the day and has made a noticeable difference in the quality of my sleep.

Once a week (sometimes twice), I like to start the morning pulling a tarot card. This is a fun, whimsical, creative way to get the journal juices flowing, especially if your mind tends to go blank when you sit down to write.  Each card provides topics and prompts to contemplate, making it an excellent tool for journaling.

To keep it simple, I pull a card or two from the deck, depending on what spread I choose. The meaning of the card is based on the symbolism and imagery associated with the card. In my case, flowers. The beautiful deck I use is hand-illustrated by Jen Lagedrost Cavender of Nectar and Bloom. The meaning card is related to the flower depicted. After choosing a card, I reference the booklet to learn more about its meaning, the chakra, and the element it is related to.  For example, Strawflower is a drought-resistant daisy-like flower that has fiery blooms of pink, red, orange, and purple. They have a long bloom time and retain their shape and color when dried, symbolizing stamina and their ability to thrive. After a few moments of self-reflection, I write.

There are lots of ways to participate in the practice of journaling.  One way it is not better than the other. The important thing is choosing what works for you and then making it part of your regular daily routine. Like most things, the power of the practice lies in consistency.

As I noted above, there are no rules to journaling, but if you are new to the practice, here are a few tips on getting started!

• Consistency over length. Spend just 5 minutes a day and focus on making it part of your daily routine.

• Create or pick a space for journaling. Journaling in the same spot each day will help get you in the mindset for the activity.

• Choose your tools. What will you write with, and what will you write in?

• It does not need to look the same every day. Maybe one day in sentences, and the next is a list or doodles. It all “counts”!

• Listen to yourself without judgment and comparisons. Journaling is a tool to process thoughts. It is not a writing assignment.

• Start small; begin now!

  
  

A great prompt to get started with it is simply listing 5 things that you are grateful for. Each week starting in May, I will be sharing a weekly journal prompt. You can find it on the journaling page or check the Bloom Wild Instagram story on Mondays.

Happy Writing.

Bloom wild be free.

Stephanie