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Journaling For Happiness and Spiritual Well-Being
By Laura M. Turner
It's no secret the holidays can be a stressful time. It also seems this
time of year finds me reaching for my journal when I need comfort and a secret
portal to peace. Therefore, I ask: Is this just coincidence or am I onto
something? Could a journal actually lead one to health and well-being? As both a writer and health
enthusiast, this is a question I've given lots of thought to. As it turns out,
I'm not the only one. Upon further research, there's been a considerable amount
of press given to the idea that your journal could be a path to health and
wellness.
According to one article I read: see reference link here ====> (http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/articles/health/journal.html) creative
journaling has been studied and tested by Southern Methodist University and Ohio
State University College of Medicine. In both of these studies, writing has
proven to cleanse negative emotions and promote a sense of well-being.
In my own experience as a writer (and I think most creative types will agree)
being creative is not just an exercise, work or discipline - it's a necessity.
In fact, I never quite understood my own personality until I was immersed
full-time in a purely science, left-brained college program. I would often feel
tired, lethargic and uninspired (clearly there was more at fault here than
having to memorize the phone book).
According to Carl Jung and Myers-Briggs (the creators of standardized
personality and interest testing) introverted types draw energy from themselves
and less from other people. We like to be alone a lot and give lots of thought
to the world at large. Our extroverted counterparts, on the other hand, can also
be equally as creative, but tend to draw their energy from others. Either way
you go, emotions can sometimes become overwhelming, need to be filtered then let
go.
Over time, (even amidst the sterile science program) I've learned that I can
find peace quickly by turning to my notebook when upset or in need of
inspiration. And - I'd be willing to guess - this idea is not exclusive to the
right-brained.
So back to the original thesis: Regardless of personality, can writing be useful
to you and your health? Hopefully, by now I've convinced you it can. How to
get journaling working for you? Well, that's where I'll step in - here I've
given you three of my favorite exercises to help get you started.
Timed Writings
In her book Writing Down The Bones, Natalie Goldberg has outlined a
sure-fire method to invoke the muses and get the inspiration flowing. Timed
writings.
Timed writings go something like this... collect your materials: timer, notebook
and pen. Sit at your desk or wherever the spirit takes you (Starbucks, Borders,
Barnes & Noble) launch your timer for ten minutes, place pen to paper and see
what comes forth.
There are only two rules at play here: don't stop writing and continue for the
full ten minutes. Afraid you'll run out of things to write? No problem. When
you get stuck just keep the hand moving along and write things like, "I am
looking for something to write.... I am looking for something to write..."
before you know it you'll be carrying on a conversation with yourself.
Unsent Letters
Anger is always a good muse, but I tend to use this emotion as a catalyst to
creativity. Something or someone upsetting you? Get creative and purge your
negative energy. How? Write a letter. You won't need to send it. In fact as
a ritual to closure I have been known to write angry letters then shred them,
burn them or (insert your idea here). In fact this exercise has been shown to
heal negative energy and provoke closure with angry emotions. Try it - then let
me know (Laura mailto:NewBodyNews@aol.com
).
Creative Journaling Exercises
When I am feeling less that inspired, or want to get the muses warmed up I
sometimes like to take creative writing classes online or off, or do some
creative journaling exercises. If you like the idea of sharing your writing,
take a creative writing course nearby. Check your local Chamber of Commerce or
if you prefer the convenience of online classes there's lots to choose from.
I've taken courses online at Barnes and Noble University
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ and
Gotham Writers' Workshops:
http://www.writingclasses.com both with positive results.
However, if you'd like to go it solo, give this exercise a try. This one was
created by my Mother, Donna. She is a writer, artist and teacher (a real right-brainer!),
she handed this exercise to me when I was feeling stuck and uninspired. Not
only does this exercise stimulate your creativity, use this healthy exercise to
get you thinking about taking time for yourself.
Have your notebook ready? Set your timer again if you'd like and aim to come up
with the list "20 things that make me happy." If your time was entirely your
own, what are the 20 things you'd want to do?
Ready? Now hit your timer and take this one for a test drive. When you've
finished, put your pen and paper away.
Tomorrow take a few quiet moments and bring out your list again, add delete
and edit. Now when you're not feeling like yourself, take this list out and copy
it over again. Try to take time everyday to do one thing that makes you happy
and continue over time to add to your list. Keep up your practice and you'll
find - happiness is not just a fixture in your mind.
*****
Laura M. Turner is a 15-year veteran fitness instructor, fitness
trainer and natural health practitioner. She hosts
http://www.body-and-beauty.com a
website dedicated to
inspiring and educating others about the benefits of creativity, natural health and fitness.
Check out Laura's latest book
Spiritual Fitness: The 7-Steps to Living Well or subscribe FREE to
her online magazine The New Body News and Wellness Letter:
http://www.new-body-news.com
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