7 Ways to Use Your Journal

Last week, I attended Camp Scripps, organized by and for Scripps College alumnae. The camp offers four days of workshops, readings, late-night conversations, performances, sports, friendship, and fun!

​This year, I taught “Sacred Journal Writing: Start or Revive Your Practice.” In this workshop, we discussed these seven ways to use your journal:

---

Last week, I attended Camp Scripps, organized by and for Scripps College alumnae. The camp offers four days of workshops, readings, late-night conversations, performances, sports, friendship, and fun!

​This year, I taught “Sacred Journal Writing: Start or Revive Your Practice.” In this workshop, we discussed these seven ways to use your journal:

1. Let Off Steam
Your journal can be like a valve on a pressure cooker. It’s a safe place to release pent-up energy, rant, and rave. Write until the venom of anger, slights, and complaints are expelled. Let go!

2. Reveal Your Heart and Mind
Sometimes we don’t know what’s going on inside until we set pen to paper or fingertips to keyboard. When we write, we see what’s lurking at the edges of our consciousness.
3. Flex Your Creative Writing Muscles
Use prompts and writing exercises to experiment, play, and explore. Much of my published work was born (and developed) in my journal.

4. Ease Grief
After a loved one dies, write to them in a journal. You may also invite them to speak through you. Listen. Write what you hear. Connect beyond the physical realm.

5. Healing
The Chinese character for “crisis” is the same as the one for “opportunity.” Illness often feels like a crisis. It gets our attention.
Embrace your healing opportunity through written self-expression.

6. Legacy
Journals help you remember daily details. Chronicle your life. Preserve your memories. Write and share stories with loved ones.

7. Dreams
Receive information and insight from your unconscious mind.
Try writing down dreams and adding commentary. Dreams offer wisdom for writing and life.

I hope these suggestions help you start or revive your journal writing practice.

If you’d like to write with a small group of heart-centered creatives this summer, check out my upcoming writing circles starting July 10.

​The Monday group is full, but I have seats available in the Wednesday group. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.