I’ve come to realize my journal practice can be a form of prayer. I’ve become more aware of the importance of how I express myself in writing.
I’ve journaled since I was a teenager which has helped me to clarify, put things into perspective, address concerns, and answer questions. I’ve often observed brilliant revelations in my practice. It’s also been a safe place to vent and to serve as a shoulder to cry on.
I’ve also expressed anger, frustration, have complained (often repeated the same old sh*t), criticized, judged, etc…
As I thought about my journal practice the other morning, I asked myself this question: Has my journal practice helped to engrave these so-called negative emotions into my mind and subconscious? It can be a challenge to let go of certain emotions, thoughts, and attitudes. So, I thought maybe if I involved more gratitude and appreciation I’d start to see better results in how I think and feel.
So, the next morning I journaled in a more positive way to express my appreciation and gratitude. It felt pretty good. Then, the following morning my journal session was …
the greatest and most profound outburst I’d had in a long time.
Well, so much for positive. The truth is, I shed some light on certain points. I don’t regret my rant in the least. After all, this is what a journal practice is all about, no?
I do not feel the need to apologize for feeling ALL of my feelings and emotions. They tell me what I need to know.
As I see my words on paper I can be clearer on what comes from my mind and subconscious. At the same time, the divine speaks to me and I need to sit up and take notice.
My concern of late is that too much negativity in my journaling could be doing me a disservice. Could this be affecting my daily life in a detrimental way? Perhaps.
If I create journal sessions that are angry, worrisome, critical, and self-sabotaging, I may actually be praying for what I don’t want!
The question is, if I need to be careful with my self-talk, don’t I need to be careful with my written words, too?
Apparently, written prayer is very powerful. The idea I’m exploring here is being aware of my language as a form of communication with myself and with the divine. And my language, or my tool happens to be writing.
So, how about journal sessions on what I want, what I desire, and what I wish to accomplish? Now this would also be beneficial. What’s important is the need to be aware of what I want instead of praying for what I don’t want. I do believe though, that it is also important to know what I don’t want. To know what I don’t want helps to clarify what I do want.
It really is about what we choose to give our attention to and how we use our power. Words carry energy and they are powerful.
I believe it is beneficial to hone our own language and to be aware of how we use it. It’s not just self-talk. It’s communication with the divine and to determine what we want. And the divine delivers, more often than we might realize.
How about you? What is your language? How do you express it? How do you feel when you express it? And what results does it bring you?
Julie A. Vermette 